Hindusim Expanded Observance: Diwali
Diwali, which is also known as the “festival of lights”, is one of the most important and popular of the Hindu festivals. The actual dates vary from year to year according to the Western calendar, but usually fall during a five-day period in October or November. The festival is held in honor of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth (Kali is worshiped in Bengal).
The special feature of the celebration is the arrangement of rows of lights around the houses and temples. Traditionally, earthenware lamps filled with oil are used, although candles are now often used. This is to commemorate the coronation of Rama after his return to Ayodhya in northern India, following 14 years of exile. Rama is an incarnation of Vishnu one of the deities in the Hindu trinity and the main character in the Ramayana, one of the most important epic poems in Indian culture. The Ramayana tells the story of Rama’s banishment to the forest, the abduction of his wife, Sita, by the demon Ravana, and Rarna’s defeat of Ravana and the return to Ayodhya with Sita. It has been said that at the time of Rama’s return to Ayodhya, lights were arranged throughout the city in celebration, and Diwali commemorates that event.
On the fourth day, which is the main Diwali festival day, Lakshmi is worshiped with a special puja or ritual worship, both in the home and at the office. Lakshmi is the patron of merchants, and they observe the festival with great enthusiasm. This date also marks the beginning of the new year in some parts of India, and the merchants open new account books at this time. Diwali is a time for visiting, exchanging gifts, decorating houses, feasting, and wearing new clothes. Diwali is marked by a spirit of joyous celebration and social greetings, which is reminiscent of the celebration of Christmas in the West.
