7 Fun Facts About Diwali

Join in the Diwali fun with these fun facts and a little history about the holiday

Posted on

10 November 2015

| Last updated on 25 October 2017

Diwali is an annual festival that is of huge significance among the Indian community. The celebration is a five day 'festival of lights' celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus and Jains, and marks the New Year.

To help you join in the celebrations, and to help you gain a little more understanding about this holiday, here's some fun facts for you to enjoy!

Why is it called Diwali?

The word 'Diwali' itself means 'row of lighted lamps'. Rows of clay lamps down as 'diyas' are lit and placed outside homes, to symbolise the inner light that protects them from dark spirits. As a result, Diwali is known as the 'festival of light' and signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

When is Diwali?

Much like the Islamic holiday of Eid Al Fitr, the dates of Diwali chang each year due to it following the Hindu lunar calendar. It is one of the most important times of the year in the Hindu calendar, as the victory of good over evil is celebrated, while honouring the Indian goddess of wealth Lakshmi. In fact, around this time of year, you'll often see more businesses opening, as there's a strong belief that they will have a strong year with Lakshmi's blessing.

When did Diwali start?

Different regions of India have various beliefs behind the origin of the Diwali tradition and may vary among communities.

However, the most widely believed account is in the Ramayana (an ancient Indian epic poem). According to Ramayana, Rama, the price of Ayodhya was ordered by his father, King Dasharatha, to go away from his country and come back after living in the forest for fourteen years. Following this instruction, Rama went on exil with his devoted wife Sita and faithful brother, Lakshmana.

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When Ravana, the demon king of Lanka abducted Sita and isolated her in his island kingdom of Lanka, Rama fought against and killed him. He rescued Sita and returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years. The people of Ayodhya were very happy to hear of their beloved prince's homecoming.

To celebrate Rama's return to Ayodhya, they lit up their houses with earthen lamps - the 'diyas' burst crackers and decorated the entire city beautifully.

This is widely believed to be the origins of Diwali, however there are other storys such as the Mahabharata, a story that the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi rose from the ocean and other tales that are narrated in the Hindu Puranas.

How long does Diwali last?

Diwali is a five day celebration, and each day has a special significance.

Day one: 'Dhanteras' - the financial year begins
Day two: 'Naraka Chaturdasi' - celebrating the vanquishing of Naraka
Day three: 'Amavasya' - the worship of Lashmi, signifis wealth and best wishes to all devotees
Day four: 'Kartika Shudola Padyani' - celebrating when Bali took over his new kingdom
Day five: 'Yama Dvitya' - the day when sisters worship their brothers

The fourth day of Diwali is the Hindu New Year.

Is Diwali a public holiday?

Indeed, the celebrations of Diwali is a national holiday in some countrys, allowing workers to enjoy a day or two off to mark the occasion. Diwali is a national holiday in India, Trinidad and Tobago, Myanmar, Nepal, Mauritius, Guyana, Singapire, Surinam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Fiji. It is also an optional holiday in Pakistan.

How do Sikhs celebrate Diwali?

In the Sikh perspective, Diwali is the celebration of the return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji from the captivity of the city, Gwalior. To commemorate his undying love for Sikhism, the towns people lit the way to Harmandhir Sahib - a.k.a. the Golden Temple - in his honour.

And how do the Jains celebrate Diwali?

Among the Jain festivals, Diwali is one of the most important ones. It is the celebration of the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira, who established the dharma as Jains follow.