What is Diwali and How is it Celebrated?

Hindus celebrate the festival of lights known as Diwali every year in October or November. It is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism, and it is celebrated by millions of people around the world. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, and it is typically celebrated by lighting Diyas (small clay lamps) and candles, as well as exchanging gifts and sweets. The celebration typically lasts for five days, and it is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. It is also a time for spiritual reflection and the performing of religious rituals. The festival is celebrated in many countries with a significant Hindu population, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, and Trinidad and Tobago.

How is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali is a Hindu festival known as the “Festival of Lights”. It is celebrated annually in late October or early November and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

The celebration of Diwali includes lighting clay lamps (diyas) and candles in homes and temples, setting off fireworks, and giving gifts and sweets to family and friends. People also decorate their homes with rangolis (patterns created using coloured rice or sand), wear new clothes, and take part in prayer and puja (worship) rituals. The exact way Diwali is celebrated varies depending on regional traditions and beliefs.

Features of Diwali Festival

• The lighting of diyas and candles in homes and temples.
• Setting off of fireworks.
• Giving gifts and sweets to family and friends.
• Decoration of homes with rangolis.
• Wearing new clothes.
• Participating in prayer and puja rituals.

Significance of Diwali Festival

• Cultural and Religious Unity: Diwali is widely celebrated across India and among the Hindu diaspora around the world, promoting unity and solidarity among people of different cultures and backgrounds.
• Boost to the Economy: The festival is also an important economic event, with people spending a significant amount of money on gifts, sweets, decorations, and other items related to the celebration, thereby providing a boost to local businesses.
• Environmental Awareness: In recent years, there has been an increased focus on reducing the environmental impact of Diwali celebrations, particularly with regard to the use of fireworks. Some communities and organizations have started promoting eco-friendly alternatives, such as electric lights, to minimize pollution and protect the environment.

Way Forward

• Promoting Eco-Friendly Alternatives: Continuing to promote and encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives, such as electric lights and natural decorations, can help reduce the environmental impact of Diwali celebrations.
• Implementing Regulations: Governments can also play a role by implementing regulations to limit the use of polluting and hazardous materials during the festival.
• Public Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness about the negative impacts of traditional Diwali practices and encouraging the adoption of sustainable and safe alternatives can help create a more sustainable and responsible celebration of the festival.

For Example, in some cities, community organizations and environmental groups have started organizing mass “green Diwali” celebrations, where people are encouraged to use only eco-friendly decorations and minimize the use of fireworks. In addition, some cities have implemented restrictions on the use of fireworks, including designated areas for setting off fireworks and restrictions on the use of certain types of polluting materials. These initiatives can help reduce the negative impacts of Diwali celebrations and promote a more sustainable and responsible celebration of the festival.