5 Fascinating Facts about Deepavali, the Festival of Lights

5 Fascinating Facts about Deepavali, the Festival of Lights

Photos by Freepik

Are you celebrating Deepavali with your friends and you are keen to learn more about the customs and traditions of the occasion? Here we share five fascinating facts about the Hindu festival and its significance.

Known as the Hindu Festival of Lights, “Deepavali” as it is called in South India, or “Diwali” as it is known in the Northern Indian states,  are variations of a Sanskrit term "row of lamps". A five-day festival that usually falls between October and November, Deepavali celebrates the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good triumphs over evil, and knowledge overcoming ignorance.

1. Five Days of Celebration
Deepavali takes place annually during the Hindu month of Kartik which starts in mid-October and ends in mid-November. The festivities span across five days with the most significant day falling on Amavasya, the day of the new moon.

On the first day known as Dhanteras, preparations for the festivities begin. From cleaning homes to purchasing new clothes, Dhanteras also marks an auspicious time to buy precious metals. On the second day, Choti Diwali, decorations of homes begin with lights being put up and rangolis drawn. 

On Amavasya, the third day marks the most crucial part of the celebration. Clay oil lamps (diyas) are lit and ceremonies worshipping the Goddess Lakshmi are performed. Families get together on this day for prayers and puja (worship rituals), exchange gifts, and a meal. 

Padwa, the fourth day of celebration, is dedicated to the love between husband and wife. It is also considered a favourable day to open new accounts for businesses. Bhai Duj, the final day, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. 

2. Light Overcomes Darkness
There are many legends about the origin of Deepavali. In northern India, this festival marked the return of Lord Rama and his wife, Sita, along with his brother Lakshman to Ayodhya after their grand defeat of the demonic king Ravana. The people had lit up their homes with lamps to welcome their triumphant return, and this lamp-lighting activity had since become a tradition. 

In the south, the people celebrate Lord Krishna’s defeat of the cruel demon king, Narakasura. The oppressive rule of Narakasura was seen as darkness, and Lord Krishna was the light that dispelled evil. Deepavali is also associated with the Goddess Lakshmi and it is believed that she brings wealth and prosperity to the clean and well-lit homes she visits. 

3. Family reunions and the Lighting of Candles
As Deepavali is celebrated across the world where traditions are diverse, the two common themes are the importance of family and the lighting of candles and lamps that allude to the titular Festival of Lights. 

Family union is emphasised during Deepavali. New clothes are worn as family members gather for a meal, light diyas, perform rituals, and pray together to their ancestors. The venerated relationships between husbands and wives, and brothers and sisters are also celebrated. 

With the main celebration taking place on the day of the new moon when the sky is the darkest, light is a prominent part of the festival. Diyas, candles, and oil lanterns are lit and placed in houses, areas of worship, and lakes and rivers. Fireworks are also set off on the night of Deepavali to ward off evil spirits. 

4. Beauty of Rangoli
Rangoli is the art of creating patterns on the floor using materials such as coloured sand, flower petals, red ochre, and rice flour. Translating to ‘an array of colours’ in Sanskrit, this traditional Indian art represents happiness, good luck, and prosperity. 

On Deepavali, rangoli is drawn at the entrance of homes to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. The art is drawn meticulously in intricate designs such as peacocks, lotus flowers, and round floral shapes. These designs are complex to impede any negativity and to prevent evil from entering the house. 

5. Traditional Cuisines for Deepavali
One delectable aspect of Deepavali is the array of delicacies. Mithai, also known as Indian sweets and desserts, is a must-have during the celebration. Usually served with masala chai tea, these confections are provided after the meals and often gifted to friends and neighbours. 

From all-time favourite murukku to samosas, mutton curry is also an iconic dish prepared during Deepavali. As mutton curry requires substantial cooking time and its ingredients are costly, this dish is usually reserved for special occasions.

Get ready for Deepavali with the Bollywood Dance-off Contest
This contest is for all the dancing divas! Showcase your most creative Bollywood moves using our assigned music in a video that is a minimum of 30 seconds and a maximum of 45 seconds which is uploaded on TikTok from 26th October to 3rd November. Tag @SGSportsHub and include the hashtags #BollywoodDanceOff and #MySgSportsHub in the video’s caption. 

The selected five finalists are required to be physically present at the Singapore Sports Hub’s Rangoli & Rhythm Event on 10th November for the dance-off contest. One grand winner will be determined by our panel of judges. 

Attractive prizes include $100 Kallang Wave Mall vouchers for each of the five finalists and the grand winner will walk away with $500 worth of Kallang Wave Mall vouchers! *Terms and conditions apply.

Celebrate Deepavali with Singapore Sports Hub
Do you know about the exciting line-up of festivities in the Singapore Sports Hub this year? Join us for the Rangoli & Rhythm celebration happening at the OCBC Square on 10th and 11th November from 4pm to 10pm. 

From a dazzling line-up of cultural performances, rangoli art displays, fringe activities, food and beverages, and the Bollywood Dance-Off Contest, there is something for everyone! Admission is free. 

We hope to see you there! 

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