Diwali celebrations at Kotah ((c. 1690)) by IndianNational Gallery of Victoria
Diwali, the festival of lights!
Diwali is the festival of lights considered an homage to the defeat of darkness with light.
Princess enjoying a sparkler in the month of Karttika (circa A.D. 1750) by UnknownNational Museum - New Delhi
1. The festival occurs on a no-moon night
Diwali falls in the hindu calendar month of Karthik, and to enjoy this festival of lights, which occurs on an amavasya (moonless night), firecrackers are lit and lights are placed on the walls and entrances of the houses.
Rama and Sita, with Lakshmana returning to Ayodhya (1600/1700) by UnknownNational Museum - New Delhi
This festival commemorates the return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after his fourteen-year long exile.
Rangoli decorated with diyas at the ghatSamoolam
It is believed that to welcome them back, the residents of Ayodhya lit thousands of Diyas (clay lamps). That practice still continues.
Samudra Manthan (1914) by Ravi Udaya-Vijaya Press, GhatkoparOriginal Source: Collection of Mark Baron and Elise Boisante
2. It celebrates the birth of Lakshmi, goddess of Wealth
It is believed that Lakshmi, the goddess of Wealth and prosperity, was born out of the great churning of the milk-sea, known as Samudra Manthan, on Diwali.
Lakshmi (20th century CE) by Ravi Verma Press, LonavalaChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
3. It's the end of harvest season
The month of Karthik marks the end of harvest season in India and farmers offer their harvest to goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.
Annakut (late 19th century)Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
4. It includes the festival of Annakut
Annakut is celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali which is the 1st day of the new year according to the Hindu calendar. It is a day of offering gratitude for Krishna beneficence with mounds of food in the shape of Govardhan mountain.
Women celebrating the Feast of DiwaliBritish Museum
5. There are plenty of fireworks and lights!
Firecrackers and decorating with lamps and candles are an essential part of the celebration. Over the years, electrical lighting decorations has become one way to make elaborate decors.
