How long does sikh diwali last

Diwali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. In a multicultural and diverse country like India, everyone has their own way of celebrating this festival.

Even though their belief in it may be different, the enthusiasm, vivaciousness and joy it brings to people's lives is what binds everyone together. Diwali is celebrated as the festival of lights, during which homes are decorated with candles.

Diwali projects the rich and glorious past and teaches its observers to uphold the true values of life. For the Hindus, the holiday symbolizes the return of Prince Rama of Ayodhya with his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshman, from a year-long exile and a war in which Prince Rama stood victorious. The day of Diwali is the day of the new moon or Amavasya, which is holy to Hindus and is thought of as the darkest night of the year.

On this day, those celebrating dress up, light up their homes, temples and businesses with oil lamps and candles diyas and worship Lakshmi. They also light fireworks and enjoy a feast with their family, sharing mithai sweets and gifts. When is Diwali ? Start date, meaning behind the Hindu festival of lights and how it is celebrated. Often people will leave the windows and doors of their houses open so that Lakshmi can come in and bless them with wealth and prosperity.

In honour of Lakshmi, many build a small altar to the goddess, decorate it with money and pray to her. Many towns organise community parades and fairs with parades or music and dance performances in parks.

People send Diwali greeting cards during the festive season, occasionally with boxes of Indian sweets. Rituals and preparations for Diwali begin days or weeks in advance, typically after the festival of Dussehra that precedes Diwali by about 20 days. Log In. On the third day, many don new clothes and go to temple to pray; they also gather with friends and family, continuing to indulge in the delicious symbolic foods eaten throughout the festival, exchange gifts and enjoy fireworks.

To those who are familiar with Islam, this practice might remind of the Muslim tradition of men visiting their female relatives during Eid al Fitr. Start your day with the top stories you missed while you were sleeping.

Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Print Subscriptions. Deseret News homepage. Filed under: Faith Featured Voices.

What is Diwali? Your questions, answered. Reddit Pocket Email Linkedin. Hindu devotees ring a bell as they pray at a temple during Diwali, the festival of lights, in Hong Kong, Thursday, Nov. Kin Cheung, Associated Pres To many Americans — especially those unfamiliar with the Hindu holiday of Diwali — lighting candles in late fall might bring to mind the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Altaf Qadri, Associated Press The version of the holiday that someone celebrates is often dictated by region.

Kin Cheung, Associated Press In general, Diwali is celebrated the same way people all over the world mark other important holidays: by cleaning the house, buying and wearing nice clothes, praying, gathering with family and friends, exchanging gifts and by eating and sharing food.