Diwali: The Festival Of Lights

India's biggest and most significant holiday of the year is Diwali, also known as Dipawali. The row of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside of their homes to represent the internal light that guards against spiritual darkness gave rise to the festival's name. For Hindus, this event is just as significant as Christmas is for Christians. Diwali has developed into a national holiday that is celebrated by both Hindu and non-Hindu people.

Importance Of Diwali:

Diwali represents the spiritual triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance. The lights of Diwali symbolise a time to extinguish all of our evil intentions and fantasies, banish all shadowy forces, and give us the vigour and energy to continue spreading goodwill throughout the remainder of the year.

Days Celebrated On Diwali:

There are 5 days celebrated in Diwali -

1) Dhanteras: Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day festival of lights, is regarded as a lucky day to purchase and import fresh metal objects, particularly metals like gold and silver. On this day, people worship Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi and make new purchases. It is just the goddess of wealth who is honoured on this day. This year this day will be observed on 22 October 2022.

2)Narak Chaturdashi Or Choti Diwali: Naraka Chaturdasi, the second day, is often referred to as Choti Diwali. According to Hindu history and legend hold that Lord Krishna engaged in combat with the demon Narakasura and slew him. This year this day will be observed on 23 October 2022.

3) Badi Diwali or Diwali: On this day, the main Diwali festival takes place, and after killing Ravana, Lord Rama made his way back to Ayodhya. The goddess of riches, Lakshmi, is welcomed by the populace because she is thought to bestow luck and prosperity.

This year this day will be observed on 24 October 2022.

4) Govardhan Puja: A day after Diwali, Indians celebrate Govardhan Puja, a day dedicated to worshipping Lord Krishna. People think that Lord Krishna raised the mountain known as "Govardhan" to protect the citizens of Mathura from Lord Indra. This year this day will be observed on 25 October 2022.

5) Bhaidooj: The last and most important day is known as Bhai Dooj or Bhau Beej, which honours the unique relationship between brothers and sisters. Similar to Rakshabandhan, it is observed on the second day of the lunar calendar's Shukla Paksha. This year this day will be observed on 26 October 2022.

How Is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali celebrations often included lighting clay lamps called diyas (inside and outside dwellings), intricate rangoli patterns, and fireworks. Diwali often evokes positive emotions like happiness and joy. Food plays a big part in the event, much like it does in most holidays around the world, especially delicacies like barfi and jalebi (fried bread soaked in syrup) (a fudge made with condensed milk and other flavours like pistachio).

Also Read: Raksha Bandhan: A Strong Bond Tied By A Delicate Thread

Why is Diwali Celebrated?

Every faith celebrates a unique Diwali legend and historical occasion. Diwali marks the day Lord Rama, his wife Sita Devi, and his brother Lakshmana return to their home country after 14 years of exile in one of the major Hindu myths. The locals lighted a route for Rama after he vanquished Ravana, the demon king. Celebrations in various areas include reenactments of this tale.

Hindu mythology also associates Diwali with the day Lord Krishna vanquished the demonic Narakasura and set the inhabitants of his kingdom free. Lord Krishna made it a festive day after killing the demon. In some regions of India, people celebrate by burning the effigies of the demon kings from both tales.

During Diwali, people also honour the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. The romantic Diwali narrative claims that the goddess of prosperity, wealth, and fertility married Lord Vishnu, one of Hinduism's most revered deities, on the eve of Diwali.

Diwali overlaps with harvest and new year festivals in various civilizations. No matter whatever Diwali tale you celebrate, the day is always one of fresh starts and victory of light over darkness.

Fire Crackers And Their Effects On the Environment:

Bring joy home this Diwali, not illness. Diwali is a time of great excitement and joy. Diwali is a festival of lights, but in recent years, it has become more of a festival of fireworks than of lights. Today, Diwali festivities are deemed incomplete without the use of firecrackers, which briefly light up the entire sky but have detrimental effects on both our environment and our health. Dust and other contaminants are more prevalent in the air because of firecrackers. After the fire, dust and pollutants containing substances like sulphur, zinc, copper, and salt start to collect in the exposed areas, where they start to harm our environment and maybe endanger our health.

Following Are The ill effects caused due to Firecrackers:

1) Air Pollution: The hazardous gases and chemical compounds found in crackers activate when they come into contact with air exposure and begin to harm humans.

2) Noise Pollution: Loud cracker noise can directly damage people. Due to the choking loud sounds, elderly persons are more likely to experience heart attacks.

3)  Global Warming: As a result of the heat, carbon dioxide, and other poisonous chemicals released by burning crackers, the earth's temperature rises and air pollution worsens, contributing to global warming.

4) Harmful health effects on newborn babies, pregnant women, patients with respiratory illness, and animals.

5) Fire Accidents- If mishandled, a minor spark in the cracker market can significantly damage the market, the homes nearby, and the customers there (internal – respiratory and external – burn).

What is An Eco-friendly Diwali?

An eco-friendly Diwali celebration consists solely of celebrating without endangering our ecosystem, which is made up of all living things. One can begin by just lighting diyas and staying away from firecrackers that are loud and smoke-filled. 

Importance Of Eco-Friendly Diwali

1) Eco-friendly Diwali aids in lowering air and noise pollution.

2) Earthen diyas are ideal because they are simple to dispose of without damaging the environment.

3) Loud noises can be very problematic for elderly persons.

4) Selecting eco-friendly products minimizes energy usage immediately.

5) Give a plant to your loved ones if you want to give green presents.

6) Following an eco-friendly lifestyle will help you reduce accidents.

How To celebrate Eco-friendly Diwali?

1) Make Rangoli with flowers or natural colors.

2) Use paper for gift wrapping.

3) Use earthen diyas instead of candles to lighten your house.

4) Gift handmade products.

5) Do not burst firecrackers or prefer eco-friendly firecrackers.

6) Donate old belongings.

Conclusion- Everyone is joyful and congrats one another on Diwali. Dhanteras marks the start of the Diwali celebration, which lasts until Narak Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Pooja, and Bhaiya Dooj. Every festival in India has a cause or a legend attached to it. This festival represents the triumph of good over evil.