This week is the Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. But what is the festival celebrating, what are the Diwali 2024 dates and how can you wish someone a Happy Diwali?
Often considered the most important holiday in Hindism, Jainism and Sikhism, Diwali is celebrated with traditional rituals that include prayer, feasting and firework displays.
Diwali is also known as dipavali, which translates to mean “rows of lighted lamps” — one of the most recognisable traditions of the festival is the display of small lighted oil lamps called ‘diyas.’
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What is Diwali?
Diwali in a festival that celebrates the “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance”.
In Hindu tradition, Diwali is associated with the story of Rama, a warrior prince, who was married to Sita. Hindus believe that Ravana, a demon King with ten heads and twenty arms, desired Sita himself. Ravana transformed himself into a wounded deer and lured Rama into the forest. Rama drew a magic circle around Sita, telling her if she stayed inside, she would be safe. Ravana once again shapeshifted, this time, turning into a poor old man. When Sita stepped from the circle to help him, Ravana turned back into his true form and kidnapped her.
When Rama returned to find Sita gone, he befriended Hanuman, the monkey king, who set off in search of her. When Hanuman found Sita, he and Rama raised an army of monkeys to rescue her. After a battle that raged on for ten days, Rama shot a magic arrow that killed Hanuman.
He and and Sita journeyed back home, while everyone in the kingdom lit their oil lamps to help them find their way back.
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When is Diwali?
Diwali falls on a different day each year in accordance with the Hindi calendar. This year, the five days of Diwali fall on 29th November until 3rd October. The main festivities are due to take place between Thursday, 31st Oct 2024 (at 10:22 am to be precise) and Friday, 1st Nov 2024 (12:46 pm). In the UK, some events have already taken place — a festival in London’s Trafalgar Square, for instance, was held on 27th of October.
How is Diwali celebrated?
Traditionally, Diwali is celebrated with festivals that involve oil lamps, in reference to the story of Rama and Sita. In India, roads are lined with these oil lamps to mark the path to religious temples. Festivals also feature plenty of the colourful diyas and elaborate fireworks displays.
