subject: Diwali 2010 – Most Popular Festival of India [print this page] According to Hindu reckoning, the date of Diwali falls on 15th day of the dark fortnight in the auspicious Hindu month of Kartik or the month of October/November in English calendar. This Diwali day falls on the amavasya or the no moon day. Diwali date comes 20 days after the popular festival of Dussehra or Vijaya Dashmi. Diwali 2010 is on 5 November, Friday.
Diwali is an occasion wherein every member of a family is involved in the preparations weeks in advance. Right from getting the house cleaned and spruced up and painted, making elaborate rangolis, planning the special dishes, visits to the temples, friends and relatives. With the passage of time, Diwali has evolved into a community festival. People gather as a community for the celebrations. Even Diwali shopping is in its full swing days before the Deepavali day.
The Extended Divali Extravaganza
Diwali festival celebrations are a five day affair. On the first day of Dhanteras, people buy new utensils ; on the second day of Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, devotees take bath before sunrise as it is considered auspicious; on third day of Diwali, Lakshmi puja is performed to propitiate the goddess of wealth to fulfill one's wishes for prosperity; fourth day is for Govardhan puja, on this day cows are worshipped; and, on the fifth comes Bhai Dooj when brothers visit their sisters.
Welcoming Prosperity on Deepavali
Diwali, or Deepawali, literally means rows of diyas (clay lamps). This festival is significant for its association with the uplifting of spiritual darkness in the souls of people. It also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and on this day Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god, is worshipped. It is considered the right time for shopping, starting new ventures, business deals and house warming. On this day, doorways are lit and decorated with Rangoli or traditional patterns to welcome the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
Diwali - Meaning for Other Faiths
Diwali Day is equally important for Sikh and Jains. During the festival time in 1620 the 6th Guru, Hargobind Singh Ji was successful in releasing 52 Hindu princes who had been falsely imprisoned in Gwallior Fort by the rulers of the area, the Mughals. The Golden Temple was lit with many lights to welcome Guru Hargobind Singh Ji and Sikhs have continued the celebration to this day. The Jainis also celebrate this occasion, in remembrance of the establishment of the Jain dharma by Lord Mahavira.
Diwali 2010 Most Popular Festival of India
By: dipanegi
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