Diwali — festival of lights in India (24/10)

Diwali or Deepavali (Diwali or Deepavali), which in Sanskrit means «fire cluster» — festival of lights, universally celebrated in India and symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. It falls at the beginning of the month of Kartik (October — November) and is celebrated for five days.

There are several legends associated with the holiday. The Vishnuites link the beginning of Diwali celebrations to the coronation of the prince Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. On the night of his happy enthronement, illumination was installed throughout the country.

According to another version, Rama's wise reign marked deliverance from spiritual darkness. The lights being lit symbolize the return of humanity from darkness to light, thanks to the legendary prince.

In every district of India, Diwali celebrations have their own characteristics. For some parts of the country and population groups (for example, for trading communities in Western India), Diwali coincides with the beginning of the New Year. On this day, traders put account books in order and clean up shops. In the evening, shops and houses are illuminated with oil lamps or garlands of light bulbs.

In most of India, Diwali is dedicated to the Goddess of Wealth and Fertility, Lakshmi, consort of God Vishnu. The houses are carefully cleaned, all the lights are lit, since the Goddess does not like the dark, they turn to her with prayer, bring her milk, into which coins are lowered, and at night they leave the doors and windows open so that it is easier for her to enter the house.

In Southern India, Diwali celebrates the victory of the God Krishna over the demon Narakasura. On this day of the victory of good over evil, Hindus abundantly lubricate themselves with coconut oil, which cleanses them of sins, since this ceremony is considered equal in importance to ablution in the sacred Ganges.

In the East of India, and especially in Bengal, Diwali is dedicated to the worship of the black Goddess Kali, representing the cult of power. On this occasion, prayers are performed for ten days before the images of the Goddess, and then these images are immersed in the waters of rivers or ponds.

Diwali is also celebrated by Muslims who celebrate the arrival of Lakshmi with lights and playing cards and dice, because Lakshmi brings good luck.

On this festival of light, the streets of cities and villages are illuminated with thousands of lights and fireworks. The air is shaken by explosions of rockets, firecrackers and firecrackers.

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