IGI wishes a joyful Diwali to everyone celebrating, October 23-27.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is India’s largest and most important holiday. Also called Deepavali, the festival is named for clay lamps (deepa) which are lit in rows (avali) outside celebrants homes, symbolizing the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. For Hindus this festival is just as important as high holidays like Christmas, Yom Kippur, Eid-al-adha and others are within their respective cultures.
The festival of lights is associated with Rama, the deity and iconic personality hailed and adored by devotees. Celebrations in various parts of India commemorate the story of Rama’s return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps. Also remembered are the day that Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, and the day that Vishnu the Preserver sent the demon King Bali to the nether world.
Those celebrating Diwali decorate their homes with diyas, rangolis and rice lights, wear new clothes, get-together and exchange treats. Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that’s also enjoyed by non-Hindu communities.
