Happy Diwali!

Today is Happy Diwali. It is known as ‘Kali Puja’ in Bangladesh. Diwali is a five day festival that represents the start of the Hindu New Year. It honors the victory of good over evil, and brightness over darkness. It also marks the start of winter. Diwali is actually celebrated in honor of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom of Ayodhya, following Rama and monkey god Hanuman’s defeat the demon King Ravana and rescue of Sita from his evil clutches (celebrated on Dussehra). Diwali in pattern of ‘Kali Puja’ is very widely celebrated in Bangladesh too. But it is not the major festival for Bengali Hindus from Bangladesh and West Bengal. Dhaka News wishing everybody a happy Diwali.

In October or November, depending on the cycle of the moon. In 2011, Diwali starts with Dhanteras on October 24. Each day of the festival has a different meaning. The main festivities take place on the third day (this year, on October 26), while the the fourth day is celebrated as new year’s day. Merchants open fresh accounts for the new year, and offer prayers. On the fifth and last day, brothers and sisters get together and share food, to honor the bond between them.

Find out when is Diwali in future years.

Throughout the whole of India. However, the festival isn’t widely celebrated in the state of Kerala, as it’s not part of their culture. This is because Diwali has traditionally been a festival of wealth for merchants, and being a Communist-ruled state, the Hindus of Kerala have never freely engaged in trade.One of the best places to experience Diwali is in the “pink city” of Jaipur, in Rajasthan. Each year there’s a competition for the best decorated and most brilliantly lit up market. It’s a dazzling display that attracts visitors from all over India.

If you’d prefer a more traditional Diwali, head to Varanasi where the river banks are lined with the glow of candlelight, people chant, and bathe in the river in the early hours. It’s magical! The Varanasi Ganga Aarti is also a highlight there.

In Goa, the focus of Diwali celebrations is on the destruction of demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Competitions are held in every village and city to see who can make the biggest and scariest effigy of the demon. Some are really huge! They’re burned at dawn on Narakasura Chaturdashi, the day before the main day of Diwali.

On the third day, lots of small clay lamps (called diyas) and candles are lit and placed in houses, and fireworks are let off everywhere, giving Diwali its name of “Festival of Lights”. People also clean and decorate their homes with Rangoli (Hindu folk art), buy new clothes, gamble, and give each other gifts and sweets during the festival.

The rituals vary according to region. However, special blessings are given to Laxshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The Goddess Laxshmi is believed to have been created from the churning of the ocean on the main Diwali day, and that she’ll visit every home during the Diwali period, bringing with her prosperity and good fortune. It’s said that she visits the cleanest houses first, therefore people make sure their houses are spotless before lighting lamps to invite her in. Small statues of the Goddess are also worshiped in people’s homes.

The candlelight makes Diwali a very warm and atmospheric festival, and it’s observed with much joy and happiness. However, be prepared for lots of loud noise from the fireworks and firecrackers going off. The air also becomes filled with smoke from the firecrackers, which can add to breathing difficulties.

It’s a good idea to protect your hearing with ear plugs during Diwali, especially if your ears are sensitive. Some crackers are extremely loud, and sound more like explosions. The noise is very damaging to hearing.