As people all over the world await the start of holy five-day festival Diwali, we’re getting into the spirit. The festival, known for its spectacular light decorations displayed during the five days, is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in India and around the globe.
Get prepared for the festival, starting Wednesday, Nov. 11, with these five most important facts about the holiday.
1. “Diwali” or “Deepavali” means “rows of lights”.
Diwali is famously known as the festival of lights because of the oil lanterns and electric lights that people use as decoration for their homes, businesses and other community spaces. Diwali’s lights are a celebration of the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. This makes light an important physical and spiritual symbol of the holiday.
2. People take a lot of time getting ready.
According to CNN reporter Emanuella Grinberg, families spend days cleaning and decorating their homes in preparation for the festival. They also shop for new outfits to wear to the celebrations.
3. Followers of different faiths observe customs related to Diwali.
Diwali legends and customs vary among religions and regions. For Hindus, Diwali honors Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth. Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs also celebrate Diwali.
4. Diwali is a big celebration in England.
Approxmiately 30,000 people attended a “switch-on” of more than 6,000 lamps in Leicester to celebrate the start of Diwali.
5. A Hindu place of worship is called a “mandir”.
Like Christianity has churches and Islam has mosques, Hinduism has mandirs. Indians gather in mandirs for Diwali community celebrations. Some mandirs host fireworks displays.
To learn more about Hinduism and Diwali, visit Deily.
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