Whats Diwali?

Answer 1

Hi, clink on the link to find out more :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

Answer 2

Diwali, also called Deepavali (Sanskrit: दीपावली) is a major Hindu festival that is also very significant in Sikhism and Jainism. Known as the "Festival of Lights," it symbolises the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. The festival of Diwali is about harvesting. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional diyas (as illustrated). Fireworks are associated with the festival in many regions of India.

Answer 3

rimitian has given a good description of diwali. There is another aspect too

Most hindus believe that Lord Rama came back to his home after killing Ravan on this day...hence his countrymen lit the lights and used firewords to welcome him... though this is half true

Shri Rama deliberately chose this day to come back. diwali was celebrated even before that

Diwali is a Tantrik festival....Mother dhumavati (10th Mahavidya) rules the earth from July till Diwali day...because Jyesthha Nakshatra rises during this time, which is abode of Dhumavati....

Earth gets negative energy from Jyesthha nakshatra which sets on the eve of Diwali....when we celebrate Narak chaturdashi

Next day Laxmi's energy set in...because she is younger sister of Dhumavati and she comes only when Dhumavati is gone

Thus to welcome Laxmi (Kamla-the 10th Mahavidya)...and to ward of Negativity..our rishis told people to light the house and use firewords...notionally defeating the negative energy

Answer 4

Festival of Light!(Asian Community)

Answer 5

IT s the day " Goddess Durga killed the Demon-- Narakasura" and bring happiness and light to the world.....

Answer 6

a Hindu ritual ceremony

Answer 7

It's a harvest festival.

Answer 8

DIWALI is the Hindu Festival of Lights and marks the victory of good over the evil...
DIWALI IS A FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS/SWEETS/HARMONY'

History of Diwali


India is a land of festivals. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with fervor and gaiety. The festival is celebrated by young and old, rich and poor, throughout the country to dispel darkness and light up their lives. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way.

The celebration of the four-day festival commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.

'Puranas' have it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power from a blessing given by Lord Brahma after a severe penance. He soon unleashed a reign of terror in the kingdom of Kamarupa, harassing celestial beings with his invincible might. Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings pleaded with Lord Krishna to save them from his torture.

But Naraka could not be easily killed as he had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Satyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.

When Krishna feigns unconsciousness after being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Satyabhama takes the bow and aims the arrow at Naraka, killing him instantly. Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon she had sought as Bhudevi. The slaying of Naraka by Sathyabhama could also be taken to interpret that parents should not hesitate to punish their children when they stray on to the wrong path. The message of Naraka Chaturdasi is that the good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds.

The second day is Amavasya when Lakshmi puja is performed. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi would be in her benevolent mood and fulfill the wishes of her devotees. One version says that it was on this day that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk) when the Gods and demons were churning the sagara (ocean) for nectar (Amrit)

The other version is that when Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana, sought three feet of land from the generous demon king Bali, the latter had to surrender his head as Vamana had conquered the earth and the sky in two strides. Lord Vishnu banishes Bali into the Pathala Loka (netherland) by keeping his third stride on Bali's head. Later, pleased by his generosity, Lord Vishnu grants him a boon and he in turn requests the Lord to guard his palace at Pathala Loka.

Meanwhile, the Goddess is unable to bear the separation and her grief affects the functioning of the entire universe. Brahma and Lord Shiva offer themselves as guards and plead with Bali to relieve Vishnu. So, on the Amavasya day, Lord Vishnu returns to his abode and Goddess Lakshmi is delighted. It is believed that those who worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day would be bestowed with all the riches.

The third day is "Kartika Shudda Padyami." On this day Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami".

The fourth day is referred to as "Yama Dvitiya." On this day, sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

However, in the northern part of India it is celebrated as the return of Ram along with Sita and Lakshman from his 14 years of exile after killing Ravana. To commemorate his return to Ayodhya, his subjects illuminated the kingdom and burst crackers. For the Gujaratis, Marwaris and other business community Diwali marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and also the beginning of the new financial year.

For Bengalis, it is the time to worship Goddess Kali or Durga. The Goddess Durga continued her "Vilaya Tandava" even after killing demon Mahishasura.

Answer 9

a holliday in india,like our christmas