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{{Infobox Holiday |
|holiday_name=<center>Diwali/</center> <!-- It does NOT render centered without the HTML tags, in IE, anyway. --><!-- This should render centered without html tags -->
|image=Diwali Diya.jpg
|caption=A row of lamps, part of the Diwali observance.
|nickname=Translation: Row of Lights; Deepavali, Festival of Lights
|observedby= Religiously by [[Hindu]]s, [[Sikh]]s and [[Jain]]s. Other Indians celebrate the cultural aspects.
|date=New moon day of [[Kartika (Indian month)|Kartika]], although the celebrations begin two days prior and end two days after that date
|observances=Prayers, Religious rituals (see [[puja]], [[prashad]])
|celebrations=Decorating homes with lights, [[Fireworks]], distributing sweets and gifts.
|type=Hindu
|longtype=Religious, [[India]]n
|significance=Celebrate victory over evil, and uplifting of spiritual darkness.
|date2005=[[November 3]]
|date2006=[[October 21]]
|date2007=[[November 9]]
|date2008=[[October 28]]
|date2009=[[October 17]]
|date2010=[[November 5]]
|date2011=[[October 26]]
|date2012=[[November 13]]
}}
'''Diwali''', or '''Deepavali''', (also called '''Tihar''' and '''Swanti''' in Nepal) (Markiscarali) is a major [[India]]n and [[Nepal]]ese festival, and a significant festival in [[Hinduism]], [[Sikhism]] and [[Jainism]]. <ref>Mahavira and His Teachings by A. N. Upadhye, Review: Richard J. Cohen, Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 102, No. 1 (Jan. - Mar., 1982), pp. 231-232</ref> Many legends are associated with Diwali. Today it is celebrated by [[Hindus]], [[Jains]] and [[Sikhs]] across the globe as the "'''Festival of Light'''," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being . The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists of Nepal, particularly the [[Newar]] [[Buddhists]].

According to one theory Diwali may have originated as a harvest festival, marking the last harvest of the year before winter. In an agrarian society this results in businessmen closing accounts, and beginning a new accounting year. The deity of wealth in Hinduism, goddess [[Lakshmi]] is therefore thanked on this day and everyone prays for a good year ahead. This is the common factor in Diwali celebrations all over the Indian subcontinent.

In many parts of [[India]], it is the homecoming of King [[Rama]] of [[Ayodhya]] after a 14-year exile in the forest.<ref>[http://www.swargarohan.org/Ramayana/Uttar-Kand.htm Ramcharitmanas, Uttarkand]</ref> The people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (deepa), thus its name, Deepawali, or simply shortened as Diwali. Southern India marks it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon [[Narakasura]]. In western India it is also in honor of the day King [[Bali (demon)|Bali]] went to rule the nether-world by the order of [[Vishnu]]. (There is another festival 'Onam' which is celebrated in Kerala around the month of August to mark this legend)

Diwali is celebrated on the first day of the lunar [[Kartika (month)|Kartika]] month, which comes in the month of October or November.

In [[Jainism]] it marks the [[nirvana]] of Lord [[Mahavira]], which occurred on October 15, 527 BCE. The Sikhs celebrate Diwali for a different reason; on this day, the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, was freed from imprisonment along with 52 Hindu Kings (political prisoners) whom he had arranged to be released as well. after his release he went to Darbar Sahib (golden temple) in the holy city of Amritsar. There, he was greeted by Sikhs and many other people. In happiness they lit candles and diyas to greet the Guru.
In India, Diwali is now considered to be a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith.<ref>[http://festivals.iloveindia.com/divali/history-of-divali.html History of Diwali]</ref>

==Etymology==
The [[Sanskrit]] bine array of lights that stands for victory of brightness over darkness. As the knowledge of Sanskrit diminished, the name was popularly modified to Diwali, especially in northern India. The word "Divali/Diwali" is a [[Corruption (linguistics)|corruption]] of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali" (also transliterated as "Dipavali"). Deep/dip means "light of the dharma", and avali means "a continuous line". The more literal translation is "rows of clay lamps".

==Dates in various calendars==
Kidha is celebrated for a differing number of days by different communities. Though the core days are common and fall on exactly the same set of days across Nepal and India, they fall in different Gregorian months depending on the version of the Hindu calendar being used in the given region.
The ''Amanta'' ("ending on the new-moon") version of the [[Hindu Calendar]] has been adopted as the Indian national calendar. According to this calendar, which is prevalent in [[southern India]] and [[Maharashtra]], the 6-day celebration is spread over the last four days of the month of [[Ashwin]] and the first two days of the new month of [[Kartika]]. According to the ''Purnimanta'' ("ending on the full-moon") version prevalent in [[northern India]], it falls in the middle of the month of Ashwayuja/Ashvin.
In the [[Gregorian calendar]], it falls generally in the months of October or November. In 2006, it was celebrated on [[October 21]], a Saturday. In 2007 it was celebrated on [[November 9]], a Friday.
In Nepal, it is celebrated according to [[Nepal Sambat|Nepalese calendar]]. The festival marks the last three days and the first two days of Nepalese era.

==Significance in Hinduism==
[[Image:Office Complex.jpg|thumb|right|Oil lamps on the eve of Diwali.]]
The festival marks the victory of good over evil, and uplifting of spiritual darkness. Symbolically it marks the homecoming of goodwill and faith after an absence, as suggested by the [[Ramayana]].

On the day of Diwali, many wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks. Some North Indian business communities start their financial year on Diwali and new account books are opened on this day.


[[Hindu]]s have several significant events associated with it:
* '''Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya''': Diwali also celebrates the return of [[Rama|Lord Rama]], King of [[Ayodhya]], with his wife [[Sita]] and brother [[Lakshmana]] to [[Ayodhya]] after a 14 year exile, and a war in which he killed the demon king [[Ravana]]. It is believed that the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness. Since Lord Rama traveled from South India to his kingdom in North India, he passed through the south earlier. This is the reason why the festival is celebrated a day earlier in South India.
* '''The Killing of Narakasura''': Celebrated as Naraka Chaturdasi, two days before Diwali day, it commemorates the killing of [[Narakasura]], an evil demon who created havoc, by Lord [[Krishna]]'s wife [[Satyabhama]]. This happened in the [[Dwapar Yuga]] during this time of Lord Krishna's [[avatar]]. In another version, the demon was killed by Lord [[Krishna]] (Lord krishna provokes his wife Satyabhama to kill Narakasura by pretending to be injured by the demon. Narakasura can only be killed by his mother, Satyabhama) himself.{{Fact|date=November 2007}} Before Narakasura's death, he requested a boon from his mother, Satyabhama (believed to be an Avatar of [[Bhudevi]] - Narakasura' mother), that everyone should celebrate his death with colorful light.
* '''Austerities of [[Shakti]]:''' According to the [[Skanda Purana]], the goddess [[Shakti]] observed 21 days of austerity starting from [[ashtami]] of shukla paksha (eighth day of the waxing period of moon) to get half of the body of [[Lord Shiva]]. This [[vrata]] (austerity) is known as kedhara vrata. Deepavali is the completion day of this austerity. This is the day Lord Shiva accepted Shakti into the left half of the form and appeared as [[Ardhanarishvara]]. The ardent devotees observe this 21 days vrata by making a [[kalash]]a with 21 threads on it and 21 types of offerings for 35 days. The final day is celebrated as kedhara gauri vrata.
* '''Krishna defeating [[Indra]]:''' Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali. It is the day Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the deity of thunder and rain. As per the story, Krishna saw huge preparations for the annual offering to Lord Indra and questions his father Nanda about it. He debated with the villagers about what their 'dharma' truly was. They were farmers, they should do their duty and concentrate on farming and protection of their cattle. He continued to say that all human beings should merely do their 'karma', to the best of their ability and not pray for natural phenomenon. The villagers were convinced by Krishna, and did not proceed with the special puja (prayer). Indra was then angered, and flooded the village. Krishna then lifted Mt Govardhan and held it up as protection to his people and cattle from the rain. Indra finally accepted defeat and recognized Krishna as supreme. This aspect of Krishna's life is mostly glossed over - but it actually set up the basis of the 'karma' philosophy later detailed in the ''Bhagavat Gita''.
*'''Bali's return to the nether world''':In Bhavishyottara and [[Brahma Vaivarta Purana]], Diwali is associated with the Daitya king Bali, who is allowed to return to earth once a year. However in Kerala this is the reason 'Onam' is celebrated. 'Onam' festival falls around the month of August-September.

===Spiritual Significance===
[[Image:Diwalipuja.jpg|right|thumb|Hindu [[puja]] on the eve of Diwali.]]

While Deepavali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light".

Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the [[Atman (Hinduism)|Atman]]. Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Deepavali is the celebration of this Inner Light, in particular the knowing of which outshines all darkness (removes all obstacles and dispels all ignorance), awakening the individual to one's true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, [[Immanence|immanent]] and [[Transcendence (religion)|transcendent]] reality. With the realization of the Atman comes universal compassion, love, and the awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This brings Ananda (Inner Joy or Peace).

Diwali celebrates this through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship. While the story behind Deepavali varies from region to region, the essence is the same - to rejoice in the Inner Light ([[Atman (Hinduism)|Atman]]) or the underlying reality of all things ([[Brahman]]).

=== The six days===
Diwali celebrations are spread over six days in some of North India and Nepal. All the days except Diwali are named according to their designation in the [[Hindu]] calendar.

[[Image:Knadil.JPG|thumb|right|Diwali being festival of lights, across India people celebrate it via symbolic diyas or kandils (colorful paper lanterns) as an integral part of Diwali decorations.]]
# ''[[Vasu Baras]]'' (27 ''[[Ashvin]]'' or 12 ''[[Paksha|Krishna Paksha]] [[Ashvin]]''): Baras means 12th day and vasu means cow. On this day cow and calf is worshipped. Since it is believed that cow is symbol of God, Diwali is begun by worshipping cow and calf.
# ''[[Dhanteras|Dhanatrayodashi or Dhan teras]]'' (28 ''[[Ashvin]]'' or 13 ''[[Paksha|Krishna Paksha]] [[Ashvin]]''): Dhan means "wealth" and Trayodashi means "13th day". Thus, as the name implies, this day falls on the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month. It is an auspicious day for shopping of utensils and gold.This day is also regarded as the Jayanti of God Dhanvantri who came out during the churning of the great ocean by the gods and the demons. [http://www.shanidham.com/astrology/hindu%20festivals/deepawali/deepawalien/dhanvantripoojan.html Dhanvantri Jayanti]
# ''[[Naraka Chaturdashi]]'' (29 ''[[Ashvin]]'' or 14 ''[[Paksha|Krishna Paksha]] [[Ashvin]]''): ''Chaturdashi'' is the fourteenth day on which demon Narakasura was killed. It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness (Gujarati: Kali Chaudas).<br>In south India, this is the actual day of festivities. Hindus wake up way before dawn as early as 2:00 in the morning, have a fragrant oil bath and wear new clothes. They light small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate [[kolam]]s /[[rangoli]]s outside their homes. They perform a special [[puja]] with offerings to Lord Sri Krishna or Lord Sri Vishnu, as he liberated the world from the demon Narakasura on this day. It is believed that taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy [[Ganges]]. Hence, when people greet each other in the morning, they ask "Have you performed your Ganga Snaanam?". <br />After the puja, children burst firecrackers heralding the defeat of the demon. As this is a day of rejoicing, many will have very elaborate breakfasts and lunches and meet family and friends. In the evening, lamps are again lit and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped and offered special dishes. This being a no moon day, many will offer special tarpana (offerings of water and sesame seeds) to their ancestors. This day is also called as [http://www.shanidham.com/astrology/hindu%20festivals/deepawali/deepawalien/roopchaturdashi.html Roop Chaturdashi]
# ''[[Lakshmi Puja]]'' (30 ''[[Ashvin]]'' or 15 ''[[Paksha|Krishna Paksha]] [[Ashvin]]''): Lakshmi Puja marks the most important day of Diwali celebrations. [[Hindu]] homes worship [[Lakshmi]], the goddess of wealth, and [[Ganesh]], the God of auspicious beginnings, and then light lamps all across the streets and homes to welcome prosperity and wellbeing.
# ''[[Govardhan Puja]]'' (1 ''[[Kartika (month)|Kartika]]'' or 1 ''[[Paksha|Shukla Paksha]] [[Kartika (month)|Kartika]]'') : Also called ''Annakut'', is celebrated as the day Krishna defeated Indra. Lord Krishna taught people to worship nature, as mountains bring rains to earth. That was the reason to stop worshiping Indra. His was the message that we should take care of our nature. For ''Annakut'' a mountain of food is decorated symbolizing Govardhan mountain lifted by Lord Krishna. In Maharashtra it is celebrated as Padva or BaliPratipada. The day commemorates King Bali. Men present gifts to their wives on this day.In Gujarat, it is celebrated as New Year, as Vikram Samvat starts on this day.
# ''[[Bhaiduj]]'' (also Bhayyaduj, [[Bhaubeej]] or Bhayitika) (2 ''[[Kartika (month)|Kartika]]''or 2 ''[[Paksha|Shukla Paksha]] [[Kartika (month)|Kartika]]''): on this day, brothers and sisters meet to express their love and affection for each other (Gujarati: Bhai Bij, Bengali: Bhai Phota). Most Indian festivals bring together families, Bhaiduj brings together married sisters and brothers, and is a significant festive day for them. This festival is ancient, and pre-dates 'Raksha Bandhan' another brother-sister festival celebrated in the present day.

=== Lakshmi Puja ===
Diwali marks the end of the harvest season in most of India. Farmers are thankful for the plentiful bounty of the year gone by, and pray for a good harvest for the year to come. Traditionally this marked the closing of accounts for businesses dependent on the agrarian cycle, and the last major celebration before winter. The deity of Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead.
There are two legends that associate the worship of Goddess [[Lakshmi]] on this day. According to first one, on this day, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagar, the Ocean of Milk, during the great churning of the oceans, [[Samudra manthan]]. The second legend(more popular in western India) relates to the [[Vamana]] avatar of [[Vishnu]], the incarnation he took to kill the demon king [[Bali]], thereafter it was on this day, that Vishnu came back to his abode, the [[Vaikuntha]], so those who worship Lakshmi (Vishnu's consort) on this day, get the benefit of her benevolent mood, and are blessed with mental, physical and material well-being.<ref>[http://www.indiaexpress.com/faith/festivals/dhistory.html Diwali History]</ref>

As per spiritual references, on this day "Lakshmi-panchayatan" enters the Universe. Sri Vishnu, Sri Indra, Sri Kuber, Sri Gajendra and Sri Lakshmi are elements of this "panchayatan" (a group of five).
The tasks of these elements are:

* [[Vishnu]]: Happiness (happiness and satisfaction)
* [[Indra]]: Opulence (satisfaction due to wealth)
* Kubera: Wealth (Generosity; one who gives away wealth)
* Gajendra: Carries the wealth
* [[Lakshmi]]: Divine Energy ([[Shakti]]) which provides energy to all the above activities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism/festivals/diwali/details.php|work=hindujagruti.org|title= Importance of various days of Divali|accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref>

== In Jainism ==
[[Image:PavaPansara.jpg|thumb|right|Replica of Pava temple at Pansara. Mahavira attained Nirvana at [[Pawapuri|Pava]].]]
Diwali has a very special significance in Jainism, just like [[Buddha Purnima]], the date of Buddha's [[Nirvana]], is for Buddhists as [[Christmas]] is for Christians. [[Lord Mahavira]], the last of the [[Jain]] [[Tirthankar]]as, attained [[Nirvana]] or [[Moksha]] on this day at [[Pavapuri]] on Oct. 15, 527 BCE, on Chaturdashi of Kartika, as Tilyapannatti of [[Yativrsabha|Yativrashaba]] from the sixth century states:

Lord Mahavira is responsible for establishing the [[Dharma]] followed by Jains even today. According to tradition, the chief disciple of [[Mahavira]], Ganadhara [[Gautam Swami]] also attained complete knowledge (Kevalgyana) on this day, thus making Diwali one of the most important Jain festivals.

Lord Mahavira attained his nirvana at the dawn of the [[amavasya]] (new moon). According to the [[Kalpasutra]] by [[Acharya]] [[Bhadrabahu]], 3rd century BC, many gods were presentthaer, illuminating the darkness<ref>Sacred Books of the East, vol. 22: Gaina Sutras Part I, translated by Hermann Jacobi [1884]</ref>. The following night was pitch black without the light of the gods or the moon. To symbolically keep the light of their master's knowledge alive.

<blockquote>
16 Gana-kings, 9 Malla and 9 Lichchhavi, of Kasi and Kosal, illuminated their doors. They said: "Since the light of knowledge is gone, we will make light of ordinary matter" ("गये से भवुज्जोये, दव्वुज्जोयं करिस्समो").
</blockquote>

Deepavali was first mentioned in [[Jain]] books as the date of the [[nirvana]] of Lord [[Mahavira]]. In fact, the oldest reference to Diwali is a related word, dipalikaya or deepalikaya, which occurs in Harivamsha-Purana, written by Acharya [[Jinasena]] <ref>Encyclopaedia of Indian literature vol. 2, Published 1988, Sahitya Akademi ISBN 8126011947 </ref>and composed in the [[Saka Era|Shaka Samvat]] era in the year 705.

<blockquote>
ततस्तुः लोकः प्रतिवर्षमादरत् प्रसिद्धदीपलिकयात्र भारते |<br>
समुद्यतः पूजयितुं जिनेश्वरं जिनेन्द्र-निर्वाण विभूति-भक्तिभाक् |२० |<br>
tatastuh lokah prativarsham-aadarat<br>
prasiddha-deepalikaya-aatra bharate<br>
samudyatah poojayitum jineshvaram<br>
jinendra-nirvana vibhuti-bhaktibhak
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Translation: The gods illuminated Pavanagari by lamps to mark the occasion. Since that time, the people of Bharat celebrate the famous festival of "Dipalika" to worship the Jinendra (i.e. Lord Mahavira) on the occasion of his nirvana.
</blockquote>

Deepalikaya roughly translates as "light leaving the body". Dipalika, which can be roughly translated as "splenderous light of lamps", is used interchangeably with the word "Diwali".

The way Jains celebrate Diwali is different in many respects. There is a note of asceticism in whatever the Jains do, and the celebration of Diwali is not an exception. The Jains celebrate Diwali during the month of Kartik for three days. During this period, among the Shvetambaras, devoted Jains observe fasting and chant the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, which contain the final pravachans of Lord Mahavira, and meditate upon him. Some Jains visit [[Pavapuri]] in Bihar where he attained Nirvan. In may temples special laddus are offered particularly on this day.

'''Vira Nirvana [[Samvat]]''': The Jain year starts with Pratipada following Diwali. Vira Nirvana [[Samvat]] 2534 starts with Diwali 2007. The Jain businesspeople traditionally started their accounting year from Diwali. The relationship between the Vir and Shaka era is given in Titthogali Painnaya and Dhavalaa by Acharya [[Virasena]]:<br>
पंच य मासा पंच य वास छच्चेव होन्ति वाससया|<br>
परिणिव्वुअस्स अरिहितो तो उप्पन्नो सगो राया||

Thus the Nirvana occurred 605 years and 5 months before the Saka era.

On 21st October 1974 the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsava was celebrated by all the Jain throughout India<ref>Mahavira and His Teachings by A. N. Upadhye, Review: Richard J. Cohen, Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 102, No. 1 (Jan. - Mar., 1982), pp. 231-232</ref>.

==Significance in Sikhism==
The story of Diwali for the [[Sikhs]] is a story of the Sikh struggle for freedom. From the time of [[Guru Nanak]] (1469 – 1539), the founder of [[Sikhism]], popular seasonal or folk festivals like the harvest festival of [[Baisakhi]], or previously ancient Hindu festivals such as [[Holi]] and Diwali began to take on a new significance for the Guru’s students, the Sikhs. The Guru used these festivals and special days e.g. first day of each lunar month, as symbols or pegs for his teaching themes. The enlightened ideology of [[Guru Nanak]] gave new significance to ancient festivals like Diwali and [[Baisakhi]]

===Bandi Chhorh Divas===
[[Image:Deepawali.jpg|thumb|right|Shri Darbar Sahib, [[Amritsar]] being lit up for Diwali.]]
For [[Sikhs]], Diwali is particularly important because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, [[Guru Hargobind Ji]], (hence also called "'''Bandi Chhorh Diwas'''" or "the day of release of detainees") and 52 other princes with him, from the Gwalior Fort in 1619.

The Sikh tradition holds that the Mughal Emperor [[Jahangir]] had imprisoned Guru Hargobind and 52 other rajas (princes). Emperor Jahangir had imprisoned the sixth Guru because he was afraid of the Guru's growing following and power. The Emperor was asked to release Guru Hargobind which he agreed to do. However, Guru Hargobind asked that the princes be released also. The Emperor agreed, but said only those who could hold onto his cloak tail would be allowed to leave the prison. This was in order to limit the number of prisoners who could leave.

However, Guru Hargobind had made a large cloak with 52 pieces of string and so each prince was able to hold onto one string and leave prison.

Sikhs celebrated the return of Guru Hargobind Ji by lighting the Golden Temple and this tradition continues today.

===Martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji===
Another important [[Sikh]] event associated with Diwali is the martyrdom in 1734 of the elderly Sikh scholar and strategist [[Bhai Mani Singh]], the Granthi (priest) of Harmandir Sahib ([[Harmandir Sahib|Golden Temple]]). He had refused to pay a special tax on a religious meeting of the [[Khalsa]] on the Diwali day. This and other Sikh martyrdoms gave further momentum to the Khalsa struggle for freedom and eventually success in establishing the Khalsa rule north of Delhi

Bhai Mani Singh was a great scholar and he transcribed the final version of [[Guru Granth Sahib]] upon dictation from [[Guru Gobind Singh]] Ji in 1704. He took charge of Harmandir Sahib's management on 1708. In 1737, he received permission from [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] governor of Punjab, Zakarya Khan for celebrating Diwali at Golden Temple for a massive tax of Rs. 5,000 (some authors say it was Rs 10,000). Invitations were sent to the Sikhs all over India to join Bandi Chhorh Diwas celebrations at Harmandir Sahib. Bhai Mani Singh thought he would collect the tax-money from the Sikhs as subscriptions who would assemble for the purpose of Diwali Celebrations. But Bhai Mani Singh Ji later discovered the secret plan of Zakarya Khan to kill the Sikhs during the gathering. Bhai Mani Singh Ji immediately sent message to all the Sikhs not to turn up for celebrations. Bhai Mani Singh could not manage to arrange the money to be paid for tax. Zakariya Khan was not happy about the situation and he ordered Bhai Mani Singh's assassination at [[Lahore]] by ruthlessly cutting him limb-by-limb to death. Ever since, the great sacrifice & devotion of martyr Bhai Mani Singh Ji is remembered on the Bandi Chhorh Diwas (Diwali) celebration.

===Uprising against the Mughal Empire===
The festival of Diwali became the second most important day after the [[Baisakhi]], when [[Khalsa]] was formally established by the Tenth [[Guru Gobind Singh]] in 1699.

The Sikh struggle for freedom, which intensified in the 18th century, came to be centered around this day. After the execution of [[Banda Bahadur]] in 1716, who had led the agrarian uprising in [[Punjab region|Punjab]], the Sikhs started the tradition of deciding matters concerning the community at the biennial meetings which took place at [[Amritsar]] on the first of Baisakh and at Diwali. These assemblies were known as the "''Sarbat Khalsa''" and a resolution passed by it became a "''gurmata''" (decree of the Guru).

==Diwali in different regions of India==

The celebrations vary in different regions:

===In South India===

* In [[Southern India]], ''naraka [[chaturdashi]]'' is the main day, with celebration with firecrackers at dawn after lakshmi puja.
* The main festival in North India is on ''[[Amavasya]]'' (New moon day) evening with ''[[Lakshmi]] [[Puja]]'' which is followed by lighting of oil lamps around the house.
* The third day is celebreated as Balipadyami as the day of Vamana's victory over '[[Mahabali]]'

===In Maharashtra===
[[Image:Diyas.jpg|thumb|A circular arrangement of [[diya]]s.]]
In [[Maharashtra]], Diwali starts from ''Vasubaras'' which is the 12th day of the 2nd half of the month of ''Ashwin''. This day is celebrated by performing an ''[[Aarti]]'' of the cow and its calf- which is a symbol of love between mother and her baby.

The next day is ''Dhanatrayodashi'' (tra-3 dashi-10 i.e. 10+3=13th day) or ''Dhanteras''. This day is of special importance for traders and business people.

The 14th day of ''Ashwin'' is ''Narakchaturdashi''. On this day before sunrise, people wake up and bathe after rubbing scented oil on their body (they also bathe using ''[[Utna]]''). After this the entire family visits a temple and offers prayers to their God. After this visit, everyone feasts on ''Faral'' which is a special Diwali preparation consisting of delectable sweets such as "''karanji''", "''ladoo''", "''shankarpale''" and "''mithai''" as well as some spicy eatables like "''chakli''", "''sev''" and "''chivda''".

Then comes ''Laxmi- poojan''. It occurs on ''Amavasya'' i.e. no moon day. The dark night is illuminated by lamps and at dusk [[fire cracker|crackers]] are burst. New account books are opened after a ''pooja''. The [[stock exchange]] performs a token bidding called ''Muhurta'' bidding. Generally the traders do not make any payments on that day (according to their belief ''Laxmi'' should not be given away but must come home). In every household, cash, jewellery and an idol of the goddess [[Laxmi]] is worshipped. Friends, neighbours and relatives are invited over and celebrations are in full swing. The broom used to clean one's house is also worshipped as a symbol of [[laxmi]] in some places .

''Padwa' is the 1st day of the new month - ''Kartik'' in the Hindu calendar.

''Bhaubeej'' - it is the time where in the bond of love between a brother and sister is further strengthened as the sister asks God for her brother/s long and successful life while she receives presents from her beloved brother/s.

Homes are cleaned and decorated before ''Diwali''. Offices perform ''pooja''. Bonuses and holidays are granted to employees on these auspicious days. People buy property and gold on these days too. Children build replica forts in memory of the founder of [[Maratha empire]], [[Shivaji Maharaj]]. For children, Fire works, new clothes and sweets make Deepavali the most eagerly awaited festival of the year.

=== In Bengal (Dipavali) ===
{{further|[[Festivals in Kolkata]]}}
'''Kali Puja''' is light-up night for [[Kolkata]], corresponding to the festival of Diwali (pronounced ''Dipabali'' in Bengali), where people light candles in memory of the souls of departed ancestors. The Goddess [[Kali]] is worshipped at night on one night during this festival. This is also a night of [[fireworks]], with local youth burning sparklers and crackers throughout the night. Kolkata had to pass [[legislature]] a few years back to ban fireworks which break the 65 [[decibel]] sound limit, as ambient noise levels were going up to 90 [[decibels]] or more in parts of the city.

==Melas==
{{main article|Mela}}
[[Image:Mehndi-cu.jpg|thumb|left|[[Mehndi]] is applied on women's hands at a Diwali Mela.]]
To add to the festival of Diwali, fairs (or '[[mela]]s') are held throughout India.<ref> {{cite book | first=Dilip | last=Kadowala| title=Diwali | publisher=Evans Brothers Limited | location=London | year=1998 | isbn=0-237-51801-5}} </ref> Melas are to be found in many towns and villages. A mela generally becomes a market day in the countryside when farmers buy and sell produce. Girls and women dress attractively during the festival. They wear colourful clothing and new jewelry, and their hands are [[Mehndi|decorated]] with [[henna]] designs.

Among the many activities that take place at a mela are performances by [[jugglers]], [[acrobats]], [[Snake charming|snake charmers]] and [[fortune tellers]]. Food stalls are set up, selling sweet and spicy foods. There are a variety of rides at the fair, which include [[Ferris wheel]]s and rides on animals such as [[elephants]] and [[camels]]. Activities for children, such as puppet shows, occur throughout the day.

== In other parts of the world ==
[[Image:2003 1025 193349AA.JPG|thumb|right|Diwali celebrations in [[Coventry]], [[United Kingdom]].]]

[[Image:Divalinagar.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Divali Nagar]] or Diwali village in [[Chaguanas]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]].]]

[[Image:Deepavali, Little India, Singapore, Oct 06.JPG|thumb|right|In Singapore, Diwali is marked by 2 kilometres of lights across the [[Little India, Singapore|Little India]] area.]]

Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world, in countries such as the [[United Kingdom]], the [[Netherlands]], [[New Zealand]], [[Suriname]], [[Canada]], [[Guyana]], [[Mauritius]], [[Fiji]], [[Japan]], [[Indonesia]], [[Malaysia]], [[Myanmar]], [[Nepal]], [[Singapore]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[South Africa]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[Thailand]], [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Australia]], much of [[Africa]], and the [[United States]].<ref> {{Cite web|url=http://www.diwalifestival.org/diwali-celebrations-around-the-world.html|work=diwalifestival.org|title= Diwali Celebrations Around The World|accessdate=2006-08-27}} </ref> With more and more Indians and Sri Lankans now migrating to various parts of the world, the number of countries where Diwali is celebrated has been gradually increasing. While in some countries it is celebrated mainly by Indian expatriates, in others it has become part of the general local culture. In most of these countries Diwali is celebrated on the same lines as described in this article with some minor variations. Some important variations are worth mentioning.

In [[Nepal]], Diwali is known as "Tihar" or "Swanti". It is celebrated during the October/November period. Here the festival is celebrated for five days and the traditions vary from those followed in India. On the first day (Kaag tihar), crows are given offerings, considering them to be divine messengers. On the second day (Kukur tihar), dogs are worshipped for their honesty. On the third day, Laxmi puja and worship of cow is performed. This is the last day according to [[Nepalese calendar|Nepal Sambat]], so many of the businessmen clear their accounts on this day and on finishing it, worship goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. The fourth day is celebrated as new year. Cultural processions and other celebrations are observed in this day. The Newars celebrate it as "Mha Puja", a special ritual in which the body is worshipped to keep it fit and healthy for the year ahead on this day. On the fifth and final day called "Bhai Tika", brothers and sisters meet and exchange pleasantries.

In [[Trinidad and Tobago]], communities all over the [[Caribbean|islands]] get together and celebrate the festival. One major celebration that stands out is the Diwali Nagar, or Village of the Festival of Lights. It features stage performances by the east Indian cultural practitioners, a folk theatre featuring skits and plays, an exhibition on some aspect of Hinduism, displays by various Hindu religious sects and social organizations, nightly worship of Goddess Lakshmi, lighting of deeyas, performances by various schools related to Indian culture, and a food court with Indian and non-Indian vegetarian delicacies. The festival culminates with magnificent fireworks displays ushering in Diwali. Thousands of people participate in an atmosphere devoid of alcohol and in a true family environment.

In [[Malaysia]], Diwali is known as "Hari Deepavali," and is celebrated during the seventh month of the Hindu solar calendar. It is a federal public holiday throughout Malaysia. In many respects it resembles the traditions followed in the Indian subcontinent. 'Open houses' are held where Hindu Malaysians welcome fellow Malaysians of different races and religions to their house for a sumptious meal. 'Open house' or 'rumah terbuka' is a practice very much unique to Malaysia and shows the goodwill and friendly ties practised by all Malaysians during any festive occasion.

In [[Singapore]], the festival is called "Deepavali", and is a [[Holidays in Singapore|gazetted public holiday]]. Observed primarily by the minority Indian community, it is typically marked by a light-up in the [[Little India, Singapore|Little India]] district. The Hindu Endowment Board of Singapore along with Singapores' government organizes many cultural events around Deepavali time.

In [[Sri Lanka]], this festival is also called "Deepavali" and is celebrated by the Tamil community. On this day, it is traditional for people to wear new clothes and exchange pleasantries.

In [[United Kingdom|Britain]], [[Hindus]] and [[Sikhs]] celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm and in most ways very similarly to as in India. People clean and decorate their homes with lamps and candles.A popular type of candle used to represent this holiday is a diya. People also give each other sweets such as [[laddoo]] and [[barfi]], and the different communities may gather from around the country for a religious ceremony and get-together. It is also an important time to contact family in India and perhaps exchange gifts through the post. It is a greatly celebrated holiday and is a great way to connect with the culture and heritage of India. Diwali is becoming a well known festival in Britain and non-Indians also join in the festivities. [[Leicester]] plays hosts to some of the biggest celebrations outside of India itself.

In [[New Zealand]], Diwali is celebrated publically among many of the South Asian diaspora cultural groups. There are main public festivals in Auckland and Wellington, with other events around the country becoming more popular and visible. An official reception has been held at the New Zealand Parliament since 2003.<ref>[http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-Sch091JMS-t1-g1-t5.html Diwali Downunder: Transforming and Performing Indian Tradition in Aotearoa/New Zealand]. New Zealand Journal of Media Studies 9(1): 25-35 (2005) (ISSN 1173 0811).</ref>

==Fireworks==
[[Image:UT Tower Diwali fireworks 2007.jpg|left|thumb|Fireworks in Diwali celebration at [[The University of Texas at Austin]], 2007]]
To enhance the joy of Diwali both the young and the old light firecrackers and fireworks at night. Nowadays there is a significant growth in campaigns on creating awareness over the adverse impacts of noise and air pollution. Some Governments drive to keep the festival less noisy and pollution-free. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has banned production of crackers with noise levels of over 125 decibels.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2003/10/16/stories/2003101605210400.htm Pollution board bans 1000 walas, hydrogen bombs] --Accessed on March 11, 2007</ref> In survey of UP Pollution Control Board, it was revealed that the emission of smoke was found more in the light illuminating fire crackers. Levels of SO<sub>2</sub> ([[Sulfur dioxide]]) and RSPM (respirable suspended particulate matter) was found marginally higher on Diwali day. Crackers, which use large quantities of sulfur and paper, spew out sulfur dioxide and charcoal into the air, also lead and other metallic substances are suspended in the air causing respiratory problems.<ref> [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/919653.cms Mild crackers are fine, atomic bombs are not] -- Accessed on March 11, 2007</ref> Considering these facts, bursting of crackers is prohibited in silent zones i.e. near hospitals, schools and courts.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{dmoz|Society/Holidays/Diwali}}


{{HinduFestivals}}

[[Category:Hindu holy days]]
[[Category:Fireworks]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals]]
[[Category:Jain festivals]]
[[Category:Festivals in India]]
[[Category:October observances]]
[[Category:November observances]]
[[Category:Sanskrit words and phrases]]

[[ar:ديوالي]]
[[bg:Дивали]]
[[cy:Divali]]
[[da:Divali]]
[[de:Diwali]]
[[es:Diwali]]
[[eo:Divali]]
[[fa:دیوالی]]
[[fr:Divâlî]]
[[hi:दीपावली]]
[[id:Deepavali]]
[[it:Diwali]]
[[he:דיוואלי]]
[[kn:ದೀಪಾವಳಿ]]
[[lt:Divali]]
[[ml:ദീപാവലി]]
[[mr:दीपावली]]
[[ms:Hari Deepavali]]
[[nl:Diwali]]
[[ja:ディーワーリー]]
[[no:Divali]]
[[nn:Dipavali]]
[[pl:Diwali]]
[[pt:Diwali]]
[[ru:Дивали]]
[[simple:Diwali]]
[[sk:Díválí]]
[[fi:Diwali]]
[[sv:Diwali]]
[[ta:தீபாவளி]]
[[te:దీపావళి]]
[[ur:دیوالی]]
[[zh:屠妖節]]

Revision as of 16:20, 13 October 2008

it was bout a little girl that has 3 arms she couldnt eat or walk....

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