A party to ward off the darkness

In theIndiaholidays from diwali (or Divali) celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance. On this occasion, Hindus celebrate with might and brilliance. Hundreds of candle lights adorn the windows and parapets of houses, rangolis made of colored powder are drawn on the thresholds, tables collapse under sweets, glowing garlands decorate the entrances of temples, firecrackers and fireworks explode all night.

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A family gathering

It is also a family celebration accompanied by parties, new clothes and exchange of gifts. He prepares weeks in advance as houses are scrubbed floor to ceiling. Housewives armed themselves with brooms, brushes, wolf heads to remove a speck of dust. Cupboards emptied, laundry cleaned, dishes washed. Everything has to shine for the renewal party.

Five day festival

Divali date changes every year. Determined according to the position of the new moon in the month of Kartika, straddling October and November. This year, the celebrations start on October 23.

• On the first day of the festival, Dhanteras, clay cups are filled with oil to burn, rangolis are pulled, the house is tidy. We buy small gold or silver objects to attract good luck.
• On the second day, we celebrate Krishna liberating the world from fear by defeating Narakasura, and we rest.
• On Amavasya day, Hindus wear their best clothes and jewelry. They go to the temple of Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, to win her good graces. They light up every room in the house to drive away the darkness. Firecrackers and fireworks went off all night.
• Annakut, the fourth day is dedicated to abundance. We offer food to the poor and to the gods, and we fulfill ourselves mithaIndian sweets.
• On the fifth day, which is Bhai Dooj, the sisters pray for their brothers and apply tilak to their foreheads. Instead, they offer a prize.

Mysterious origin

If Divali is of religious origin, no priest or teacher can confirm with certainty the legends associated with him. For some, Divali marks the victory of the god Rama over the demon Ravana. The inhabitants of Ayodyah, where Rama lived, lit many oil lamps to show the way back to their god. For others, if the festival is celebrated on the new moon day of the month of Kartika, it is because it is the birthday of goddess Lakshmi. Finally, in some statessouth indian, we prefer to think that this festival pays homage to Krishna freeing 16,000 women held hostage by the evil king. But all Hindus agree on the fact that Divali is the most important festival, which marks the start of the new year.

Where to celebrate Divali in India?

ToJaipur. The buildings and squares are lit up for Divali and the city rewards the best decorated bazaars. The electricity bill is borne by the governmentRajasthanThat day.

In Varanasi. The holiest city in India lights up ghats thousands of oil lamps. Women come to pour milk into the Ganges as a tribute to the god Ganesh, who exemplifies wisdom and prosperity.

In Calcutta.The capital city of West Bengal stands out by celebrating Kali, the goddess of death. One 16th-century scholar associated the goddess’s celebration with a festival of lights in an effort to soften her image.

In Goa.The former Portuguese colony worships Krishna. For Divali, the Goans built a large statue of Nakasura which was to be burned.

This article is being updated.

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