The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.
Is Diwali a Hindu Christmas?
Unlike Hanukkah, which is a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish year, Diwali is India’s biggest holiday. Some liken it to Christmas, not just because of its significance but because it’s marked by non-Hindus, as well.
Is Diwali Christmas or New Year?
2) Diwali takes place annually and lasts for five days, marking the start of the Hindu New Year. The exact dates change each year and are determined by the position of the moon – but it usually falls between October and November.
Diwali is the “festival for lights” while christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ.
What is the Indian equivalent to Christmas?
Church on Christmas
Some families display small clay oil-burning lamps and decorate their homes with banana or mango leaves. Mango leaves are an important tradition because the mango tree is considered sacred, and its leaves are used to decorate for every special occasion.
Do Christians celebrate Diwali?
No, it is not Christmas, nor is it Hanukkah or Kwanzaa; steeped in mythical tales, religious devotion, and socio-cultural importance, it is the Hindu festival of Diwali, celebrated in India and throughout its diaspora spread across the world.
Is Christmas national holiday in India?
All-India holidays include Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). Festivals like Diwali, Christmas, Eidh, Guru Nanak Jayanthi, Good Friday, and so on are also bank holidays. Further, second and fourth Saturdays of the month are holidays.
Do all Indians celebrate Diwali?
Millions mark festival of lights
Millions of Hindus worldwide are celebrating Diwali, a celebration which symbolizes new beginnings. While India is the epicenter of the festival, Hindus across Asia and the world are gathering to mark the occasion. Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists also celebrate some version of the holiday.
Is Diwali celebrated by Muslims?
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists, although for each faith it marks different historical events and stories, but nonetheless the festival represents the same symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
Can non Hindu celebrate Diwali?
WatchDiwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, but each religion has its own reason for marking the occasion.
Why do Hindus celebrate Diwali?
Light is a universal symbol of inspiration. Perhaps that’s why Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, resonates with so many people around the world. … “People look to Diwali [because] it symbolizes the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and spiritual light over darkness,” she says.
How do Indian celebrate Diwali?
How families and friends get together to celebrate the Indian festival of lights
- Spending time together. People often visit their relatives during Diwali to spend time and celebrate the holiday with their loved ones. …
- Cooking up a feast. …
- Lighting up the holiday. …
- Diwali from day to night. …
- Celebrating through giving.
What is the Hindu holiday of Diwali?
Diwali is the five-day Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. Diwali, which for some also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations, is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.