100 Unique Deepawali Wishes, Greetings and Quotes for Family and Friends

Wishes

Posted Date: October 21st, 2023

Diwali, also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. The word “Diwali” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which means a row of lamps. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is a joyous and spiritually significant festival that holds deep cultural and religious significance for millions of people across the world.

Diwali typically lasts for five days, with each day holding special significance and customs:

Day 1: Dhanteras:
The festival begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to celebrating wealth and prosperity. People clean and decorate their homes, and it is customary to buy gold, silver, or other precious items.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali:
This day marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People take oil baths and light lamps to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.

Day 3: Diwali:
The third day is the main Diwali festival. People light oil lamps (diyas) and decorate their homes with colorful rangoli patterns and vibrant decorations. Families come together to perform Lakshmi Puja, a special prayer to the goddess of wealth, seeking her blessings for prosperity.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja:
This day commemorates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from heavy rainfall. People create small hillocks from cow dung and worship them, symbolizing the mountain.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj:
The final day is a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their well-being, while brothers give gifts to their sisters.

Diwali is not just a time for religious observance but also a time for cultural festivities. Homes are cleaned and decorated, and families prepare special dishes and sweets. Fireworks and bursting of firecrackers light up the night sky, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The significance of Diwali extends beyond religious boundaries, as it is celebrated by people of various faiths, including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Each community has its unique reasons for celebrating Diwali.

For Hindus, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. His return was celebrated with lamps and lights, signifying the triumph of good over evil.

Jains celebrate Diwali to commemorate Lord Mahavira’s attainment of nirvana, or spiritual liberation. For Sikhs, Diwali holds special importance as it marks the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment in the Gwalior Fort, along with several Hindu kings.

The festival has a unifying spirit as it transcends religious and regional boundaries. During Diwali, people exchange gifts, visit friends and family, and share meals. It is a time for forgiveness, renewal of friendships, and the strengthening of familial bonds.

Furthermore, Diwali has an economic significance. It is a time when businesses close their old accounts and open new ones, and people buy new clothes and utensils. Many businesses and traders consider it an auspicious time to start new ventures or make important financial decisions.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the environmental impact of Diwali. The bursting of firecrackers has raised concerns about air pollution and its adverse effects on health. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali by opting for noiseless and pollution-free celebrations.

In conclusion, Diwali is a multifaceted festival that signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated with immense enthusiasm, spirituality, and cultural fervor by people of various backgrounds. Diwali’s significance extends beyond its religious origins, making it a celebration of joy, unity, and prosperity that brings people together to create lasting memories. It is a reminder of the power of goodness and the importance of spreading light in our lives and the world.