Happy Diwali! Diwali is observed on the 15th day of the Kartik month (the lunar new moon) as per the Hindu Lunar calendar. This year, the festival fell on Thursday, Nov. 4, with the new year starting Friday, Nov. 5. Sometimes called Deepavali, Diwali, is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated all around the globe.
Quick Facts about Diwali
1. Diwali is like a combination of Fourth of July, with fireworks and celebration, Thanksgiving, sharing meals with family and friends, and Christmas, exchanging of gifts.
2. For Hindus, Diwali is a time for dana (charitable giving) and seva (selfless service). During this festival, people clean their homes, decorate with lights and celebrate with family and friends. Many families also perform Lakshmi Puja and pray to the goddess of wealth to bless them with health, wealth and prosperity.
3. In addition to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists also celebrate Diwali.
4. The festival of lights signifies peace and joy, the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness every day. People will often line candles and lamps throughout their house and along their driveway to illuminate their surroundings and drive out darkness.
5. Each family might have their own puja (worship or ritual) based on traditions passed down from one generation to the next.
6. Hindus are considered polytheistic, but for many the Hindu gods can be considered representations of certain blessings, ultimately all tied to the main Godhead. Some consider this analogous to patron saints in the Catholic faith.
7. In the business community, Diwali also marks the closing of books and opening of new books for the beginning of the fiscal year.
