Diwali in Hinduism

Hinduism is often described as a religion of fasts, feasts and festivals. In India, the celebrations of fairs and festivals form a wondrous and joyful series of events, marking the rites of passage between birth, death and renewal. There are said to be more festivals in India than there are days of the year. There is a celebration for every religious occasion, change of season and for every harvest. They are times when people gather together, linked by ties of shared social and religious beliefs. The vibrant colors, music and festivities make the country come alive throughout the year. Many festivals in India are characterized by color, gaiety, enthusiasm, prayers and rituals. The festivals are moments of remembrance and remembrance of the birthdays and great deeds of gods, goddesses, hero's, heroine's, gurus, prophet's and saints.

All Hindu festivals have a deep spiritual import or high religious significance. Every year a lot of festivals are celebrated in India. Different rituals mark every festival. These rituals are very important and are usually followed with an aesthetic and spiritual dedication. The rituals of Indian festivals are being followed since the past several centuries in the same way that they used to several hundred years ago. Festivals and Rituals form an integral part of the Indian Hindu culture.

Diwali is a most significant traditional Hindu festival. The time of Diwali is one of the most festive and beautiful times of the year. It is a holiday that comes from India and is celebrated by Hindus around the world. Diwali is also known as Deepawali. It is the combination of two Sanskrit words. Deep meaning light and Awali meaning rows. When they merge we get one word Deepawali meaning rows of lights. It was from then on that the words Diwali and Deepawali became synonymous.

The date of this holiday varies each year according to the Hindu calendar which is usually in October or November. The exact day of the festival is decided by the position of the moon. According to the Hindu calendar, Amavasya or 'no moon day' is considered as the perfect day to celebrate Diwali. This dark night comes after every fortnight. The celebration comes just as the monsoon season ends and the weather is calm and mild.

The meaning of the word Diwali, its symbols and rituals, and the reasons for celebration are countless. The meaning of the word Diwali literally means a "Row of Lights." It is a time filled with light and love; a time when Hindus all over the world rejoice. Diwali as millions of people in India know it; is one of the main religious festival's that take's place in the Hindu calendar in India. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by people of Hindu religion all over. Diwali has a great significance for the Hindus. It signifies a new beginning for people, some people consider their sins for the year to be washed once the rituals and festivities associated with Diwali are completed. Also some businessmen consider it as the beginning date of their business. Their business is renewed from this day. This day marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter.

Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival. Diwali is associated with various myths and legendary stories. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali or 'Deepawali.' Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark