Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated festivals in India. This year, the festival falls on Thursday, October 31, but today, October 30, is Choti Diwali, also called Naraka Chaturdashi. It is a day filled with special rituals and prayers to welcome wealth and prosperity. To commemorate this joyous occasion, people share warm wishes, SMS, and social media statuses with their loved ones. May the twinkling lights of Diwali bring endless happiness and blessings to your life!
Diwali: A Festival of Lights
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a significant festival celebrated in India and many other parts of the world. It is one of the most joyous and widely celebrated festivals in India, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate. Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
History and Background
The origins of Diwali can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures. One of the most well-known legends associated with Diwali is the story of Lord Rama, a legendary prince who defeated the demon king Ravana and rescued his wife, Sita. Diwali is celebrated as a day of triumph and rejoicing over Rama's victory.
Another legend associated with Diwali tells the story of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Hindus believe that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes on the night of Diwali and brings wealth and blessings to those who have decorated their homes and performed specific rituals.
Celebrations and Rituals
Diwali is celebrated over five days, with each day having its unique significance and rituals. The main day of Diwali, known as Lakshmi Puja, falls on the third day of the festival. On this day, people perform Lakshmi Puja to welcome the goddess into their homes and pray for wealth and prosperity.
Other common Diwali rituals include:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Conclusion
Diwali is a vibrant and joyous festival that brings people together to celebrate the triumph of good, light, and prosperity. By sharing warm wishes, performing traditional rituals, and embracing the spirit of the festival, individuals can experience the true essence of Diwali and make it a memorable occasion.
As the setting sun is worshipped, millions of people gather at the banks of the Ganga Ghat for the annual celebration of Chhath Puja. While it is traditionally celebrated in the Kartik month, some regions in India also observe the festival during Chaitra. Chhath Puja involves strict rituals and fasting for four days to express gratitude to Lord Surya for sustaining life on Earth. The festival is predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, as well as by diaspora communities from these regions.
Learn about the origins and significance of Khagaria Bazar, a bustling locality in the state of Bihar, India. Find out more about its postal services through the Khagaria Bazar Post Office, which also serves as a Sub Post Office under the main Begusarai Head Post Office. Get in touch with the local postal officials through their contact number (06244-222015) for any enquiries about postal services in the area.
A long-standing business dispute between two brother-in-laws turned deadly on the festive occasion of Bhai Dooj in New Delhi's Sonia Vihar area. The accused, Ali Hassan, was arrested for allegedly shooting his brother-in-law, Hemant, after an argument over financial disputes. The incident highlights the danger of unresolved tensions in family-run businesses and the need for proper conflict resolution.
India is known for its vibrant culture and diverse landscapes, but there are many hidden gems that often go unnoticed. From the ancient Elephanta Island in Mumbai to the majestic Hathi Parvat in Uttarakhand, these islands offer a unique blend of history, nature, and adventure. Udaipur's Hathi Pol and Etawah's Lion Safari provide a glimpse into India's royal past, while the Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Daroji and Umananda Island in Assam showcase the country's rich wildlife. If you're looking for a tranquil escape, head to Andaman and Nicobar Island and soak in the serene beauty and diverse bird population.
The city of Chennai, which has been grappling with low storage levels in its reservoirs and a weak monsoon season, received a much-needed boost with the arrival of 240 cubic feet per second of Krishna water from the Kandaleru Poondi canal on Monday. This water, along with the 200 cusecs that flowed into the Poondi reservoir, will add 791 million cubic feet of storage to the reservoirs, equivalent to 20 days of drinking water supply. The Water Resources Department expects the discharge to increase to 500-600 cusecs in the coming days, with the hope of receiving up to 2,000 million cubic feet of Krishna water this season. Additionally, weather recorded in Chennai for the day stayed four degrees Celsius above normal, with Madurai airport recording the hottest temperature in the state at 36.4 degree Celsius.
As per Hindu beliefs, the month of Kartik is considered very auspicious and is marked by important festivals and fasts. The last day of this month, known as Kartik Purnima, holds great significance and falls on November 15th, 2024. On this day, people perform rituals, give charity, and light lamps to celebrate the awakening of Lord Vishnu after his four-month yoga nidra. However, there are also certain actions that are believed to not be performed on this auspicious day, making it a spiritually and religiously significant occasion.
The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta has announced that the admit cards for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 will be released today, November 5 on their official website, iimcat.ac.in. The exam is scheduled to take place on November 24 and has strict guidelines, including a 120-minute time limit and three sections with a total of 66 questions. Aspirants are advised to prepare accordingly to secure their chance for admission into 21 IIMs and over 1,000 other MBA colleges in India.
The popular films Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 continue to hold strong in their second week, with steady box office collections and praise from audiences. With Ajay Devgn and Kartik Aaryan at the helm, these films have surpassed expectations and are on track to cross the Rs 200 crore mark. Audiences can expect more entertainment from these hits well into November.
In a major step towards eradicating tuberculosis in India by 2025, MRPL has donated 1 crore rupees to purchase four CB-NAAT machines for the National TB Elimination Programme. These advanced machines will be distributed among two districts, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, to improve healthcare access and facilitate timely TB diagnosis. This contribution aligns with MRPL's CSR initiative, Arogya Samrakshan, and underscores its commitment to improving healthcare and community well-being.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited the Chhath Ghat in Patna to assess the facilities for Chhath devotees and emphasized the need for preparedness and support for the festival. He instructed officials to remain vigilant and ensure cleanliness and smooth traffic flow at the Ghats. Kumar also inaugurated the Ganga Utsav at the JP Setu/Digha Ghat and extended his warm greetings to the people for the Chhath festival, highlighting its essence of selflessness and humanity. The festival will be celebrated at 109 Ghats in the urban area of Patna this year.