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Diwali
[ dih-wah-lee, ‐-vah‐, duh‐ ]
noun
- the Hindu festival of lights, celebrated as a religious holiday throughout India, falling between mid-October and mid-November.
Diwali
/ dɪˈwɑːlɪ /
noun
- a major Hindu religious festival, honouring Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Held over the New Year according to the Vikrama calendar, it is marked by feasting, gifts, and the lighting of lamps
Example Sentences
No 10 has apologised after meat and alcohol were served at a Downing Street event to celebrate the festival of Diwali, held last month.
Downing Street first began hosting events to celebrate Diwali in 2009 under then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
We discussed his illustrious culinary journey, his deep love for fashion and his favorite Diwali dishes.
Do you have a favorite dish you like to make and enjoy on Diwali?
And kebabs, even though it isn’t traditionally eaten on Diwali.
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More About Diwali
What is Diwali?
Diwali is a major Hindu festival popularly called the “festival of lights.” Generally, Diwali is often considered a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
The festival commemorates different specific things in different places and among different communities. It is often associated with the goddess Lakshmi or with Rama (an avatar of the god Vishnu). For some Hindus, Diwali marks the start of the New Year.
Diwali is also celebrated by some Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, though they may interpret and observe it differently.
Diwali is a five-day festival, but its third day is typically observed as the main celebration.
Diwali is pronounced dih-WAH-lee or dih-VAH-lee and can also be spelled Divali and Dewali. Other variants include Deepavali and Deepawali.
When is Diwali?
In 2023, Diwali will take place from November 10–14, with the main celebration on November 12. In 2024, Diwali is October 29–November 3, with the main celebration on November 1.
Diwali takes place during the Hindu calendar month of Kartik. Because the Hindu calendar is a lunisolar calendar, the corresponding dates change each year, but it is always observed in October or November. Diwali is always observed on a moonless night (that is, during the day of the new moon).
More information and context on Diwali
The name Diwali comes from a Sanskrit term meaning “row of lights.”
In many Hindu traditions, each day of Diwali has special significance and involves different observances and rituals. The third day is typically considered the main celebration. On this day, it is traditional to decorate with small lamps or candles called diyas.
What are some terms that often get used in discussing Diwali?
How is Diwali discussed in real life?
Diwali traditions and associations vary among different communities, but it is typically observed as a festive and celebratory time. Diwali is spelled in various ways.
Just like the colors of Rangoli, hope this Diwali brings fresh smiles, undiscovered avenues, different perspective and unbound happiness. Have a wonderful Diwali and a great New Year!
TERA SUIT FT JASLY
— NEILSHA OFFICIAL FC (@ItsNeilShaOFC) March 5, 2021
#divali2020 I celebrated Divali with my family, did Lakshmi pooja and light deeyas, it was fun!! pic.twitter.com/NheXK3YZnQ
— Sanjeev Adi Maharaj (@Adideva3) November 15, 2020
Winter is knocking on the door, and when you open it, the soft fumes and fragrance of incense, champak flowers, glistening raindrops off flaming hibisci, the crackle of cotton wicks in ghee, slow-drying clay diyas..all rush in too
Diwali is a few days away
— TheSignOfFive (@TheSignOfFive) October 22, 2021
Try using Diwali!
True or False?
Diwali is a five-day festival.
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