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What is Diwali?

What is Diwali?
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by Alli Rodenhauser (whyzz writer) >> more about the author

What is Diwali?
 
There are many religions practiced all over the world — Christianity, Judaism, Islam. In India, the main religion is called Hinduism and Diwali, also called “The Festival of Lights,” is a major holiday for Hindus all around the world.

Diwali is a celebration that takes place in October or November (the exact date is determined by the Hindu calendar, which is based on the moon) and memorializes the return of Lord Ram, the main character from the classic story of the Ramayana. (Just like the main book in Christianity is the Bible, and the main literature in Judaism is the Torah, Hindus look to the Ramayana for many of their religious ideas.)

According to the story, Lord Ram was sent to live in the woods for fourteen years by his enemies. When he finally defeated them and was allowed to come home, his people greeted him by lighting rows of oil lamps in the streets. This was both to guide his way, and to serve as a symbol of good winning over evil.

The festival also marks the beginning of the Hindi new year and honors Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth. To celebrate, families light oil lamps in her name so that she may feel welcome in their home (and bring good luck and money in the coming year!), as well as by setting off fireworks and exchanging gifts and sweets with their loved ones.

In different religions, the New Year doesn't necessarily begin on January 1st. Can you think of some examples from different cultures where this might be the case?











Posted by  Gary  on 2009-07-13 02:03:03  

Hello Sir, 

                  I would like to correct you at one point about Ramyana. Lord Rama was not sent to woods by enemies but he was sent to woods by his father named Dashratha.  Dashratha was having three wives. From them one of his wife had saved his life in war so Dashratha asked her to say two wishes to him, but Dashratha's wife had said I will ask for my wishes when ever time comes for it. So when her threee wive's childeren had grown younger, Dashratha wanted to make Lord Rama king in place of him. But at that point Lord Rama's step mom who has saved life of Dashratha asked for two wishes " I want to make my son Bharat king and I want you to sent Lord Rama in woods for 14 years". In woods Lord Rama's wife Sita was hijacked by evil called Ravana and Lord Rama fought war with that evil and defeated him and got his wife, it took him almost 14 years and then When he won the war and completed his 14 years in woods too. He returned back to his kingdom and made king by his brother Bharat. That day is celebrated as Diwali by people.