Diwali 2022
Diwali – the festival of lights is India’s most awaited and brightest of all festivals and comes somewhere around late October to mid-November every year.
When is Diwali 2022?
The 2022 Diwali celebration starts with Dhanteras on October 23, 2022, Sunday and ends with Bhai Dooj on October 27, 2022, Thursday. Lakshmi Puja, the most auspicious of Diwali festival days is celebrated as the day of Diwali. Hence, Diwali 2022 falls on Monday, October 24.
In 2022, North India will celebrate Diwali and South India will celebrate Deepavali on the same day.
In north India, Diwali is a five-day long celebration that commences with Dhanteras on the 13th lunar day of the Krishna paksha of the Indian month of Karthik. It ends with the celebration of Bhai Dooj which falls on the 17th lunar day of the Shukla paksha of the Indian month of Karthik. Both are taken from the Purimnata calendar.
Diwali illuminates our houses and hearts and preaches the message of friendship and togetherness. Light is the depiction of hope, success, knowledge, and fortune and Diwali reinforces our faith in these virtues of life.
Story behind Diwali
Since Diwali is the resemblance of everything that is ‘good’, this festival has been the center of many mythological stories.
Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on this day along with Sita and Lakshman after he attained victory over Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka. On this occasion, the local people lit earthen lamps and burst crackers to welcome their King and queen back to the throne.
This day is also celebrated as the union of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu in heaven.
In Bengal, this day is celebrated to worship the most powerful Goddess of ‘shakti’ – Devi Kali.
In the Jain culture, this day is of utmost importance as Mahavira attained the final ‘nirvana’ on this day.
In ancient India, this day was celebrated as the harvest festival.
Diwali also marks the death anniversary of Dayanand Saraswati, the ‘hero’ of the Arya Samaj.
Rituals of Diwali
Diwali is celebrated all across India in different forms and is thus an important National holiday too.
Diwali starts with Dhanteras the beginning of a new financial year, the second day is Naraka Chaturdasi, the day Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura; the third day is Amavasya, the day Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and fortune is worshipped.
The fourth day is Govardhan Puja and the last day is celebrated as Bhai Dooj, the day sisters worship their brothers and pray for their long life and well-being.
Feasting, gambling, exchanging gifts among friends and families, and bursting firecrackers are a must during Diwali. People also wear new clothes and worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on this day. This day is dedicated to the Special Lakshmi Puja.
In Southern India, Diwali marks the homecoming of their ancient King Mahabali and people decorate their houses with flowers and cow dung to welcome the King. Govardhan Puja is done on this day.
In Bengal and other parts of Eastern India, Goddess Kali is worshipped on this day. This is known as Shyama puja.
In Maharashtra, Diwali starts with the worshipping of cows and their calves. This is known as Vasu Baras.
Big Diwali fairs are held across the country. These fairs are centers of business and many artists and acrobats are seen performing in these events.
