Diwali - The Festival of Lights
Meaning and Dates of Diwali
Diwali (Divali) is a major festival of
the Hindu religion. It is also known as Deepavali.
Meaning
The word Diwali has been derived from the word Dipavali,
a Sanskrit word, meaning
a row of lights. During Diwali, lamps are lit everywhere.
It is celebrated on four consecutive days, as follows.
| |
According to the
Hindu Lunar Calendar |
According to this year's (2007)
English/Roman Calendar |
| Dhanatrayodashi |
The thirteenth day (trayodashi) of the dark fortnight
of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Ashvin. |
9 November |
| Narak chaturdashi |
The fourteenth day (chaturdashi) of the dark fortnight
of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Ashvin. |
11 November |
| Lakshmipujan / Divali |
The new moon day (amavasya) of the dark fortnight of
the Hindu lunar calendar month of Ashvin. |
11 November |
| Balipratipada |
The first day (pratipada) of the bright fortnight of
the Hindu lunar calendar month of Kartik. |
13 November |
Some exclude Dhanatrayodashi and consider only the
remaining three days as Diwali. Since Vasubaras and Bhaubij respectively precede
and follow Diwali, they are included in it. However, in reality they are separate
holy festivals. |
