Diwali is the most important festival of the year in india – and especially for Hindus.

It is celebrated across faiths by more than a billion people in the world’s most populous country and its diaspora. For five days people participate festive gatheringsfireworks, feasts and prayer.

Diwali is derived from the word “Deepavali” meaning “a row of lights”. Celebrities light rows of traditional clay lamps in front of their homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

When is Diwali?

The dates of the festival are determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar and usually fall in late October or early November.

This year the holiday is celebrated on October 31 and November 1. Diwali in the US falls on Halloween this year, triggering a slew of #Diwaloween memes on social media where some celebrants can be seen burning diyas on their bodies. scary costumes or handing out laddoos to trick-or-treaters.

What are some Hindu stories related to Diwali?

Although Diwali is an important religious festival for Hindus, it is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. Diwali’s origin story varies by region. There is one underlying theme in all these stories: the victory of good over evil.

In southern India, Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over Naraka, the demon who was said to imprison women and torment his subjects. In northern India, Diwali honors the triumphant return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana from a 14-year exile in the forest.

How is Diwali celebrated?

The festival brings with it many unique traditions that vary by region. What all celebrations have in common are lights, fireworks, feasts, new clothes and prayers.

—Many people in southern India take warm oil baths early in the morning, symbolizing bathing in the sacred Ganges River as a form of physical and spiritual purification.

—In the north, worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing wealth and prosperity, is the norm.

Gambling is a popular tradition as it is believed that whoever gambles on Diwali night will be successful throughout the year. Many people buy gold on the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras; They believe that this action will bring them good luck.

Setting off fireworks is a beloved tradition among friends and family, as is exchanging sweets and gifts. Diwali celebrations typically feature Rangoli, which are geometric, floral patterns drawn on the ground using colored powders. This year, many northern Indian states, including the capital New Delhi, are partially or completely banning fireworks to combat rising pollution levels during Diwali.

What are the Diwali stories from other faiths?

Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs have their own Diwali stories:

—Jains celebrate Diwali as the day when Lord Mahavira, the last of the great teachers, attained nirvana, liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

— Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, a day that overlaps with Diwali, to commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind, a revered figure in the faith who was imprisoned for 12 years by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

—Buddhists, B.C. They recognize the day when the Hindu Emperor Ashoka, who ruled in the 3rd century, converted to Buddhism.

New in 2024: Diwali Barbie

This year, Mattel launched the “Barbie Signature Diwali Doll” by designer Anita Dongre, who wrote on Instagram that her Barbie represents “fashion-forward modern women who proudly wear India on their sleeve.”

Diwali Barbie is fashionably dressed in a lehnga, an ankle-length embroidered skirt bearing motifs from Dongre’s hometown, unlike her first version, which was packaged in a bright pink sari in 1996 or a “monkey friend” in 2012. A blouse and vest cut from Rajasthan.

This doll, which costs $40, sold out on Mattel’s website on the first day.

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