Diwali is one of the major Indian festivals celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains and infact all creeds of people. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is observed on the new moon day of Kartika, as per the Hindu calendar that falls in the months of October and November. The celebrations commence two days prior and ends two days later than this religiously fixed date. Diwali, colloquially called Deepawali, is celebrated exactly 20 days after Dussehra. In 2007, the festival is celebrated on November 9.
People celebrate Diwali by decorating their homes with lights, fireworks, gift-giving, worship, prayers and religious rituals. On the occasion, people purchase gold, gifts and household appliances. People distribute food and sweets as acts of charity during the festival. Companies offer huge discounts on products during Diwali to attract customers. Business communities start their financial year on Diwali and open new account books on this day. Offices and schools remain closed on this day.
The belief is that the Diwali festival marks the victory of good over evil. As per the Hindu mythology, on this day Lord Rama came back from exile and the people of Ayodhya lit lamps to welcome him back home. Hindus also worship Vishnu and Laxmi on the Diwali day. In Jainism, it marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, which occurred on Oct. 15, 527 B.C. Jains observe fast and chant the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, which contain the final pravachans of Lord Mahavira. Jains distributes Laddus and sweets in temples during the occasion.
Diwali is celebrated not only in India but all over the world where Hindus, Sikhs and Jains are staying. The festival is celebrated in countries like the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, Suriname, Canada, Guyana, Myanmar, Nepal, Mauritius, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, Australia, much of Africa and the United States.
The major concern that this festival draws attention to is the issue of massive air and sound pollution that occurs with bursting crackers. Certain category of crackers have, however, been banned on certain parameters of social and environmental health, but it could not be implemented to full action.
No law can curb this problem until people are willingly conscious about it and generate self awareness, isn’t it?
People celebrate Diwali by decorating their homes with lights, fireworks, gift-giving, worship, prayers and religious rituals. On the occasion, people purchase gold, gifts and household appliances. People distribute food and sweets as acts of charity during the festival. Companies offer huge discounts on products during Diwali to attract customers. Business communities start their financial year on Diwali and open new account books on this day. Offices and schools remain closed on this day.
The belief is that the Diwali festival marks the victory of good over evil. As per the Hindu mythology, on this day Lord Rama came back from exile and the people of Ayodhya lit lamps to welcome him back home. Hindus also worship Vishnu and Laxmi on the Diwali day. In Jainism, it marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, which occurred on Oct. 15, 527 B.C. Jains observe fast and chant the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, which contain the final pravachans of Lord Mahavira. Jains distributes Laddus and sweets in temples during the occasion.
Diwali is celebrated not only in India but all over the world where Hindus, Sikhs and Jains are staying. The festival is celebrated in countries like the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, Suriname, Canada, Guyana, Myanmar, Nepal, Mauritius, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, Australia, much of Africa and the United States.
The major concern that this festival draws attention to is the issue of massive air and sound pollution that occurs with bursting crackers. Certain category of crackers have, however, been banned on certain parameters of social and environmental health, but it could not be implemented to full action.
No law can curb this problem until people are willingly conscious about it and generate self awareness, isn’t it?
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