What is Diwali and where is it Celebrated?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and by Hindu communities worldwide. It is a celebration known for its vibrant colours and large celebrations. It is also known as the Festival of Lights as it's all about lighting up the night with candles, lamps, and fireworks. Let's explore what Diwali is, how it's celebrated, when it is in 2024, and where it's celebrated around the world.

What is Diwali?

In the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities, Diwali is celebrated to express joy and devotion. It's a time for worship of the goddess Lakshmi, who embodies wealth and prosperity. But Diwali is more than just religious traditions. It's also about family reunions and community bonding. It brings a sense of togetherness, linking people to their roots and the warmth of home. People celebrate together by sharing gifts and enjoy festive meals with their loved ones.

When is Diwali in 2024?

Diwali isn't a one-day holiday; it's a five-day celebration. The big fireworks happen on the third day. In 2024, you can circle November 1 as your day to celebrate – it's a Friday full of Diwali dazzle.

How is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali is a celebration of light conquering darkness. Here's how people celebrate it traditionally:

• Lighting Diyas (lamp) and Candles

People place cup-shaped oil lamps known as diyas and candles in their homes and courtyards. This tradition symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and welcomes good fortune. Electric lights and LED decorations have also become popular in recent years.

Fireworks and crackers are also common throughout Diwali celebrations. However, due to the pollution they cause they are often banned. The exception being the "green" ones. If you are going to celebrate Diwali with crackers or fireworks, check local laws.

• Cleaning and Decoration

Cleaning surroundings is believed to invite the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, who brings prosperity to the family. People adorn home with decorative lights, colourful lanterns, and delicate rangoli designs. Rangoli is a traditional art form in which geometric patterns are created on the ground or floor. They use coloured rice, flower petals, or coloured powders.

• Puja (Prayers)

During Diwali, families come together for special prayers and religious ceremonies. People decorate their homes with marigolds, mango, and banana leaves. Then, they offer prayers to various deities, with a special focus on goddess Lakshmi.

• Feasting

Diwali features delightful sweets like Ladoos and savory snacks like Samosas. Ladoos are classic, round treats made with various ingredients, symbolizing happiness and togetherness. Samosas are triangular, crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes or other stuffings.

Where is Diwali celebrated around the world?

Diwali's light shines across the world. Diwali's sparkle unites people in many vibrant communities. From India and South Asian countries like Nepal and Malaysia to countries thousands of miles away, like Guyana, Fiji, and Mauritius.

Even far away from home, the vibe to celebrate Diwali does exist. Besides its roots in South Asia, the diaspora living in the US, Canada, UK, New Zealand, and Australia also celebrate Diwali. Pennsylvania in the US has even declared Diwali as an official holiday, emphasizing its cultural significance.

If you want to let loved ones back home know you are thinking about them, you can send them an eGift with Ding.

Australia has embraced Diwali, going beyond traditional norms. Dandenong Market in Melbourne isn't your typical market day. There's a live DJ dropping beats, Bollywood music filling the air, and food trucks tempting your taste buds. Rangoli and home decoration competitions? They turn the celebration into a canvas of vibrant colors.

In Sydney, Harris Park is where the magic happens. The streets come alive with the Diwali light show, inviting everyone to join. This brings Diwali to public space and engage locals to take part in the celebration. The shared enthusiasm from diverse communities makes Diwali a global party.

Diwali is a time of joy, love, and Indian cultural celebration. It's a vibrant celebration that brings people together, going beyond boundaries and cultures. It brightens our hearts with joy and togetherness. No matter where you are in the world, send a top-up to your loved ones during Diwali and share the joys of the Festival of Lights with them. Happy Diwali.