Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the festival of lights, a holiday celebrated by over one billion Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs in South Asia and around the world. For Hindus, it is the day that Rama, a figure in Hindu mythology, returned from his 14-year exile to his home in Ayodha. For Jains, adherents of the sage Mahavir, it commemorates the day that he attained Moksha, or enlightenment. Sikhs celebrate Diwali as the day that the guru Hargobind and 52 princes were released from prison by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. To celebrate, people put up diyas, or lights, to commemorate the occasion. The celebration lasts five days, with fireworks, sweets, gift-giving, and family gatherings. Typically, Diwali is celebrated in late October through early November, depending on the lunar calendar.
Sri Lankan Hindus offer prayers during Diwali at a Hindu temple in Colombo on Oct. 26.
S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images
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REBORN
11:16 AM ET
October 29, 2011
The greatness of Hindu culture
Can not be denied too many beauty Hindu festivals in India. We will not only find Hindu temples that have stood centuries ago, but we also will find the uniqueness of these relics, such as Karni Mata temple. The greatness of Hindu culture in the past has become a world cultural heritage. We can enjoy the many attractions in various parts of Asia which are the Hindu heritage.
BILLPRESTON
11:37 AM ET
November 9, 2011
Wow, over a billion people!
That is pretty amazing that over a billion people participate in Diwali. While I don't share their views - I can also appreciate their commitment to their beliefs. I also like the color in the photo, and I am quite impress a girl was allowed to take it during the event.
MAZO
11:15 AM ET
November 23, 2011
Girl was allowed to take a picture ?
Why would you assume that a woman wouldn't be allowed to take a picture in Hinduism ?
Women are powerful symbols of divinity in Hinduism. Hinduism doesn't believe that men and women are the same. It states that men and women are equal but different, each having a unique and important role in society that must be fulfilled.
REBORN
11:19 AM ET
October 29, 2011
The greatness of Hindu culture
Can not be denied too many beauty Hindu festivals in India. We will not only find Hindu temples that have stood centuries ago, but we also will find the uniqueness of these relics, such as Karni Mata temple. The greatness of Hindu culture in the past has become a world cultural heritage. We can enjoy the many attractions in various parts of Asia which are the Hindu heritage.
BENPANGAGXX
12:58 AM ET
November 18, 2011
wow
I had always wanted to visit india and learned their culture. Eventhough I am Asian too but I still haven't gotten around Asia and would definitely want to visit this cool place someday soon. castleville cheats my friends have been there and told me all about the wonders of the place. castleville free cheats This celebration that they are having is kinda strange but I bet it will look great when i am really there to celebrate it. the sims social cheats free My daughter and wife are also excited of our trip there. We can't wait to visit the place. the sims social cheats
MOHANDAS KARAM CHAND GANDU
2:10 PM ET
October 31, 2011
tell that to shoodras
hindu religion based on castes is crap
MAZO
11:18 AM ET
November 23, 2011
There is notihng called "shoodra".
It is spelt as "Shudra" or Sudra.
And they celebrate Diwali just like all other Hindus.
Comments based on ignorance is crap.
RUBALSAGGU
12:37 PM ET
November 10, 2011
It is a grate festival of hinds
my self rubal saggu i provide cheap couriers service . i am also from India We love Diwali festival .it is the festival of lights .
SEYHAN123
5:04 PM ET
November 19, 2011
festivals in India
I really love the beautiful festivals in India 2 kişilik oyunlar
DEENROSE
8:39 PM ET
November 10, 2011
Diwali Festival
Diwali is one of the famous festival and it is celebrated by all communities. They are preparing more verities of sweets. this is also called sweets festivals.for more information
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DEENROSE
9:07 PM ET
November 10, 2011
Naragaswaran Memorial day
Thanks for very interesting article. I really enjoyed reading all of your posts. It’s interesting to read ideas, makes you think more.India Diwali is celebrated for Naragasuran memorial day. Who was very dangerous man. I am also one of the Indian but stayed out of India. We missed Diwali. for more about me
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LOCOROCO
9:04 PM ET
November 12, 2011
One of the greatest experiences
I was so lucky as to attend one of these festivals while serving as a Norwegian diplomat. The colors are amazing, and I remember it as one of the best moments of my life!
Mariko Femdom Quasido
RUBALSAGGU
7:51 AM ET
November 15, 2011
it is a festival of joy...gambling and wine..
Diwali is the festival of joy .people enjoy by playing gambling drinking wine like Moscato wine
FIXFIX
6:27 AM ET
November 23, 2011
Diwali
The information you provide en yeni oyunlar friv about the Diwali festival, right?
DOMINOES
12:16 PM ET
November 16, 2011
Love the celebration
Not sure if anyone saw the shot from space over India when Diwali is going on, but if you didn't just google it and it should come right up
There really is something neat about seeing humanity come together to celebrate in this way and in this magnitude. One way that I like to celebrate is with used cars Austin. But the best part about Diwali is that it celebrates the light within. Which is the best part of the entire celebration.
ROBIN JAMES
7:27 AM ET
November 19, 2011
superb!
One Billion Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs all celebrating together - Wow!
Loving the amazing bunch of photos showing off the atmosphere of the festival of lights this year. They've been very excellently captured and are a pleasure to view. I would have liked to have been there myself.
I managed to make a couple of phone calls to India during Diwali, but that's as close as I got. Maybe one day I'll get an invite to join in the celebrations, but I won't hold my breath.
WILLRIVERA
10:16 AM ET
November 22, 2011
Deepavali should be a public holiday
Although Deepavali is not included as a public holiday, employers in Sarawak have been quite flexible and understanding as most of them will give unrecorded leave to their Hindu onionbootyemployees. While the entire city celebrated Deepavali, it is easy to forget those whose services made these comforts possible. U Tejonmayam, Sharadha Narayanan and Susanna Myrtle Lazarus take a peek at the lives of those who chose to work through the day, so that you and your family could have a brighter, more colourful, tastier and safer Deepavali.
SOFIA MIKKELSENDP
2:19 PM ET
November 22, 2011
Thank you so much
Great post, I hope you don’t mind if I use this article as part of my book report. best teeth whitening
MIKELASKO
9:45 AM ET
November 23, 2011
The Festival of Lights
In urban areas, especially, candles are substituted for diyas; and among the nouveau riche, neon lights are made to substitute for candles. The celebration of the festival is invariably accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks. list building system
CORTES
8:47 AM ET
November 25, 2011
The night sky filled with
The night sky filled with diwali fireworks is a great spectacle. I have had the pleasure of witnessing such an event on my only visit to Mumbai.