People of many religions across India celebrate the festival Diwali or Deepawali which is usually around the end of October or the start of November depending on the moon phase. Diwali is typically a 5-day festival in most states in India, but the main celebrations occur on the new moon day called Amavasya. This day is likely to be remembered by most of the non-South Asian individuals as they gaze in awe at the colorful/bright lights and fireworks. Most Indians and non-Indians call it the festival of lights, but what exactly is the purpose and story behind the bright, shiny, and colorful lights and fireworks on this big holiday?
The significance of Diwali varies from religion to religion, but some common symbols are diyas (oil lamps) and fireworks, which symbolize the victory of light over darkness and positivity over negativity. Many religions/cultures celebrate this festival, but Hindus celebrate it in honor of Goddess Lakshmi who stands as a symbol for wealth, good fortune, and prosperity. The diyas and bright lights are believed to welcome the goddess to our homes to bring good health and wealth. Others like Gujaratis consider this festival their New Year and Sikhs celebrate it as it is believed to be the day that one of their Gurus was freed from prison. Typically for most North Indians, this day is associated with the rescuing of Goddess Sita (wife of Rama) from the evil Ravana by Lord Rama.
Despite the differences in the meaning behind Diwali, everyone follows some similar traditions like visiting families, enjoying feasts and sweets, decorating their homes with colorful lights, and lighting fireworks to celebrate this positive occasion with the people they love. People usually buy new clothes and jewelry to show the importance of leaving old/negative things behind us and moving forward with life by starting new and fresh. The significance of Mithai (sweet dishes) which is made of milk, sugar, and ghee (pure dish) is to mark a happy occasion or new beginnings with the blessings of any power that people believe in (could be God). Basically, Diwali to many Indians is as big of a deal as Christmas is to westerners. Now you also know why Indians buy sweets and give them to others when they have some good news to share
