11 Facts About Diwali That Every Indian Should Know
It is one of the biggest fact in itself is that Diwali is the most awaited Hindu festival. However, when it comes to winter holidays, many people across the world think of Christmas and Halloween, but for Hindus Diwali is something which cannot be missed at any cost. Famously known as the Festival of Lights, there are many interesting facts about Diwali which are worth knowing. Here we have rounded up a list of 11 such interesting facts about this brightest festival of India:
- A festival for all
People across different religions celebrate Diwali with equal enthusiasm and it is also considered as India’s a cosmopolitan Hindu festival.
- Origin of Diwali
Diwali means different thing to different people. There are many stories attached with Diwali. Its origin can be very well linked back to the Ancient India, at that time it was an important harvest festival, however, the most famous story is that of the Lord Rama. It is said that Diwali celebration was first started on the day of the return of Lord Rama with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. People of Ayodhya decided to welcome their beloved king by lightning his path with rows of ‘diyas’ (lamps).
- Diwali is a 4 day Celebration!
Diwali is not a one day celebration. It involved 4 days of festivity & its each day has its own unique story. Day 1- Naraka Chaturdasi (celebrated for the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon Naraka). Day 2- Amavasya (people worship goddess Lakshmi on this day). Day 3- Kartika Shudda Padyami (according to a mythological story, once Lord Vishnu banished King Bali to hell and allowed him to visit on the earth only on the day of Diwali). Day 4- Bhai Dooj (also known as Yama Dvitiya) and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes to perform tilak ceremony.
- Why Lights & Firecrackers?
The most interesting feature of Diwali celebration is lights and firecrackers all around. On the day of Diwali, the whole country enjoys resplendent lights and the buzzing sounds of the firecrackers. According to some people lightening up homes and burning crackers is one of the ways to show the heavenly bodies that we are in joy and prosperity. Another more scientific reason is that the harmful insects of the rainy season gets killed by the fumes of crackers.
- Gambling is good!
Gambling is a tradition on Diwali and according to a mythological story- once goddess Parvati was playing dice with Lord Shiva and when she won, she announced that whosoever would gamble on the day of Diwali would mint wealth throughout the year.
- Cleanliness Drive!
Yet another interesting fact about Diwali! As Diwali approaches, people start cleaning the houses as much as possible. People in India believe that the goddess Lakhmi known as the ‘goddess of wealth’ enters only clean houses on Diwali evening.
- Exchange of Gifts
Exchange of gifts is a not-to-be-missed part about Diwali celebration. People visit their friends and relatives houses to exchange gifts and sweets. They believe Diwali is best enjoyed with close family and friends.
- Connection with the Golden Temple
Many people would be surprised to know that on the day of Diwali, the foundation stone of Golden temple was laid. Since 1577, the festival is celebrated by the Sikhsat the Golden Temple.
- Why Rangoli?
Although, as many of us know Diwali is a festival of lights, but, colors also play an important role on this day. Making Rangolis is a mandatory thing for Diwali celebration. Rangoli making is a timeless tradition in India and people believe that by seeing colourful Rangoli at the entrance of house attracts goddess Lakshmi.
- The biggest Diwali outside India!
We all know that Diwali is very well celebrated in India, but outside India the biggest Diwali celebration is hosted by the English city of Leicester in United Kingdom.
- Diwali: an official holiday not only in India!
The festival of lights is not a national holiday only in India but in a number of other countries too. Guyana, Fiji, Singapore, Mauritius, Malaysia, Myanmar, Trinidad, Nepal, Suriname, Tobago and even in Pakistan an official holiday on Diwali is provided.
Hope you like this list of interesting facts about Diwali. You may add some more to this list from your side in the comments section. Also, don’t forget to check out the most amazing Diwali deals and discounts on our website Discountwalas.com.
Happy Diwali in advance!
