🕯️ Diwali

October 24th marks one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism known as Diwali. Diwali is the Festival of Lights generally lasting 5 days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day to light half of the lunar month Kartikka. This joyous festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and how good triumphes over evil. Celebrations of Diwali differ depending on region and tradition. Among Hindus, the most distinguished custom is to is the lighting of diyas (small earthenware lamps filled with oil) on the new moon to invite Lakshmi who is the goddess of wealth. Many other regions celebrate Diwali in various different methods and reasons such as in South India the festival commemorates Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura. In North India, the festival celebrates the royal homecoming of Rama. During this remarkable festival, diyas are lit and placed in rows along the parapets of temples and houses and set adrift on rivers and streams. Homes are decorated and floors inside and out are with enveloped in rangoli, consisting of elaborate designs made of colored rice, sand or flower petals. The doors and windows of houses are kept open in desire that Lakshmi will find her way inside and bless the residents with eternal wealth and success. Likewise, Diwali is a time for visiting, exchanging gifts, donating to the less fortunate and most commonly setting off fireworks. Gambling, especially through card games, are encouraged of ensuring fortune in the coming year and in remembrance of Radha and Krishna. For more information on this sacred and fascinating festival, check out the website links down below to educate yourself further on Diwali.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Diwali-Hindu-festival https://parade.com/1191426/lindsaylowe/diwali/