Indian festival of fire. Diwali festival: what is celebrated in India at the festival of lights. The legend of the origin of the holiday
India, with its 5,000-year-old complex history, which ranks second in terms of population in the world, is home to a multiethnic people.
Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism originated on the Indian peninsula. Followers of these religions make up over 80% of the total population. For them, Diwali is the main holiday of India.
Traditions and Meaning of Diwali
Having a deep religious and symbolic meaning, Diwali - the "Fire Festival", marks the victory of the forces of light, creation and knowledge over chaos, destruction and ignorance. In the fundamental religious directions of the country, true wisdom and light mean adherence to orthodox canons, and ignorance - apostasy, personifies darkness. Other good reasons for the holiday are the end of the harvest and the arrival of the New Year.
The celebration lasts 5 days and falls at the end of autumn, when after the monsoon rainy season comes the winter period. The date of the holiday is determined by lunar calendar.
Anyone can take part in the holiday, regardless of nationality and religion.
Indians put on new clothes, tidy up the house, decorate the entrance with flower garlands, and install lamps at the doors.
In addition to physical purity, spiritual purity is required, the rejection of vices and passions. Lust, greed, anger, self-centeredness, excessive love for the delights of the material world are not appropriate these days. To harmonize all levels of consciousness, meditation is carried out. Each day of celebration has its own history, certain ritual and traditions.
Day 1
God Dhanvantari, who was born from the ocean, brought the knowledge of Ayurveda to people. After taking a bath at sunset, Hindus offer a burning lamp and prasad (sacred food for offering) to Yamaraja, the deity personifying Death, with a request to prolong his existence.
Residents throw old things out of the house, acquire decorations and dishes, puffed rice and sugar figurines - an indispensable accessory of the festive ceremony.
Day 2
Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, freeing the world from horror.
The participants of the holiday make a relaxing oil massage of the body, bathe and relax, gaining energy for the celebration. Firecrackers begin.
Day 3
The apogee of the holiday. Honor the Goddess of wealth and happiness Lakshmi. Lamps illuminate her path and attract her to her home. In temples, bells are rung and drums are beaten; in the afternoon, it is time for fireworks.
Day 4
Krishna created the Govardhan Parvat hill to protect people from the wrath of Indra. The attendants of the sanctuaries bathe the deities in milk and dress them in sparkling clothes with precious ornaments, bring ritual sweets, then offer them to visitors.
Day 5
The final day of celebrations is dedicated to the relationship of sisters and brothers. The brothers make gifts and congratulate the sisters, who pray for the brothers and treat them to festive food.
Everyone can witness and take part in Diwali these days, not necessarily in India, but also in numerous Hindu and Buddhist communities rooted in a number of countries.
Differences in Diwali in different states
When holding Diwali, each state of the country has its own differences.
In the Western Provinces, merchant communities are starting a new fiscal year. Festive illumination at night fills the surroundings of shops with light. Since ancient times, during this period, fleets of ships loaded with goods went overseas.
In most states of the country, Vishnu's wife, Lakshmi, the Goddess of happiness, is offered milk with coins, doors and windows are opened at night so that she does not pass by housing.
In the southern states, Krishna's victory over the havoc-inducing Narakasura is commemorated. Hindus anoint the body with coconut oil, symbolically cleansed from sinful actions. The rite is comparable in strength to the sacred immersion in the Ganges.
In Bengal, where the main temple of Kalighat (Kolkata in English) and a number of eastern states are located, a ritual is performed in Diwali for Kali, the Goddess, personifying the power of eternal time, the destructive aspect of the creator Shiva. For ten days, adepts pray for a sacred object with the image of the Deity, after which the believers drink a sacred drink (wine or water) and immerse the shrine in a pond.
In the north, Muslims celebrate the advent of Lakshmi with festive fire, playing cards and dice. Goddess Parvati, playing with her husband, promised: "Whoever gambles on the night of Diwali will be lucky all year."
Rituals have deep meaning. A house illuminated with bright light means the presence of the light of the soul in it.
Burning lamps - a thinking creature that carries the basic primary elements - air, fire, earth, water and the universal ether. The manifestation of fire is the soul, and the fuel is spiritual food.
Knowing the traditions of holding folk festivals, you can better understand the country and the people living in it.
The Diwali holiday in India is accompanied by folk festivals, general fun, songs and dances, fireworks, firecrackers and fireworks, lasting until the morning.
No one remains hungry and deprived of attention. Streets and temples, hung with luminous garlands, turn into spectacular installations that turn night into day. After all, where there is light, there is no evil!
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About Diwali. What accompanies Diwali
दिवाली
— Diwali in Hindi
In translation - a bunch of fire. According to scientists, the age of the holiday is at least 7 thousand years.
One of the brightest and important holidays in India, during which it turns into a land of fires.
On the squares, in parks, squares, amazing patterns are created from the flame of small candles. 
Indian families prepare for Diwali in advance. The preparations are somewhat similar to New Year's fuss in Russia. Hindus clean houses, apartments from excess rubbish, wash, clean, carry out general cleaning of the premises.
They set the table. They bake a lot of sweets.
It is customary to treat neighbors, friends, guests with delicacies.
They decorate their dwellings, statues of the Gods, temples, houses, streets, rivers, ponds, benches, benches, trees, shrubs and everything around with burning lamps. 
Hardworking rickshaws carefully wrap vehicles with sparkling garlands.
Playful kids all evening light firecrackers and frolic in their fireworks. 
Young boys and girls take to the streets and light lamps in the area.
Merchants light dozens of candles at the entrances to souvenir, cosmetic and food shops and shower goods with flower petals, thereby attracting good luck to their store.
And countless flickering lanterns rush into the starry dome of the sky (the Chinese brought it).
The Diwali holiday symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. On this day, they praise and illuminate the path of the great Goddess Lakshmi, the mother of all Hindus on Earth.
There are many Gods known in India. Fire is a vehicle for communication with your God. Particular attention is paid to prayers before the figurines of deities. Sometimes, after the rites, divine figurines, along with lit candles, are lowered into the river.
The festival of lights is celebrated not only by Hindus, but also by Sikhs, Jains all over the world.
And not only in India, but also in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Suriname.
Five days of Diwali in India: what do Hindus do these days
Diwali lasts 5 days. Each day has its own celebration.
Lighting ritual lamps, presenting gifts to relatives and friends, praying and praising the Goddess Lakshmi, remembering the legend about Rama and Sita, receiving the blessing of parents for the planned business.
Day 1: Dhanvantari Triyodashi
According to the ancient epic, God Dhanvantari brought to India 9 treatises of Indian medical science, which we know as Ayurveda.
Therefore, on the first day of Diwali, they sing to this God, pray and bring gifts, flowers, lit candles to his statues.
Day 2. Narak Chaturdashi
Celebrating Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
Day 3 (the most important). Lakshmi Puja or Diwali.
The whole country flashes with billions of lights on the third day.
Every housewife believes that Goddess Lakshmi will look into her house with a spark and that dwelling where there is not a speck of dust, everything is smartly decorated and a lot of treats are concocted - Lakshmi will send happiness, health, wealth, love and long life.
The doors are not closed at night.
It is on the third day that lanterns, electric garlands, and torches are lit in the streets. This is how Hindus illuminate the path of Goddess Lakshmi to their homes.
Songs are heard in churches. Drums are beating in the streets.
A general atmosphere of joy and fun. At the Diwali festival, the whole of India sings and dances.
Day 4 Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Hill and King Bali Maharaja are worshiped.
The deities are bathed and dressed in new clothes.
Puja rituals are performed in the temples - offering treats, water, garlands of flowers.
Day 5. Bhratri Duja
The Diwali holiday ends with the arrival of brothers to visit their sisters and express their love and respect to them. Incense is lit in the houses. 
What does the mantra mean: "om mani pad me hum"
The celebration of Diwali is accompanied by the chanting of mantras.
Followers of Hinduism believe that if you sing mantras, then the spiritual component of a person can take the form of God, be filled with him and become his reflection.
I only know one mantra: Om mani pad me hum.
This is one of the most famous mantras in Buddhism. It has a deep sacred meaning and is endowed with many meanings.
Its literal translation is: "O pearl shining in the lotus flower!".
OM - removes pride and conceit.
MA - removes jealousy and envy.
NI - removes attachment and selfish desires.
BAD (or PAD) - dispels ignorance and confusion.
ME (or ME) - dissolves greed and greed.
HUM - transforms hatred and anger.
There is a version that reading the mantra grants prosperity, abundance and money, where:
Om means Brahma, who is beyond all unmanifested,
Mani - gem or a crystal
Padme - lotus,
Hum is the heart.
Based on these provisions, there are several interpretations of this mantra:
- “All (Om) jewels (Mani) flourish (Padme - blooming lotus) in me, who has an open heart (Hum - heart)”;
- “The Universe will grant prosperity and abundance to me, who accepts them with an open heart”;
- “Wealth in all its forms (precious, valued, significant) comes to those who are ready to accept it with all their being (heart)”;
- “Universal abundance fills my heart” - that is, the following understanding is embedded in the mantra: “I accept abundance with all my being”;
- "All the money comes to me" (one of the simplest interpretations).
When is Diwali celebrated in India?
The lights of Diwali are lit in the second half of the month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar.
The month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar coincides with the dates of our Gregorian calendar from October 23rd to November 21st.
Indian Diwali falls on the day when the full moon occurs.
Dates for the celebration of the Diwali festival of lights in India for the next three years:
- Diwali holiday in 2018 - November 7;
- Diwali holiday in 2019 - October 27;
Diwali 2020 is November 14th.
Travel Tips for Diwali in India
To avoid trouble and not overshadow your travels in India on the dates of the celebration of the Diwali festival of lights, you should take into account the following:
1. Every year a huge number of tourists from different countries. Therefore, you should think in advance about where to stay in India for this period.
2. Nights when firecrackers explode and fireworks rumble, sleepless. Get ready to sleep.)
3. Tickets for the train, intercity bus and even domestic flights within the country should be bought in advance. Diwali - family celebration and Indians are actively moving around the country to celebrate the day of light and goodness in the circle of relatives. There may not be enough tickets for everyone.
4. Prices for hotels, guesthouses, houses and villas during the celebration of Diwali rise several times.
5. Same with taxi prices. The tariff is going up, just like we have on New Year's Eve
6. Many grocery stores close, so food should be bought in advance.
Travel to India for Diwali
Do you want to plunge into the enchanting world of the East? But in your environment, no one supports the idea of Indian adventures. And there are no fellow travelers in this country.
I invite you to join our small company. We are leaving for India on November 5, 2018. And on November 7, 2018 we will go to Jaipur to light the fires of Diwali.
Are you with us? Detailed
Our trip will pass through the most famous cities: the capital Delhi, pink Jaipur and Agra with its fabulous shrine - the mausoleum of eternal love Taj Mahal. During the trip, we will get acquainted with outstanding masterpieces of world architecture, ancient monuments, palaces of maharajas, shrines of mysterious India.
I was with you, your Indian expert
Katya Bashkurova
I will be happy to answer questions in the comments.
The name Deepavali (Diwali) consists of two Sanskrit words: "dip" - a candle, and "pavali" - a garland; Literally, the holiday is translated as "a garland of light." These days are also often called Lakshmi Puja - that is, the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and abundance.
Diwali is the celebration of the victory of light over darkness, of positive energy over negative. The meaning of all Vedic holidays is perfection and striving for the Highest, and Diwali is no exception: this is a holiday of Light, not only literally, but also figuratively, as we glorify the light within us. The inner light is also called "vivek-shilta" - that is, the ability to discern and recognize truth and goodness. This quality awakens when the mind of a person rises to a high level due to spiritual practice and good deeds. It is not for nothing that in Russia there is also a saying that learning is light.
History and legends of the holiday
According to one legend, Goddess Lakshmi was born on this day a very long time ago. So Diwali can be considered a celebration of the birthday of this goddess. Another story connects these days with the reign of Rama, the incarnation of the god Vishnu, on earth - according to legend, the reign of Rama destroyed spiritual darkness, which is symbolized by the lights lit in Diwali.
Whatever the source of this holiday, the meaning is the same - to draw people's attention to a good life path (personal dharma). If you strive to fulfill your dharma, then positive energy will fill you and your environment.
When is Diwali celebrated in India and why is the date “floating” in the European calendar
In Europe, including Russia, the Gregorian calendar is used, and India still has its own traditional calendar. And according to the Hindu calendar, this holiday falls on the month of Kartika - the eighth month of the year, which begins on October 23 and ends on November 23. It turns out that in Europe, Diwali falls at the end of October or the beginning of November. In 2018, Diwali is celebrated from 7 to 11 November. For determining exact date holiday every year, astrologers make special calculations. We usually celebrate the holiday after 5 pm until late at night.
How to prepare for the holiday
Before Diwali in India, it is customary to do a general cleaning in the house, carefully sweep all the corners, paint and whitewash your houses, so that cleanliness and order reigned around. It is believed that where there is external purity, goodness and positive energy dominate.
Diwali is celebrated for three days. The first day of the holiday is called Dhanteras - on this day it is customary to buy new dishes for the house, give women gold or silver jewelry. The second day is called Choti Diwali and the third is called Diwali. These days, families buy the most luxurious sweets, flowers, garlands, candles, incense and come to the temple to present all these gifts to the goddess of well-being and prosperity Lakshmi. Traditionally, bhajans are sung to both this goddess and other deities of the Indian pantheon. During Diwali, it is customary to visit all neighbors, friends and just acquaintances, while exchanging sweets. Another common gift is all kinds of jewelry and fabrics. These days it is customary to dress up brightly and pay special attention to external beauty.
How to celebrate Diwali
Despite the fact that Diwali is primarily a spiritual holiday, it is customary to celebrate it on a grand scale. In India, all the streets and houses are illuminated by the light of many candles and lamps. For several days, the usual darkness of the night is replaced by the flickering of thousands of lights, and the silence is replaced by the sounds of joyful songs and jubilation. By tradition, the holiday ends with colorful fireworks.
During the days of Diwali, the evening and night are spent in prayer and meditation. A person who performs these practices does it not only for himself, but also for the well-being of his relatives and friends. Business people pray to Goddess Lakshmi in a special way in order to increase their wealth. It is also customary to give alms on Diwali. It is believed that it cleanses a person's karma, while donations must come from the heart.
Diwali (Diwali, Deepavali) - the festival of lights, one of the most important holidays in India, symbolizing the triumph of goodness, the victory of all the brightest and kindest over the dark and cruel. It is celebrated at the beginning of the month of Kartik (October-November) for five days.
The legend of the holiday
Diwali (Divapali) began to be celebrated several centuries ago, many different legends are associated with the custom of this holiday.. There is a belief that Diwali is closely connected with the victory of the god Krishna over the demonic creature Narakasura, who sinned by kidnapping the princesses of India.
Krishna defeated this demon and the people met him with lit lamps and torches - hence the custom came on this day to light torches, candles, oil lanterns everywhere (translation of the word Deepa), fireworks located near statues and images of deities, sacred animals.
Some Indians associate the festival of lights with - in her honor, on the eve of the celebration, they paint walls, buy ritual accessories, gold, products so that the goddess rewards them with abundance and wealth. Many believe that Diwali is the glorification of the deity Rama (the seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu), the celebration of his enthronement and wise, just rule.
For each separate territory of India, the festival of lights has its own characteristics. For example, in Western India, on the day of the holiday, it is customary to put things in order at home and at work, and in the evenings, shop windows and private houses are lit up with garlands, lamps and various electrical appliances.
Those people who believe in the connection of Diwali with the goddess of fertility and wealth Lakshmi, on the day of the celebration, do general cleaning, light fires, make offerings to the goddess from milk and coins dipped into it, read prayers, and do not close windows and doors at night - so as not to repair obstacles for Lakshmi if she decides to enter their house.
In the southern territories of India, Diwali is considered - the celebration of the victory of Krishna over the demon named Narakasura.. All Hindus on this day lubricate their body with coconut oil, equating this action with bathing in the sacred Ganges and getting rid of existing sins.
East India worships on this day, serving as the personification of the cult of strength. Images of Kali serve as a place of worship and prayer for 10 days, after which they are immersed in rivers and ponds.
Existing Diwali customs
The celebration of Happy Deepavali itself lasts five days. The whole territory of the country on this day turns into a bright, unforgettable show with lights and fireworks. But the lights of the festival illuminate people's hearts not only with bright colors, but also with kindness, because on this holiday it is customary to pay attention to everyone, give gifts, help those in need.
There is no such holiday in India on which so many gifts would be given! The owners of food stalls arrange sales for everyone who could not afford an expensive purchase on another day, it is customary to treat neighbors with various sweets.
During Diwali, there is a tradition to spend money, but not for your own needs, but for friends, acquaintances or neighbors. Coins depicting deities such as Ganesha, Lakshmi, various outlandish souvenirs, art objects, and precious jewelry are in special demand. A very interesting holiday.
For sweets and dried fruits on the days of the Diwali holiday, special packaging in the form of baskets is used. Such pleasant surprises It is customary to show love and respect to your closest and dearest people. No one should be left hungry and deprived of attention on this holiday.
Read more:An ancient Indian holiday with deep spiritual roots, originated from religious rituals as a festival of fire and light. His celebration always takes place at the end of October and beginning of November, when the harvest is harvested, and everything that abounds in the Indian land is offered at the festival. Thousands of oil lamps, fireworks, lavish feasts, fragrant flowers and colored sand lotus sculptures grace India in this annual homecoming celebration, Diwali.
Lighting the way home
Rama has to go home, and Hindus everywhere are stepping in to help him. Lighting the way with thousands of oil lamps during the five-day Festival of Lights, or Diwali, in honor of the Hindu god. The West sees this as the Indian version of Christmas, a time of sacred celebration of the soul and pure childish joy. Shaped like Christmas, it's religious holiday, it is open to all who wish to take part in it, in the most abundant time of the year. And according to the meaning, behind the visible holiday of flowers and lights, Diwali has a deep spiritual meaning - the awakening of one's inner light.
Diwali is several thousand years old, as is the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu text whose title means "The Story of Rama." During his exile, Rama fought demons in the dark forests and resisted the temptations of Ravan, the demon king with ten heads. With the help of the monkey god, Hanuman, Rama led an army of monkeys to defeat Ravan and rescue his princess, Sita. Hindus celebrate their homecoming by lighting their way; everyone else celebrates it as a festival of abundance.
Order, food and fireworks
Diwali takes place in autumn and marks the end of the Indian harvest season and the start of a new financial year. Life in India revolves around the agricultural calendar, and at this time of the year people pay their debts and pray for a good harvest. Soon, in the coming new year, new seeds will be sown in the ground. Lakshmi, the goddess of beauty, wealth and prosperity, plays a central role in the celebration of Diwali because her worship can bring happiness to all the pious. Diwali is a Hindu holiday, but Sikhs and Jains also observe this holiday, making the celebration truly universal.
The first two days of Diwali are mainly focused on preparations, the first is devoted to cleaning the house, the second to decorating it. The third day is the centerpiece, with epic lavish feasts and fireworks ready to rival the May 9 celebrations or Russia's victory over the Dutch in the European Cup quarter-finals. On the fourth day, friends and relatives visit their families and come with gifts. On the fifth and final day, a very specific ritual takes place, the brothers visit their married sisters, who prepare a sumptuous return dinner.
Autumn is a particularly good time to visit India - after the summer heat and before the onset of torrential monsoons. Hindu houses are filled with garlands of fragrant jasmine flowers, lamps and candles, and panels of multi-colored sand decorate the entrance instead of rugs. Strands of colored lights sweep across the business districts, and women wear the finest and brightest saris in their colors.
Light and good
As befits a festival of light, all sorts of torches, kerosene lamps and fireworks light up the night sky. For all Hindus, the light represents the triumph of good over evil, although the legends are different everywhere, and the Ramayana is revered more in North India, Diwali is a time of unity. The essence of this holiday is valid for all cultures.
As much as the celebration of Diwali is beautiful for the eyes, the spiritual meaning is just as deep and symbolic - Diwali is the awareness of the inner light. Through higher knowledge, we can dispel ignorance and awaken our Atman, pure and infinite spirit. This is the victory of the light of knowledge over the darkness of ignorance and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Use Diwali as a personal opportunity to make inner peace. Greet the good spirits - Lakshmi, happiness and good fortune, Hanuman, help and Ganesha, the destroyer of obstacles. Cleanse the old and the light of your life will be renewed.
The people of India are extremely warm and welcoming during Diwali - bad luck will be punished by anyone who is not friendly at this time of year. The doors of most houses are open and lit with lamps, creating an all-pervasive atmosphere of hospitality. It is the biggest festival in India, full of reverence and good cheer. Remember: this is the time of the triumph of good over evil, the victory of light over darkness. Let your best aspirations guide you.
Adviсe
Come for a couple of days to settle down and explore the surroundings. Diwali closes most retail businesses completely.
Find a place where you want to be and stay there. Let circumstance or intuition be your guide, because Diwali time is open doors". See what your mind and heart reveals to you.
Eat homemade food. Try to find an Indian family that will invite you to Diwali dinner. Bring candles and fireworks as thanks.
Create a lotus flower from colored sand or petals under your door. It will welcome good mood and good luck in your home.
Practical aspects
The holiday is celebrated everywhere, you can go to any state. The most famous hosts of Diwali are Bombay, Delhi, Varanasi and Jaipur.
How to get there: direct flight to Delhi, connecting flights anywhere in the country or charter to Dabolim, Goa airport.