Diwali, one of India's most important holidays?
Diwali is a five-day festival in India and other countries that is observed by people of a variety of faiths in addition to many Hindus. In point of fact, despite the fact that Diwali is rooted in religious tradition, the festival has also evolved into a secular holiday in India, much like Christmas has evolved into a holiday celebrated by many Christians and non-Christians alike in the United States. Likewise,
"When is Diwali in 2021?"
Because Diwali is associated with a number of religious tales from a variety of faiths, the meanings that people assign to the holiday may vary. In a broader sense, it frequently signifies the victory of light over darkness. People exchange Diwali gifts especially gold bars, coins and jewelry on this occasion.
According to History.com, many people in northern India associate Diwali with the ancient tale of King Rama, an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. The legend says that Rama built a bridge from India to Sri Lanka to save Sita, his wife, from Lanka, the evil king. Meanwhile, a Hindu calendar used in Gujarat, a state in western India, coincides with New Year's Day on the fourth day of Diwali. According to DiwaliFestival.org, people celebrate by decorating their homes with lights and flowers.
Diwali may have a different significance for non-Hindus. According to National Geographic, Diwali "marks the nirvana or spiritual awakening of the spiritual leader Mahavira in 527 BCE" for followers of Jainism, a non-theistic religion in India. In the meantime, Diwali is observed by Sikhism adherents to commemorate the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth of the ten Sikh gurus, was released from prison in the 17th century. Diwali is observed by whom? In India, people of all faiths celebrate Diwali, including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Muslims and Buddhists.
Diwali is also celebrated by a lot of people from South Asia who live in other parts of the world. According to History.com, Diwali is a religious festival, but it has also evolved into a secular national holiday that is widely observed throughout India, much like Christmas is a holiday observed by Christians and non-Christians alike in the United States.
What foods are consumed during Diwali? Diwali is a time to eat a lot of sweet food and spend time with family. Kaju katli, a fudge-like sweet made with ground cashews, sugar, and occasionally rose water, is one popular delicacy. Besan burfi, another kind of fudge-like bar made from flour, sugar, and cardamom and topped with almonds or pistachios, is another popular treat in northern India. Additionally, jalebi, a sweet fried bread, is a well-liked option. In essence, Diwali is incomplete without dessert!
