Diwali

Diwali is the festival of lights. It is an important five-day festival in Hinduism, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For most Hindus and Indians, Diwali is the most important festival of the year and is celebrated with families performing traditional activities together in their homes.

The name Diwali is itself a contraction of the word Deepavali , which translates into row of lamps. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas) (or deep in Sanskrit) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. Some Indian business communities begin the financial year on the first day of Diwali, hoping for prosperity the following year.

The illumination of homes with lights has an important spiritual meaning:  the awareness of the inner light, and the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity. We worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees and we prepare our house for Lakshmi Ma’s arrival, bringing grace and prosperity with Her! Also, as one of the most significant events associated with Diwali: The return of Sri Ram after 14 years of banishment.

Swami Vishwananda: “A clay lamp is very symbolic. We say: “God, you are the light, but we are the thread. This is the connection that we have with the Divine. And the clay lamp is our body, symbolizing that this body is just dust and dust it shall be. One day we will leave this body.”

download: >> the spiritual meaning of Diwali PDF (by Swami Vishwananda)