.svg)
Mark your calendars, because the Festival of Lights, more commonly known as Diwali, is happening on October 31! Diwali traces its roots back to ancient India and is one of the most important holidays of the year in many South Asian countries. It's a joyous celebration of good triumphing over evil, complete with fireworks, feasts, sweets, and the lighting of oil lamps and candles. Diwali's iconic sparkle is its dosens of millions of little lamps, glowing in homes, temples, and public spaces around the world. So join in the fun and bring some radiant positivity into your life on this splendid day! Let's celebrate together and light up the world this Diwali!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>6th Century BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Diwali Mention in Literature</div><div class='timeline-text'>Diwali is mentioned in Sanskrit texts such as the Puranas, indicating its presence since ancient times.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2nd Century BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Diwali in Art</div><div class='timeline-text'>Diwali scenes began appearing on ancient Indian art, particularly on murals and sculptures in historic Buddhist sites.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Emperor Hints at Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>A reference to Diwali and its significance appears in the autobiography of Mahmud of Ghazni in his invasions of India.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1600s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mughal Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Mughal emperors recognized Diwali as a Hindu festival and allowed the celebration. Emperors like Akbar celebrated it with their courtiers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1850s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Support</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the British rule in India, the colonial government allowed and often participated in Diwali celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Diwali at the U.N.</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations recognised Diwali as an international holiday, marking a milestone for Hindu representation globally.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create a Rangoli</h3><p class='facts-text'>Make your home welcoming and festive by creating a Rangoli at your doorstep. Traditionally made using colored powder, they are intricate designs and patterns that bring good luck. This can be a family activity that everyone gets involved in, encouraging creativity and unity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Take part in Puja</h3><p class='facts-text'>Diwali is deeply religious and spiritual, so consider participating in the puja or prayer rituals. These rituals often honor goddess Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity, and provide an excellent opportunity for reflection and gratitude for the blessings received over the past year.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cook traditional sweets</h3><p class='facts-text'>Festival of Lights is incomplete without sweets. Try your hand at making some popular Diwali sweets like Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, or Barfi. Not only is cooking these sweets fun, but they make for great gifts to friends and family.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Illuminate your home</h3><p class='facts-text'>The whole essence of Diwali is based on the victory of light over darkness. Enliven the festival by lighting up your home with lots of Diyas, candles, and fairy lights. This not only sets the festive mood but also creates a warm and welcoming environment.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Give back to the community</h3><p class='facts-text'>Diwali is a perfect time to express gratitude and give back to the community. Encourage your family to get involved in local charitable events, or consider donating to a cause you are passionate about. It's a great way to spread the Diwali cheer and make a difference.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a Celebration of Good Triumphing Over Evil</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Joining in the celebration serves as a powerful reminder and affirmation of such triumph, which is particularly uplifting given the challenges we face in our lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Promotes Positivity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Through the traditions and rituals associated with Diwali, from lighting lamps to creating Rangolis, we are invited to fill our lives with radiant positivity. The festival provides an opportunity to foster goodwill and happiness, creating an atmosphere of joy and laughter throughout communities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Encourages Community Involvement and Giving Back</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Diwali is a time to express gratitude and help others by giving back to the community. It promotes the spirit of sharing and caring, whether it's by participating in local charitable events or donating to a cause you're passionate about. This active involvement strengthens community ties and makes the celebration even more meaningful.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Diwali is celebrated differently across India</h3><p class='facts-content'>While Diwali is universally celebrated as the triumph of light over darkness, different regions in India observe the festival in unique ways, each with their distinct rituals, folklore, and delicacies.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Diwali inspires major cleaning efforts</h3><p class='facts-content'>In preparation for Diwali, many families thoroughly clean their houses. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, visits the cleanest houses first.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Diwali involves the worship of more than one God</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the worship of Goddess Lakshmi is a well-known aspect of Diwali, other gods are also worshipped. For example, Lord Ganesha is often revered to remove any obstacles to prosperity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Diwali marks the beginning of the fiscal year for some Indian businesses</h3><p class='facts-content'>Due to the holiday's association with Goddess Lakshmi, it is considered a propitious time to start a new financial year, with many businesses opening new ledgers on Diwali.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Diwali coincides with celebrations in other religions</h3><p class='facts-content'>Diwali is not only significant in Hinduism but also in Sikhism, as it marks the release of Guru Hargobind Singh. In Jainism, it signifies the day when Lord Mahavira achieved moksha or spiritual liberation.</p></div></div>
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
