Oil Lamp Pic: Anand Nav

Deepavali (also spelled Divali in few countries) or Diwali, popularly known as the festival of lights, is an important five-day festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is the most important festival of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. Deepavali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Fiji, and Suriname.

Lantern Pic: Anand Nav

Spiritual significance:
While Deepavali is popularly known as the “festival of lights”, the most significant spiritual meaning is “the awareness of the inner light”. Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Atman. The celebration of Deepavali as the “victory of good over evil”, refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance, the ignorance that masks one’s true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With this awakening comes compassion and the awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This brings Ananda (joy or peace). Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Deepavali is the celebration of this Inner Light.

While the story behind Deepavali and the manner of celebration varies from region to region (festive fireworks, worship, lights, sharing of sweets), the essence is the same – to rejoice in the Inner Light (Atman) or the underlying Reality of all things (Brahman).

Follow the full history on our source:  Diwali Wikipedia.org

Note from author Anand Nav:

Well since this is such a big historic topic and such a big festival that you must come to India to explore it by yourself.

The start of the festival comes in various traditions depending on the religious customs.
Specially the herbal Ayurveda scrub bath and sandal wood powder or soap bath is very essential in Diwali.

Lanterns are everywhere, in different shapes,colours and sizes.
Oil lamps are placed in all corners of the house from door, window to even roof tops.

Fire crackers are also widely used, but are well known for the sound and air pollution that it causes.
All though in certain places these are restricted or limited, its very difficult trend to control in India and around the world.

But what’s festival without having special sweet dishes and snacks, right?
Well you won’t be even a bit disappointed with the wide variety of home made dishes to even special foods.

This time is hugely popular with both shopping offers to food feasts. You will never get bored or alone during this time. But anyways I will end my special Diwali post over here and wish everyone a Happy Diwali Festival Of Lights .

Best regards,
Anand Nav