Diwali, also known as Divali or Deepavali (meaning "row of lamps" in Sanskrit), Diwali is one of the most important celebrations in the Indian and Hindu world, observed by millions around the globe in October or November each year. This five-day festival is a celebration of light, the triumph of good over evil, and prosperity.
Diwali, carrying great religious and cultural significance for the Hindus, is also observed by diverse communities in India, such as the Sikhs and Jains, but also in other countries where the Indian diaspora is present, such as Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, l'île Maurice, La Réunion or even South Africa. And in Paris as well, a host of events and activities are organized each year!
The origin of this grand celebration goes back thousands of years and is tied to various Hindu legends. One of the most famous stories centers on king Rama who, after defeating the demon Ravana, returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana. The people of Ayodhya lit clay lamps called diya to light his way and celebrate his homecoming, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. This tradition is the origin of the illumination of Diwali.
Another popular legend centers on the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is said that during Diwali, Lakshmi visits the homes of people and brings prosperity to those who have prepared their houses by lighting lamps and cleaning meticulously.
Each of the 5 days of Diwali carries its own meaning and specific rituals. The first day (Dhanteras) is devoted to prosperity and abundance. Participants buy gold, silver, and other precious goods, and cleanse their homes to welcome the goddess Lakshmi. The second day (Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali) commemorates Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, the demon of dirt. People take a dawn bath and light lamps to drive away darkness.
Day three is the festival’s center stage, the moment Diwali truly comes into its own. Families pray, light diyas and fireworks as they celebrate the triumph of the light over darkness and welcome Lakshmi and the elephant-headed god, Ganesh. The fourth day (Puja de Govardhan) is devoted to Krishna, who lifted the Govardhan Hill to shield Vrindavan’s residents from a raging storm. Finally, the fifth day (Bhai Dooj) marks the bond between siblings, with the previous day focused more on the bond between spouses. Brothers and sisters visit each other, exchange greetings and gifts, and strengthen their ties.
Joyful and vibrant, Diwali is defined by a host of rituals, prayers spanning the five days, exchanges of gifts, sweets and garments among loved ones, lavish sweet and savory feasts, and games of chance—cards or dice—intended to bring luck and prosperity to the household.
Homes and streets glow with countless diyas, strings of lights, and lanterns, while colorful decorations called rangoli are drawn on the ground to welcome the various deities, such as Lakshmi, Ganesh, the god of wisdom and good fortune, or Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge!
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