Happy Diwali (in Hindi - दिवाली or दीपावली)

      

Diwali, (in Hindi - दिवाली or दीपावली), is a major Indian festival that is very significant in Hinduism and Jainism. Celebrated by approximately 1 billion Hindus and Jains and known as the "Festival of Lights," and lamps (called diyas or kandils) are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for humankind. The lights also represent the time when Rama came back from the forest, and the people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) lit lamps to welcome him back home. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional dīpa or deeya (earthen lamp, as illustrated). Fireworks are associated with the festival. Diwali is a colloquial name used in North India, while the festival is formally called Deepavali in South India.
Diwali is celebrated for five consecutive days at the end of Hindu month of Kartika (purminata) or Ashwayuja (amanta). It usually occurs in October/November, and is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals in India. Diwali comes exactly twenty days after Dussehra. Hindus, Jains and Sikhs alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships. For Hindus it is one of the most important festivals, and beginning of the year in some Hindu calendars.
There are several beliefs regarding the origin of the holiday. The most repeated version is that Hindus celebrate Diwali to mark the time when Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana. Some also view it as the day Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura or in honor of the day Bali went to rule the nether-world, obeying the order of Vishnu. In Jainism it marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, which occurred on Oct. 15, 527 B.C. It is also a significant festival for the Sikh faith. In India, Diwali is now considered to be more of a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith.



For Hindus, Diwali (Deepavali) is not only a festival of lights but also is a special occasion to worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. For Jains, it is an occasion to remember Lord Mahavira.
Also called
Translation: Row of Lights; Deepavali, Festival of Lights
Observed by
Religiously by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Other Indians celebrate the cultural aspects.
Type
Religious, Indian
Significance
Celebrate life and strengthen relationships
Date
New moon day of Kartika, although the celebrations begin two days prior and end two days after that date
2006 date
October 21
2007 date
November 8
2008 date
October 30
Celebrations
Decorating homes with lights, Fireworks, Gift-giving
Observances
Prayers, Religious ritual