Definition: Diwali is a Hindu equinox "festival of lights" celebrated at the new moon in the month of Kartika, around the time of the autumn harvest and the start of the winter sowing. Hiltebeitel mentions claims that the celebration of Diwali can be traced to A.D. 50-100 and that it comes from an autumnal festival for the dead.
The religious connotations of the festival are varied. Elements include: the return of Rama and Sita to the land where Rama ruled as king (Ayodhya in Northern India) [India for Visitors] and a symbolic re-enactment of the killing by Rama of Ravana and the freeing of Laksmi [Grottanelli).
Small oil lamps or candles are customarily placed around the house. Sweet treats are exchanged, houses are whitewashed, new clothes worn, there's gambling, and fireworks highlight the bright light theme.
References:
- "Nahusa in the Skies: A Human King of Heaven," by Alf Hiltebeitel; History of Religions, (1977), pp. 329-350.
- "The King's Grace and the Helpless Woman: A Comparative Study of the Stories of Ruth, Charila, Sītā," by Cristiano Grottanelli; History of Religions, (1982), pp. 1-24.
- Indian Festivals: Diwali
- Diwali: Festival of Lights - From Hinduism at About.com
Also Known As: Deepawali
