Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival known as ‘the festival of lights’. It is one of the major Hindu festivals or perhaps the biggest one in terms of energy and participation. It is a festival for all—every Hindu around the world and even non-Hindus in India participate in its celebrations. The use of lamps to decorate is the main feature of this festival. The term Deepavali or Diwali meaning ‘collection or row of lights’ was derived from the Sanskrit words ‘deep’ which means lamp, lantern, or light, and ‘avail’ which means a row or array. During this celebration, houses, temples, shops, and offices are illuminated with a collection of oil lamps. People also celebrate this festival with a variety of fireworks.
This year’s celebration is of particular significance. Covid 19 has made it difficult for people to gather and celebrate 2020 Diwali with the same fervor as earlier. With many restrictions in place, it has affected the energy and fervor that is usually seen around the time of Diwali. But, the celebrations can still continue by keeping in mind the fact that it is the fight of good over evil. Taking hygiene precautions and avoiding large gatherings are important factors of 2020 Deepavali. It is always better to avoid firecrackers even without Corona, but especially during this time, it is important to keep in mind the effect crackers have on our environment. Let us learn to celebrate our special days keeping in mind the hygiene protocols and social distancing.
The day of Diwali falls during the autumn in the northern hemisphere (spring in the southern hemisphere). It is celebrated on the Amavasya (New Moon Day) of the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika, which in the Gregorian calendar falls between mid-October and mid-November. The Amavasya or 15th day of the Kartika month also coincides with the darkest night in the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The ‘festival of lights’ is unique in the fact that it is celebrated at night. The 2020 Diwali falls on Saturday, November 14. The Deepavali festival is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness which is symbolic of the victory of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and purity over impurity.
