DIWALI 2013 or DEEPAVALI 2013:-
Diwali (3rd Nov, 2013) also known as Deepavali or the festival of lights, is the brightest festival, celebrated all over the world. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha, or nirvana by Mahavira. Arya Samajists, celebrate this day as Death Anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. They also celebrate this day as Shardiya Nav-Shasyeshti.
5 DAYS OF DIWALI:-
Diwali is a 5-day festival which usually falls between mid-October and mid-November.
- DAY 1:- Dhanteras- The festival starts with Dhanteras, which is considered as an auspicious day. On this day, most Indian businesses make customary purchases of precious metal.
- DAY 2:- Naraka Chaturdasi – It commemorates the killing of the evil demon Narakasura by Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu).
- DAY 3:- Amavasya – It marks the worship of Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth).
- DAY 4:-Kartika Shudda Padyami– On this day Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as Bali Padyami.
- DAY 5:-Yama Dvitiya– On this day brothers and sisters meet in order to express their love and affection and sisters pray for their brothers for their long and happy lives.
EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH DIWALI:-
There are several events associated with Diwali:-
- The return of Lord Ram after 14 years of exile.
- The Killing of Narakasura.
- Return of Pandavas after 12 years of exile and one year of living incognito.
WHAT HAPPENS ON DIWALI:-
Diwali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Malaysia, Singapore etc. It involves decorating the homes and workplaces with clay lamps, candles and small electric lights. The celebrants keep these lights on during the night and clean their houses in order to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. They wear new clothes, make rangoli, share sweets and snacks with their loved ones and burst firecrackers at night. Thus, Diwali epitomizes the triumph of good over evil.
Holidays of the World 