Diwali 2022: Did You Know These Fun Facts About Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated in a variety of ways throughout India. Though the history, rituals, and deities vary by region, the festival's essence remains consistent.
The 'festival of lights,' Diwali or Deepavali, represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. As a diverse multi-cultural country, India has many different interpretations of Diwali. Though the history, rituals, and deities differ across the country, the essence of the festival remains consistent.
The festival of lights symbolises the abolition of spiritual darkness. Diwali is a time to allow God's light to enter our hearts and minds while purging ourselves of all ignorance and unpleasantness. Check out some fun facts about Diwali shared by Sonal Hankare, Head of Marketing and Communications, Ikonic Professional:
Guru Hargobind Ji Was Released From The Captivity Of Jahangir On Diwali:
Diwali was celebrated during the lifetime of the sixth Sikh Guru, Hargobind Sahib. Jahengir, the Muslim Emperor, imprisoned the Guru and 52 Kings. At the time, India was ruled by the Emperor. The Asian Indians urged the Emperor to release the Guru, and the Emperor agreed, but the Gurus demanded that the kings be released as well. Guru commissioned the creation of a gown made of 52 string pieces for the Hindus to wear. The Guru and the Hindu kings were also released on Diwali, and Sikhs were overjoyed when their leader was freed. Guru Hargobind Sahib visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Foundation Of Golden Temple Was Laid On Diwali Day:
On Diwali in 1577, the foundation stone of The Golden Temple was laid. Every year, Sikh Diwali is celebrated throughout India and many other countries to commemorate Guru ji's release. The Sikh community celebrates religious freedom during Diwali, which is why Diwali is known as the Light Festival.
Indian Jain Community Celebrates Their New Year On The Next Day Of Diwali:
Following Diwali at the end of Ashwina, Jains celebrate the new year on the first day of Kartika the following month. At the temple, the Snatra Puja ritual is performed. On this day, Mahavira's chief disciple Gautama Swami attained keval gyan.
It is also believed that Lord Mahavira attained Moksha or Nirvana on Diwali, so the Jain community in India celebrates New Year's Day on the following day of Diwali.
The largest Diwali Fest Celebrated Outside India Is In Leicester:
The largest Diwali celebrations outside of India take place in Leicester, a city in the United Kingdom. Tens of thousands of people gather in the streets each year to take in energetic light, music, and dance performances!
Did You Know About The Traditional Practice In Orissa On Diwali?:
Orissa's Diwali celebrations include a unique traditional practice of calling the spirits of their ancestors. They burn jute stems to shed light on the spirits' dark journey to heaven. Gambling during Diwali is thought to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Malaysian Diwali Celebrations Are Quite Different That Ours, Know How!
The celebration is quite different in Malaysia than in India. People in Malaysia first take bath in Oil and then offer prayer in the temple.
In contrast to India, Diwali in Malaysia is known as 'Hari Diwali,' which translates to 'Green Diwali,' due to the country's ban on fireworks and crackers. Though crackers are an important part of the celebration, the brightly lit 'diyas' or lamps on the streets make up for it and round out the celebration.
Unique Business Rituals On Diwali:
The business community celebrates Diwali by opening new accounting books. Diwali marks the beginning of the new financial year; hence, traders and businessmen start it by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.
The Deepavali And Narakasura Vadha Connection:
In South India, Diwali is referred to as ‘Deepavali’ while Narakasura Vadha is the main celebration day. He was the son of Bhudevi, according to later post-Vedic texts such as the Brahma Purana and Vishnu Purana, and was fathered by either the Varaha incarnation of Vishnu or Hiranyaksha. He is credited with establishing Pragjyotisha. Krishna and Satyabhama killed him. As dawn broke, the darkness was lifted. That day is known as Deepavali or Diwali, the festival of lights, and it represents the transition from darkness to light.
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