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'''Diwali''', or '''Divali''', is a festival celebrated by [[Hinduism|Hindus]], [[Sikhism|Sikhs]] in [[India]] and worldwide, which celebrates the victory of good over evil in the [[soul|human spirit]], symbolized by the lights that characterize the festival.  In fact, it is called the "Festival of Light," and reflects the belief the world over in the importance of the human soul, and the battle between [[good]] and [[evil]] for the minds of the faithful.

'''Diwali''', or '''Divali''', is a festival celebrated by [[Hinduism|Hindus]], [[Sikhism|Sikhs]] in [[India]] and worldwide, which celebrates the victory of good over evil in the [[soul|human spirit]], symbolized by the lights that characterize the festival.  In fact, it is called the "Festival of Light," and reflects the belief the world over in the importance of the human soul, and the battle between [[good]] and [[evil]] for the minds of the faithful.

The name "Diwali" is a variation of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali", with ''Deepa'' meaning light and ''Avali'' meaning a row. It is celebrated on ''Amaavasya'', the fifteenth night of the dark fortnight of the month of ''Kaartik'', which falls during October and November. <ref>Bridgnath, S., and R. Parikh. Hindu Religious Festivals. Middlesex, U.K.: Authors, 1996.</ref>

The name "Diwali" is a variation of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali", with ''Deepa'' meaning light and ''Avali'' meaning a row. It is celebrated on ''Amaavasya'', the fifteenth night of the dark fortnight of the month of ''Kaartik'', which falls during October and November.<ref>Bridgnath, S., and R. Parikh. Hindu Religious Festivals. Middlesex, U.K.: Authors, 1996.</ref>

Traditionally, it is marked by the lighting of clay, oil or ''ghee''-filled  ''deeyas'' (lamps). Devotees also use the festival to clean their homes and surroundings, wear new clothing and give charity to the needy.  

Traditionally, it is marked by the lighting of clay, oil or ''ghee''-filled  ''deeyas'' (lamps). Devotees also use the festival to clean their homes and surroundings, wear new clothing and give charity to the needy.  

==Origins of Diwali==

==Origins of Diwali==

Many legends surround the origins of this festival, of which some of the more widely accepted are:<ref>Seereeram, H. Fundamentals of Hinduism: A Basic Text. Dehli, India: Gaurav Prakashan, 1992.</ref><ref>Maharaj, M., and N. Maharaj. Jyotir Vigyaan the Light of Knowledge: A Daily Guide to Hindu Worship, Philosophy and Symbolism. M. Maharaj, 1999. </ref>

Many legends surround the origins of this festival, of which some of the more widely accepted are:<ref>Seereeram, H. Fundamentals of Hinduism: A Basic Text. Dehli, India: Gaurav Prakashan, 1992.</ref><ref>Maharaj, M., and N. Maharaj. Jyotir Vigyaan the Light of Knowledge: A Daily Guide to Hindu Worship, Philosophy and Symbolism. M. Maharaj, 1999.</ref>

===The Story of Rama and Sita===

===The Story of Rama and Sita===

===The Story of King Mahabali and the Dwarf===

===The Story of King Mahabali and the Dwarf===

Some texts suggest that it is King Mahabali (or King Bali) who is remembered during the festival of Diwali. <ref>Maharaj, M., and N. Maharaj. Lakshmi Ganesh. Bonne Adventure Hindu Temple, 2001.</ref> Depending on the version of the legend, he is seen as being either a demon king or a benevolent ruler. However, all the stories agree that he was ambitious and controlled heaven and earth. In addition, he never refused a request. Some of the gods pleaded with Lord Vishnu to check King Mahabali's power.  

Some texts suggest that it is King Mahabali (or King Bali) who is remembered during the festival of Diwali.<ref>Maharaj, M., and N. Maharaj. Lakshmi Ganesh. Bonne Adventure Hindu Temple, 2001.</ref> Depending on the version of the legend, he is seen as being either a demon king or a benevolent ruler. However, all the stories agree that he was ambitious and controlled heaven and earth. In addition, he never refused a request. Some of the gods pleaded with Lord Vishnu to check King Mahabali's power.  

Vishnu came to earth and took the form of a dwarf (''vamana''), dressed as a priest. The dwarf approached King Mahabali and asked if the king would grant him the space that he could cover with three strides. King Mahabali agreed to the dwarf's request and at this point, the dwarf changed back into Lord Vishnu and his three strides covered first the Earth, then the Skies and finally the entire Universe. King Mahabali was sent to the underworld, but because of his magnanimous nature, . Lord Vishnu granted him one wish . Thus, Mahabali is allowed to visit the earth for one day a year on Diwali.

Vishnu came to earth and took the form of a dwarf (''vamana''), dressed as a priest. The dwarf approached King Mahabali and asked if the king would grant him the space that he could cover with three strides. King Mahabali agreed to the dwarf's request and at this point, the dwarf changed back into Lord Vishnu and his three strides covered first the Earth, then the Skies and finally the entire Universe. King Mahabali was sent to the underworld, but because of his magnanimous nature, . Lord Vishnu granted him one wish . Thus, Mahabali is allowed to visit the earth for one day a year on Diwali.

==The Five Days of Diwali==

==The Five Days of Diwali==

Diwali, being the festival of lights, means devotees should light the lamp of knowledge within themselves, in order to understand and reflect upon the significant purpose of each of the five days of festivities. These thoughts should then be carried forward into their daily lives. <ref>Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha. Divali: Festival of Lights. St. Augustine, 1985.</ref><ref>Gosine, R. Hinduism in the Caribbean: Text, Symbols, Rites, Rituals, Customs and Beliefs of Hindu Sects and Groups. Trinidad: Premier Printing Co. Ltd, 1997.</ref>

Diwali, being the festival of lights, means devotees should light the lamp of knowledge within themselves, in order to understand and reflect upon the significant purpose of each of the five days of festivities. These thoughts should then be carried forward into their daily lives.<ref>Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha. Divali: Festival of Lights. St. Augustine, 1985.</ref><ref>Gosine, R. Hinduism in the Caribbean: Text, Symbols, Rites, Rituals, Customs and Beliefs of Hindu Sects and Groups. Trinidad: Premier Printing Co. Ltd, 1997.</ref>

===Day 1 - ''Dhanvantari Triodasi'' or ''Dhanteras''===

===Day 1 - ''Dhanvantari Triodasi'' or ''Dhanteras''===

{{Reflist}}

{{Reflist}}

[[category:Hinduism]]

[[Category:Hinduism]]

[[Category:Sikhism]]

[[Category:Sikhism]]

[[Category:World Culture]]

[[Category:World Culture]]