Dating back to ancient times, Diwali is one of the oldest, biggest and brightest holidays of India, signifying knowledge and light’s victory over ignorance and darkness.
It is believed the festival (also called Deepavali) originated as a festival held after the summer harvest season, during the Hindu month of Kartika. The event has been mentioned in scriptures written more than 2,000 years ago, though today its spiritual importance varies region to region. Even Sikhs and Jains celebrate the holiday to mark significant events in their own communities.
Ganesh scripting the Mahabharata, Shaktinagara Gopalakrishna Temple, Mangalore © Mahantesh C Morabad | Dreamstime
For some Hindus, Diwali is a festival honoring the return of Rama, who after 14 years of exile, rescued his wife from the demon Ravana, as told in the ancient epic, Ramayana. For others, it marks the return of the Pandavas who, after being unjustly banished to the forest, began the Kurukshetra War against the Kauravas, the story of which is depicted in Mahabharata.
One of the more common Diwali festivals is the worship of Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity, who on the first day of Diwali festivities was born out of samudra manthan, the churning of the cosmic ocean of milk. The night of Diwali marks Lakshmi’s commitment to Vishnu, while devotees make offerings to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles; Saraswati, goddess of art and knowledge; and Kubera, symbol of financial wisdom.
Diwali in Chandigarh © Harpreet Singh | Flickr
For Sikhs, Deepavali marks the Bandi Chhor Divas. The festival is celebrated by lighting up the Golden Temple in Amritsar, honoring the return of the 17th-century Guru Har Gobind and his fellow Hindu princes after being imprisoned at Fort Gwalior. Jains, on the other hand, honor Mahavira, who attained Nirvana Oct. 15, 527 BCE.
This year’s Diwali will take place Nov. 11, with festivities all over the world. With about 3 million Hindus living in America, there are sure to be celebrations taking place near you too.
Read This Next
Books to Read Before You Go To India
Destination
Mar 21, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America
You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Destinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
Destinations / Europe
Nov 20, 2024Where to Find the Best Stargazing Spots in Ireland
This year, the Northern Lights put on quite the display across Ireland, but don’t think these lights are the only thing you can see in Ireland. In fact, many spots across the country provide some of the best opportunities to stargaze thanks to low levels of light pollution. Ireland has three International Dark Sky Parks and even more spots which, although not accredited, are worth a visit for anyone wishing to see the sky in its unfiltered form.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Hotel
Nov 19, 2024A New Ritz-Carlton Comes to Cancún
After a hiatus, The Ritz-Carlton brand is coming back to Cancún, with the 2027 opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Cancún, Punta Nizuc.
ShareThis