What is Diwali :

The very name of this festival 'Deepavali' suggests the meaning of this festival. It is all about the light coming out of a tiny diya that is called 'Deep' in Hindi. Later the term 'Deepawali' became 'Divali'. Deepawali or Diwali is also known as 'the festival of lights' because on this day there is light and light everywhere. Diwali is celebrated usually in the month of October or November.

Diwali falls on the day of 'Amavasyaa' when the moon does not rise and there is darkness all around. Light, being symbol of hope and positive things, indicates the victory of good over evil. And by spreading light in every corner of our premises we try to destroy the reign of darkness on the night of diwali.

It is a tradition to light our homes and offices on diwali. People decorate their premises with diyas, electric bulbs series and other decorative electric items to make their surroundings filled with colorful light and to make it bright and beautiful. After all the ultimate beauty created by lighting all over is the main feature that makes this festival unique.

Divali Significance

Dipavali is the Indian festival that brings a series of festivals with it. One after another we get a chance to celebrate five festivals together. The people of all age groups and classes with equal zeal and enthusiasm celebrate Diwali throughout India. They put on new apparels and participate in the various activities that are related to Diwali celebrations.

Diwali is not only a festival of celebrations such as lightings, crackers, cleanliness, colorful rangoli making, social gatherings to exchange greetings and sharing sweets with your loved ones but it is also a festival that is filled with spiritualism and religious activities such as worship of Goddess Lakshmi, worship of Lord Ganesha, worship of Mother Kali, worship of Lord Chitragupta and worship of Govardhan Parvat. The Diwali festival is all about lots of shopping, happiness, togetherness and almost one week's holiday.

The celebration of the five-day long festival, diwali begins on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdashi and concludes on Kartika Shudha Vijaya. The first day of this festival begins with 'Dhan Trayodashi' or 'Dhanteras'. After the Dhanvantari Trayodashi the second day of diwali is 'Narak Chaturdashi', which is popular as 'Chhoti Diwali'. The third day of diwali, which is also called 'Badi Diwali' is the main day of celebrations of the festival of diwali. People perform Lakshmi Pujan (worship of divine Goddess Lakshmi) on this day and offer prayers to Her to bless them with wealth and prosperity. The fourth day of diwali is devoted to Govardhan Pooja (worship of Lord Govardhan Parvat). The fifth day of the diwali is Bhai Dooj, the time to honour the brother-sister relationship.

The day of Dipavali has special significance for the business community as they consider this day to be the perfect time to begin their new financial year. Some people also indulge in gambling on the day of diwali because it is a believed that wife of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati played dice with Him on this day and therefore those, who gamble on this auspicious day, are blessed with prosperity.