How Devali is celebrated in India. Diwali: what is celebrated in India at the festival of lights

Every tourist, when going on a trip, dreams of new experiences, something... exotic. Now imagine that you not only received impressions, but returned from the trip rich and successful.

Today the story is about just this - about the main national holiday of India - Diwali. It is also called the Festival of Lights and the Festival of Lights. In scope and beauty it is similar to our New Year.

The Festival of Lights takes place in all countries where there is Hinduism or large Indian diasporas: Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Singapore; in the US state of California, in England (in London, Trafalgar Square is dedicated to the celebration), in Australia.

But, in my opinion, Deepavali (the full Sanskrit name of the holiday, literally “a row of lights”) should be seen in India.

This year 2015, the Festival of Lights begins on the night of November 11-12. It goes all over India. And it lasts 5 days.

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What can you see at the holiday

The element of fire in all its manifestations: houses decorated with electric and bright orange flower garlands, candles in the windows of apartments and at the doorsteps of houses, lantern boats floating along rivers and lakes, fire shows and processions (the holiday begins at night), sparklers, fireworks, oil lamps in every home, shop, store and even government office; lanterns and glowing stars, flying fire lanterns.

Performances by wrestlers and Sikhs demonstrating mastery of two swords, and, of course, Indian songs and dances.

“What about wealth,” you ask. Read on and find out the secret.

History and traditions of Diwali

Some historians believe that Diwali has been celebrated in India for over 7,000 years. Every year, the start date of the holiday is calculated according to the lunar calendar, which means it is correlated with the oldest calendar in human history - the agricultural calendar.

According to tradition, before the holiday it is customary to clean and tidy the house, buy and give gifts. The situation is similar to our pre-New Year bustle, crowds in stores and Christmas sales in Europe.

This may be why some online resources say that Diwali is the Indian New Year.

Currently, there are two calendars in India: the state calendar - Gregorian (accepted throughout the world) and the traditional one.

According to the Indian traditional calendar, the new year begins in the month of Chaitra, which corresponds to March 22 in the Gregorian calendar. And the Festival of Lights is held on the first new moon of the month of Kartik and falls either in the last days of October or in the beginning of November. The month of Kartik ends the rainy season.

In many ancient religions, including paganism, the new year was associated with the harvest festival and was celebrated at the end of summer - beginning of autumn. The Fire Festival corresponds precisely to such a transition, which once again tells us about its antiquity.

All over India, butter lamps are lit - painted clay cups (katori) filled with purified ghee. They symbolize the five elements from which the world was created.

The very name of the Diwali holiday is translated as “row of lights,” so candles and katori are displayed in rows of 20 candles or cups. By maintaining a fire in a lamp, a person maintains a connection with God.

Candles and katori are placed in rows

Diwali symbolizes the victory of the bright divine principle (good) over darkness - the absence of God (evil), the path of human spiritual ascent.

During the festivals, people take cleansing baths in sacred ponds under the light of the stars and the moon, light oil lamps and candles, decorate their houses with glowing lanterns called deepa, say prayers, and make offerings to the gods.

Why is all this being done? For happiness. In any country, people have the same dreams: to love and be loved, for children to run around the house, for parents to be healthy, for success in business, and peace and harmony in the soul.

Ganesha and Lakshmi are the main gods on this festival. Every prayer begins with an appeal to Ganesha.

This is understandable, Ganesha is responsible for wisdom. And without it you won’t see happiness, and you’ll lose wealth.

How the holiday is celebrated in different regions and states of India

India combines the territories of former principalities, where different languages are spoken, where, in addition to the traditional religion - Hinduism, there is Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism.

Diwali is a religious holiday. It is celebrated throughout India and by all religions. But in different regions of India the holiday has its own characteristics.

- IN central India The Festival of Lights is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi - the wife of the god Vishu, personifying fertility and prosperity, bringing wealth, happiness and good luck.

Indians believe that Lakshmi and Ganesha should visit every home during Diwali. But Lakshmi comes only to a clean house.

We draw the first conclusion: the house and body (it is the home of the soul) must be tidy and clean.

In addition to cleaning and lighting the house, a prayer is offered to the goddess, milk is poured as an offering, and a gold or gilded coin is placed in a bowl of milk - an amulet for the prosperity of the spouse. The coin lies in milk or on the altar all night and is then given to the husband. You cannot make such an amulet for yourself.

Conclusion two: you need to make amulets for each other.

So that the goddess can easily enter the house, the doors and windows are left open all night. And the owners themselves with burning lamps climb to the roof of the house so that the gods see the light and do not pass by.

Conclusion three: sometimes it’s worth reminding yourself.

They also play cards these days, pleasing the goddess of luck.

Conclusion four: you need to play cards wisely.

One scientific hypothesis connects Diwali with the coronation of Prince Rama. Rama is the incarnation of the god Vishnu, the hero of the Indian epic Ramayana. For 14 years, Rama was in exile, performed many valiant deeds and deeds, defeated the evil demon Ravana (who lived on the island of Sri Lanka), freed his wife (she was stolen by a demon), returned with honor to his city, became a great king, creating a prosperous state.

In the strait between India and Sri Lanka, parts of the strait that once connected these two states have been preserved.

- IN Western India Since ancient times, the holiday has been associated with the beginning of trade - ship caravans loaded with Indian goods were sent to distant countries. Now traders and shop owners are paying off debts and getting their accounts in order, preparing for the start of the financial year.

You can see how they shower flower petals and illuminate products, including electronic equipment, so that they sell well and work without failures.

— In the state of Rajasthan, it is customary to prepare special treats for cats. If the cat eats everything without a trace, then wealth and prosperity await the family.

Conclusion fifth: animals should be taken care of more often and fed with special food.

— In Eastern India, in the state of West Bengal, the goddess Kali is worshiped during the Festival of Lights. The black goddess, personifying strength. Bengalis say prayers in front of the statue of the deity for 10 days. After the period of prayers has expired, the figurine, imbued with prayers, is lowered into the waters of rivers and lakes.

— In those parts of India where the cult of Krishna reigns, the Diwali holiday is dedicated to the victory of Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Here it is customary to dance, sing, and generously lubricate yourself with coconut oil. This anointing of the body replaces the ritual of bathing in the sacred waters of the Ganges.

On each of the five days of the Festival of Lights, certain actions and deeds are prescribed. So, two days before the holiday, they clean the house and complete their chores, throw away unnecessary things and old clothes, buy new dishes, and go to the store with their children to buy puffed rice and sugar figurines - a necessary attribute of the holiday prayer.

Conclusion seventh: children need to be given money so that they can buy useful things and sweets.

There are special discounts in stores at this time. So, if you like something, it’s time to buy it. It won't be cheaper.

Conclusion eight: you need to be able to find discounts and take advantage of the opportunity.
And immediately the ninth: you need to be able to make discounts for others.

Homes are cleansed with a candle and incense sticks.
- for the sick person to recover
- so that there is peace in the house
- so that equipment does not break and dishes do not break
- to sleep well
- so that you always want to come home

Nice ritual. We take note.

On the last day of the holiday, the following custom is accepted: brothers come to their sisters’ house and give them gifts.

Brothers, take note of this point as well.

Traditional holiday food, food and sweets

During the festival you can taste prasadam - but it is not food or Indian cuisine. This is food offered to the deity (in a temple or home). After this, the prasad is distributed to the devotees as a symbol of divine grace. Many devotees go on pilgrimage to receive sacred prasadam.

There is an opinion that all Indians are vegetarians. But in the northern part of India they eat meat, in addition, Muslims and Christians also prepare dishes from lamb and poultry. On Diwali, you can try a traditional dish - lamb varuval.

It is also customary to treat people to sweets during the Festival of Lights.

Every family prepares desserts on the eve of the holiday - sweet balls nei urundey and laddu, crispy rings of white lentils and rice flour with the addition of salt and spices murukku and achi murukku.

Each ball is wrapped in a bright wrapper. Sweets are fragile. If you are treated to such a ball, say thank you and eat it whole, otherwise it will crumble. Laddu is usually sold without wrapper.

Sweets can be bought on the street or in a store (these are the same homemade balls). Now you can treat acquaintances and strangers. Take part in the national tradition.

Quote:
“The name “nei urundey” should be pronounced carefully. “Urunday” is a ball. “Nei” is ghee. Due to carelessness and ignorance from non-Indians, you can often hear “nai” instead of “nei.”
"Nai" is a dog. And the expression immediately takes on an indecent dog-low-belt meaning. It is safer to use the English name "ghee balls".

And we draw conclusion 11: at least sometimes you need to treat not only your acquaintances, but also strangers, to something delicious.

Important information for tourists

Many tourists will want to travel to India for the Festival of Lights. It is very important to remember:

1. India has a lot of garbage and dilapidated houses. Fires often occur during Diwali celebrations.

2. At night there are explosions of firecrackers and noise on the streets, so you should not go to the holiday with children. It is also unlikely that you will be able to fall asleep. And earplugs won't help here.

3. Prices. During the festival, prices for any housing jump. Book hotel in advance and be prepared for the fact that for 3 or 2 stars you can pay as much as for 5. Use it for a trip to India.

4. Prices are also higher than usual. But that's not the worst thing.

5. The Festival of Lights is a family celebration. Numerous Indian families go to their relatives to be together these days. As a result, overcrowded stations, congestion, and most importantly, all tickets are sold out long before the start of the festival of lights.

6. Grocery stores, markets and bazaars will also be closed. Water and food should be purchased in advance.

Is there any theft during the holiday?

I won’t say anything about theft - think for yourself: on the one hand, it’s a religious holiday (who would want to spoil karma and incarnate in the next life as a snake or a cockroach), on the other hand, hunger is not a problem, thieves also want to eat a hearty and tasty meal on a holiday .

Speaking seriously, and here we come to the deep meaning of the Diwali holiday, the Festival of Lights is directly related to the traditions of Hinduism and Jainism, in which the dominant principles are Ahimsa and Asteya.

AhImsa (Sanskrit) - behavior and course of action in which the first requirement is non-harm, non-violence. Don't index!

Asteya (lit. “non-theft”) - strict adherence to property (to be content only with what one has acquired through one’s own and, most importantly, honest labor). The principle condemns greed and the desire to take possession of others. Prescribes a reduction in physical needs and the development of aspirations for spiritual values.

4 main recommendations on how to achieve this:
Always reward people fairly for their work and results
Never take other people's things
Never take things that have been dropped or forgotten by others
Never buy cheaper things if the price has been reduced in an unfair way (this also includes trading in stolen goods)

Despite our love for India and its culture, Galya and I prefer to keep money and documents in a safe (when available) or in a suitcase locked with a combination lock.

If you are not afraid and, nevertheless, decide to include the Festival of Lights in your trip, then buy air tickets and domestic tickets in advance, book hotels or housing with local residents in advance, and prepare photo and video equipment. In any case, there will be something to remove.

Starting days of Diwali holiday in 2016 - 2020

2016 – October 30
2017 - October 19
2018 - November 7
2019 – October 27
2020 – November 14
2021 - November 4
2022 - October 24
2023 - November 12

Those who celebrate Diwali in Russia or other countries should take into account that in India the difference with world time is 6 hours 30 minutes (+6:30)

Beautiful lanterns for home decoration

Those who will not be able to visit India this year for Diwali, but want to be rich, happy, cleanse themselves of darkness and follow the path of light, should follow the 14 recommendations that we gave in the story.

Well, to be sure of happiness, you will need flashlight. This is not a traditional Indian Deepa, but similar. It really decorates the house. Tested by personal experience.

Sincerely,

About Diwali holiday. What's involved in Diwali?

दिवाली — Diwali in Hindi
Translated: fiery bunch. According to scientists, the age of the holiday is at least 7 thousand years.
One of the brightest and most important holidays in India, during which it turns into the land of fire.
In squares, parks, squares they create stunning patterns from the flames of small candles.

Indian families prepare in advance for Diwali. The preparations are somewhat similar to the pre-New Year bustle in Russia. Hindus remove excess rubbish from houses and apartments, wash, clean, and carry out general cleaning of the premises.
They set the table. They bake a lot of sweets.
It is customary to treat neighbors, friends, and guests with delicacies.
They decorate their homes, statues of Gods, temples, houses, streets, rivers, ponds, benches, benches, trees, bushes and everything around with burning lamps.

Hard-working rickshaw pullers carefully wrap sparkling garlands around their vehicles.
The cheerful kids light firecrackers all evening and frolic in their fireworks.

Young boys and girls go out into the streets and light lamps in the area.

Merchants illuminate the entrances to souvenir, cosmetic and food shops with dozens of candles and shower the goods with flower petals, thereby attracting good luck to their store.

And countless flickering lanterns (imported by the Chinese) rush into the starry dome of the sky.

Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. On this day, the path of the great Goddess Lakshmi, the mother of all Hindus on Earth, is praised and illuminated.
There are many Gods known in India. Fire is a conductor for communication with your God. Particular attention is paid to prayers in front of the figurines of deities. Sometimes after rituals, divine figurines along with lit candles are lowered into the river.
The Festival of Lights is celebrated not only by Hindus, but also by Sikhs and Jains all over the world.
And not only in India, but also in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Suriname.

Five days of Diwali in India: what do Hindus do on these days?

Diwali lasts 5 days. Each day has its own celebration.
Lighting ritual lamps, presenting gifts to loved ones and friends, prayers and praise to the Goddess Lakshmi, remembering the legend of Rama and Sita, receiving the blessings of parents for the planned deed.

Day 1: Dhanvantari Trayodashi

According to the ancient epic, God Dhanvantari brought to India 9 treatises of Indian medical science, which we know under the name Ayurveda.
Therefore, on the first day of Diwali, they glorify this God, pray and bring gifts, flowers, and lighted candles to his statues.

Day 2. Narak Chaturdashi

Celebrate the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura.

Day 3 (the most important). Lakshmi Puja or Diwali.

The whole country flashes with billions of lights on the third day.
Every housewife believes that Goddess Lakshmi will look into her house for a glimpse and that home, where there is not a speck of dust, everything is elegantly decorated and a lot of treats have been prepared - Lakshmi will send happiness, health, wealth, love and long life.
The doors are not closed at night.
It is on the third day that lanterns, electric garlands, and torches are lit on the streets. This is how Hindus illuminate the path of Goddess Lakshmi to their homes.
Songs are heard in temples. Drums are being beaten in the streets.
A pervasive atmosphere of joy and fun. During the Diwali festival, all of India sings and dances.

Day 4. Govardhan Puja

Worship of Govardhan Hill and King Bali Maharaja is carried out.
The deities are washed and dressed in new clothes.
Puja rituals are performed in temples - offerings of food, water, and flower garlands.

Day 5. Bhratri-duja

Diwali ends with brothers visiting their sisters and expressing their love and respect to them. Incense is lit in houses.

What does the mantra mean: “om mani pad me hum”

Diwali celebrations are accompanied by the chanting of mantras.
Followers of Hinduism believe that if you chant mantras, then the spiritual component of a person can take the form of God, be filled with him and become his reflection.
I know only one mantra: Om mani pad me hum.
This is one of the most famous mantras in Buddhism. It has a deep sacred meaning and is endowed with many meanings.
Its literal translation is: “O pearl shining in the lotus flower!”
OM - removes pride and conceit.
MA - removes jealousy and envy.
NI - removes attachment and selfish desires.
Dietary supplement (or PAD) - dispels ignorance and confusion.
ME (or ME) - dissolves greed and greed.
HUM - transforms hatred and anger.
There is a version that reading the mantra gives prosperity, abundance and money, where:
Om means Brahma, who is beyond all unmanifest,
Mani - gem or crystal,
Padme - lotus
Hum - heart.
Based on these provisions, there are several interpretations of this mantra:
- “All (Om) jewels (Mani) flourish (Padme - blooming lotus) with me, who has an open heart (Hum - heart)”;
- “The Universe grants prosperity and abundance to me, who accepts them with an open heart”;
- “Wealth in all its forms (precious, valued, significant) comes to those who are ready to accept it with their whole being (heart)”;
- “General abundance fills my heart” - that is, the mantra includes the following understanding: “I accept abundance with all my being”;
- “All the money comes to me” (one of the simplest interpretations).

When is Diwali celebrated in India?

Diwali lights are lit in the second half of the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar.
The month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar coincides with the dates of our Gregorian calendar from October 23 to November 21.
Indian Diwali falls on the day when the full moon occurs.

Dates for celebrating the Diwali festival of lights in India for the next three years:
— Diwali holiday in 2018 - November 7;
— Diwali holiday in 2019 - October 27;
— Diwali holiday in 2020 is November 14.

Tips for traveling to India during Diwali

To avoid troubles and not spoil your travels in India during the Diwali festival of lights, you should take into account the following:

1. Every year a huge number of tourists from different countries want to see the fiery madness. Therefore, you should think in advance about where to stay in India during this period.
2. Nights when firecrackers explode and fireworks roar are sleepless. Be prepared to not get enough sleep)
3. Tickets for trains, intercity buses, and even domestic flights within the country should be purchased in advance. Diwali is a family holiday and Indians actively move around the country to celebrate the day of light and goodness with their families. There may not be enough tickets for everyone.
4. Prices for hotels, guesthouses, houses and villas rise several times during Diwali celebrations.
5. The same with taxi prices. The tariff increases, just like ours on New Year's Eve
6. Many grocery stores are closing, so you should buy food in advance.

Travel to India for Diwali

Do you want to plunge into the enchanting world of the East? But no one around you supports the idea of Indian adventures. And there are no fellow travelers to this country.
I invite you to join our small company. We are leaving for India on November 5, 2018. And on November 7, 2018, we will go to Jaipur to light the Diwali lights.
Are you with us? Detailed
Our trip will take place through the most famous cities: the capital Delhi, pink Jaipur and Agra with its fabulous shrine - the mausoleum of eternal love, the Taj Mahal. During the trip, we will get acquainted with outstanding masterpieces of world architecture, ancient monuments, palaces of maharajas, and shrines of mysterious India.

I was with you, your Indian expert
Katya Bashkurova
I will be happy to answer questions in the comments.

Each country has its own ethnic holidays that the population is proud of. This is part of the culture, an event through which you can learn many interesting facts about the state, its history and formation. Such celebrations are known throughout the world, and tourists often come specifically to one country or another to see with their own eyes everything that happens. Diwali in India is one such celebration. Diwali or Deepavali is the festival of lights and is dedicated to the goddess of happiness and wealth Lakshmi. It is a symbol of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Deepavali is considered the main Hindu festival, which is celebrated everywhere in India.

What does the event look like?

Diwali in India is associated with fireworks and lights. From Sanskrit its name is translated as a bunch of fire, which is why on the days when the event takes place, rural and city streets are illuminated with thousands of fireworks and lights. Explosions of rockets, firecrackers and firecrackers discharge in the air. Statues of gods and streets of populated areas are decorated with lit candles and flickering lanterns (Deepa).

During the celebration, people adhere to ancient traditions - Hindus dress up in new toilets, clean their homes, place lit lamps near the entrances to their houses and decorate the thresholds with garlands of flowers. On such days, one must abstain from the five main vices: greed, lust, predisposition, anger and ego, which means purifying one's own words, actions and thoughts.

In today's India, Diwali is considered to be the New Year holiday. As a rule, it falls at the end of October - beginning of November. The celebration coincides with the arrival of winter and the end of the monsoon rains. The exact date of the celebration is influenced by the location of the Moon, so it takes place on different days every year.

The legend of the holiday

Diwali began to be celebrated in India several centuries ago. Many different legends are associated with such a wonderful event. Thus, there is a belief that the festival is closely related to the victory of Krishna over Narakasura, a demonic creature who abducted Indian princesses. managed to defeat the demon, and in honor of this, the people greeted him with lit lanterns, torches and lamps. This is where the custom arose of lighting oil lanterns, torches, fireworks and candles everywhere on this day, which are located not far from the statues of sacred animals and gods.

If you believe other Jewish legends, then Diwali is associated with the Wall, people on the eve of the event sign it in her honor, purchase accessories for rituals, food and gold so that Lakshmi will give them wealth and abundance in return.

There is also an opinion that Diwali is a holiday in honor of the glorification of his ascension to the throne, as well as his just and wise reign.

Territorial features of Deepavali

The Diwali holiday in India has its own characteristics in each territory. In the western part of the country, it is customary to clean apartments and workplaces on this day. And in the evening, the windows of private mansions and shops glow with all kinds of electrical appliances, lamps and lanterns.

People who believe that Diwali is associated with Lakshmi also do general cleaning on the day of the holiday, pray, light fires and make gifts to the goddess in the form of milk with coins dipped into it. At night, the doors and windows are not locked so that the goddess can freely enter the home if she wants.

In South India, they believe that Deepavali is an event dedicated to the victory of Krishna over the demon. On this day, every Hindu applies coconut oil to his body, comparing the ritual to bathing in a sacred place and getting rid of sins.

But in the east of the country, on such a significant day they worship the goddess Kala, who personifies the cult of strength. For ten days they pray and bow before the images of the deity, and then immerse them in reservoirs.

Customs associated with the festival

The festival of lights of Diwali in India lasts for five days. At this time, the whole country turns into a colorful and unforgettable fire show. The lights of celebration illuminate people’s hearts not only with colorful shades, but also with kindness, since these days it is customary to give gifts, help those in need and, in general, show attention to everyone around them. On no other holiday in India do they give such a huge number of gifts as they do on Deepavali. In honor of the festival, grocery store owners organize sales for people who cannot afford to buy expensive food at other times. It is customary to treat neighbors with all sorts of sweet delicacies.

During Diwali, it is customary to spend money on neighbors, acquaintances and friends. Particularly popular are coins depicting the deities Lakshmi and Ganesha. Various outlandish souvenirs, jewelry and art objects are also popular. These days dried fruits and sweets are sold and given as gifts in a variety of baskets. With the help of such surprises, people show respect and love for their dear and close people. During the festivities, no one should be left out or left out.

First day of the festival

Diwali, the festival of light and fire in India, as already mentioned, is celebrated for five days, each of which is dedicated to a specific legend. So, the first day is the most important and it is called Dhanvantari. This is the main incarnation of Vishnu. Hindus are sure that the main deity appeared on this day and presented them with the nectar of immortality. Ayurveda knowledge was that nectar. The first day of the festival is a period of prayer, health and sacrifice: a ritual offering of food (puja) to the god Vishnu is performed.

Events of the second day

We have already explained what Diwali means in India, and now we will explain what events take place during the second day of the celebration. It was at this time, according to legend, that Krishna defeated Narakasura. In the morning, it is customary to perform ablutions with apomarga branches. The big boss, the head of the country or the mayor of a locality is obliged to light a lamp in the Krishna temple, thus signifying poverty and peaceful prosperity among his subjects. In some regions, people apply cinnabar stripes on their foreheads, because it is believed that after defeating the demon, Krishna smeared his face with his blood. The second day of the holiday is filled with the joy of purification.

Lakshmi Puja - third day of celebrations

Photos of Diwali in India are presented in our description. In it we will also tell you how the third day of the festival takes place. This is the time when Lakshmi is also venerated. Ganesha is a deity with an extraordinary appearance: an elephant’s head sits on a human body and there are two pairs of hands. God serves as the personification of success, wisdom and prosperity.

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth. On the day of Lakshmi Puja, lights are lit in houses to attract wealth, peace and good fortune. Believers are aware of the life experiences they have had.

Last two days

We have already looked at the general significance of Diwali in India; now we will find out what the last two days of this celebration mean. Govardhan Puja, the fourth day of the festival, is of particular importance for the population of the northern regions. This is the day of remembrance of Krishna, who protected people from Indra. Govardhan is the name of a small hill in Brazhda. On holidays it is decorated with garlands and flowers. The night before, people are in the temple, and in the morning they prepare lots and lots of food, which they then offer to Krishna.

Bhau-bij - the fifth day is usually celebrated in the company of sisters and brothers. The sisters pray for the brothers’ luck, for which they shower them with compliments and treat them with sweets. On this day, Brother and Sister Yama and Yami meet each other. Yama is a symbol of the Sun, and Yami is the Moon.

Let's celebrate together

Diwali in India began to be celebrated on October 30 in 2016. Just because it's a Hindu event doesn't mean you can't take part in it. This year it is already late, but next year 2017, the beginning of Deepavali falls on October 19, and you can arrange such a celebration for yourself.

Before organizing a holiday, you should study detailed information about it: read literature, watch films dedicated to the celebration. Then you need to go shopping. In India, as a rule, people buy jewelry and tableware. You can buy gifts for yourself and people dear to you.

Before the first day of the celebration, it is necessary to do a thorough cleaning of the house and office. Wash everything dirty, sort out the documentation, put things in order in each room. Be sure to decorate the entrance to your home with a multi-colored rangoli design or elements with it. You can hang bells, tapestries, LED lights, flower garlands and other decorations. If possible, you can buy wooden, ready-made rangoli - wooden decorations painted with traditional colors. After all this, you can light lanterns, set off firecrackers and try to feel the real atmosphere of Indian Diwali.

During Diwali, certain traditions are observed and each of these traditions has a spiritual meaning. DIWALI or DIPAVALI (“dipa” - fire, lamp, “vali” - a lot, i.e. “many lights”, “cluster of fire”)

Illuminating the house with lights means that the mind (the light of the mind) is present. Clay lamps, called "Diya" ("Deepa"), symbolize the body, which is a combination of the five elements - earth, water, fire, air and space. This body is temporary. And the flame of Diya represents the soul (Atma), which, achieving constant connection with the Supersoul (Paramatma), gives sparkling and bright rays. The oil represents an invaluable component - spiritual knowledge. To keep the flame always lit means to be always aware. "I am the light, always connected with the Highest Light."

On this day it is obligatory for everyone to awaken from the deep sleep of ignorance and be connected with the Supreme Light through meditation.

Diwali is also a time to pay bills, both financial and karmic. This is a time of special reverence for the Devatas. New clothes, new dishes.

On Diwali, every house is illuminated with many lights. At this time, the books of old accounts are closed and new ones are started. This means a new beginning. It also symbolizes the rejection of bad things.

People exchange congratulations and gifts. Distributing sweets symbolizes that speech and words should be sweet. Fire pujas mean that a person is ready to offer all his weaknesses to fire.

Diwali is celebrated for three to five days depending on the region and traditions:

"Dhan" means "wealth" and "teras" means the thirteenth day. It is a day of celebrations in honor of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In some regions of India, lamps are lit on this day in honor of God Yamaraja, the god of death.

2. Second day. Chhoti Diwali (Little Diwali) or Narak Chaturdashi.

Hindus believe that on this day Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasura, freeing the entire world from fear. Fireworks usually start on this day.

It is actually the day of Diwali itself and the most important day of the festival. If the house is not cleaned, this should be done at the beginning of the day, as a greeting to Goddess Lakshmi. On this day, it is customary to exchange gifts and sweets to strengthen the love between family and friends. Fireworks are launched in the afternoon.

4. Fourth day. Govardhan puja (Balipratipada, Padiva, Govardhan puja or Varshapratipada). November 8.

This is the day when Lord Krishna raised the Govardhan Parvat to protect the people of Gokul from Indra's wrath and the day when King Vikramaditya was crowned.

5. The fifth and last day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, Bhai Dooj. November 9. The last day of Diwali is dedicated to the love between brothers and sisters. The sister places the sacred red tilak on her brother's forehead and prays for his long life, and the brothers bless their sisters and give them gifts.

Diwali is the festival of lights. It is said that in the fire of the lamps there is the light of the sun, moon, stars and lightning. Light is the divine, while darkness is the absence of God. On the night of Deepavali, millions of lamps are lit. Their light illuminates the homes and hearts of people, awakening in them the desire for God. The Vedas say: Tamaso ma jyotir gama "Do not remain in darkness, go to the light." This path - from night to day - is the path of man’s spiritual ascent, the path to the triumph of God in our soul.

After all, we are planning a similar holiday soon :) By the way, in India, in 2011, the New Year’s Fire Festival is celebrated on October 26th.

Fire festival in India is called Diwali, or Deepavali. The main attribute, the symbol of the holiday is the same everywhere - an ancient oil lamp made of clay, called “dia” or “dipa”. From him he got his name Diwali, or Deepavali (Dipa - fire), which translated from Sanskrit means “ fiery bunch», « row of lights" This day is also called the Holiday and Festival of Lights. By the way, we have already encountered one unusual Indian holiday - the elephant festival in India. But let's not get distracted and continue.

Diwali is one of the oldest festivals and has been celebrated for over 7,000 years. This vibrant holiday is known not only in India, but also abroad - in Japan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Thailand, Nepal, Myanmar (Burma). That is, more than a billion people in India and not only celebrate the Diwali festival with pleasure. With its special atmosphere of carefree fun and anticipation of desires coming true, it resembles our New Year. By tradition, Diwali is also a new year according to the Hindu calendar, tied to the lunar cycle (for some areas of the country).

During the holiday, a number of traditions are observed everywhere - Hindus put on new clothes (previously, the owners threw away their old clothes and even jewelry after the morning ablution - so that the poor could pick them up and use them), tidy up their house, decorate its threshold with flower garlands of calendulas and other flowers, and lit oil lamps are placed at the entrance.

In addition, according to the ancient Vedic tradition, one must abstain from the five main vices - lust, anger, greed, attachment and the so-called ego, which generally means purifying one's thoughts, words and actions. By the way, calendula garland(blackbrews, marigolds) is one of the symbols of the fire festival in India. Probably not in vain - calendula flowers are too fiery.

Diwali marks the end of the harvest season, the end of the rainy season and the beginning of winter, and is therefore also dedicated to the Goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi, the wife of God Vishnu. Diwali is also celebrated by Muslims who mark the arrival of Lakshmi with lights and playing cards and dice, - after all, Lakshmi brings good luck.

In other cases, houses are thoroughly cleaned, all the lights are turned on precisely because the Goddess does not like darkness, they turn to her in prayer, offer her milk in which coins are dipped, and leave the doors and windows open at night so that it is easier for her to enter the house . Garlands of flowers serve approximately the same purpose - after all, as you know, women love flowers :)

General external idea of the festival fire is like this: the air is shaken by the explosions of rockets, firecrackers and firecrackers. City streets and statues of gods are decorated with glowing lanterns and lit candles. General inner idea of the festival of lights: In mid-autumn, nature experiences a state of anticipation of winter. It becomes dark, damp, cold. And the longest night still lies ahead. But all this can be survived if you keep a particle of sunlight in your soul and shine on others, help others, be sensitive and attentive.

On this day, it is customary to wear new clothes and jewelry, use new dishes, give gifts and go to visit. According to legend, the more light and fire on this holiday, the more grace, prosperity, success, happiness, prosperity, wealth and abundance there will be in the house next year.

Diwali celebration is not just new year, it also means the triumph of truth over falsehood, the defeat of evil with good, the victory of light over darkness and symbolizes the spiritual path from ignorance to knowledge. In addition, Deepavali signifies the beginning of a new thing, so it is believed that all endeavors on this day will be successful.

The Festival of Lights in India is celebrated in the month of Kartik (October-November) and falls on the new moon of the month of Kartik (begins on the thirteenth lunar day) and is celebrated for five days. According to legend, the beginning of Diwali celebrations is associated with the return of Prince Rama to his homeland after a 14-year exile in the forest, and his victory over the demon Ravana. The inhabitants of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) greeted Rama with the fire of lamps.

And now that is why the streets of both large cities and towns during Diwali are illuminated with thousands of lights at nightfall: many oil lamps are lit in front of houses and in temples; lanterns burn brightly on terraces, roofs, balconies and trees; Clay cups with lit lights are lowered into the water; all around numerous fireworks and sparklers.

In fact, the festival of lights itself is the third day of Diwali, actually the new moon, the darkest night. But nevertheless, the lights are on and people are having fun throughout the five days of the festival.

By the way, one should not think that Hindus are dense and superstitious people, buried in mossy traditions. Firstly, on our New Year, firecrackers explode quite loudly. And secondly, no one said that Osama bin Laden firecrackers or Bush bombs should not be exploded in honor of the gods.

Thus, firecrackers periodically appear on the local market not only with images of Hindu gods appropriate for the occasion, but also with topical themes. On one of the fire festivals, the most popular product turned out to be “international terrorist number one.” The average price of a pack of Usam was one thousand eight hundred Indian rupees. It burns in the air for almost seven minutes. "Bush Bombs" - a little cheaper. Next in popularity are “fiery” local politicians, and so on.

Be that as it may, passing through the streets of cities and capturing all segments of the population, the holiday erases the boundaries of inter-caste, inter-religious and inter-ethnic differences. This is what makes the holiday one of the important events of the year.

For example, the fire festival in autumn is typical not only for eastern residents, but also for western ones. For example, in Waldorf schools they celebrate Lantern Festival- an event similar in spirit, also taking place at a similar time, on one of the nights in late October - early November.