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.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has introduced a new feedback collection process to gather more structured responses from devotees and further improve their pilgrimage experience. This mechanism, which was already in place, has now been expanded to include multiple channels, allowing TTD to identify and address specific challenges faced by pilgrims. With this step, TTD aims to enhance its service delivery and ensure a more comfortable and satisfactory journey for all devotees visiting Tirupati.
India's postal department has allocated a six-digit code to each district, village, town, and city to facilitate efficient postal services. Known as Postal Index Numbers or PIN codes, they are utilized by India Post for efficient sorting and delivery of mail. With one or more sorting districts in each state depending on the volume of mail, the last two digits represent the specific delivery office within the sorting district. This system is now available in every corner of India, from the bustling cities to the smallest villages.
The ancient and unique Eri silk from Assam has been bestowed with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The Eri silk is known for its strength, durability, and glossy look. This recognition will not only protect the traditional craft of silk production but also promote the economic growth of indigenous communities. It is also a step towards positioning India as a leader in the global silk market.
The coverage of the Air India plane crash by BBC News sparked backlash and complaints from viewers who were unhappy with the inclusion of the crash survivor's brother and cousin in the interviews. However, the news outlet stands by their editorial responsibility and guidelines, taking care to not cause unnecessary distress. The family's decision to speak to the media, particularly about Vishwash's brother, was their own choice and the reporter proceeded with sensitivity and respect. BBC News maintains regular contact with the family, upholding a duty of care in light of this devastating event.
After a long hiatus, Roman Reigns is set to return to the WWE stage. And according to insider reports, his first match back could potentially be against his former Shield brother, Seth Rollins. With their history and the potential for a long-term storyline, this dream match could be a main event worthy of its own night at SummerSlam. But with options like Bron Breakker and CM Punk also on the table, WWE has the opportunity to create a truly epic and memorable showdown. Whether it's a one-on-one match or a tag team extravaganza, the return of the Tribal Chief is sure to be a major highlight of SummerSlam.
The Hindu On Books is your go-to source for the best book recommendations, reviews and excerpts. Written by the esteemed journalists of The Hindu, this section includes books of the week, interviews with authors, and features on literary events. Stay up-to-date on all things book-related with The Hindu On Books.
The highly anticipated movie "Jai Jagannath" directed by esteemed Oriya filmmaker Sabyasachi Mohapatra is set to release in a record number of 13 languages. This multi-lingual socio-mythological film, based on the ancient scripture Lakshmi Puran, boasts state-of-the-art graphics, rich production values, and divine music. With a stellar cast and a powerful message of ending discrimination, "Jai Jagannath" is sure to be a box office success when it premieres on November 9th, coinciding with Laxmi Pooja Day. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking film that showcases the strength of true spirituality.
Through her enlightened leadership, Principal Anjali Pandey has transformed Dnyananand ICSE School into a model educational institution that goes beyond academics to foster a holistic development approach. With her academic expertise and focus on inclusivity and emotional well-being, she has guided the school's transition to CISCE affiliation and created a vibrant learning culture through activities and inter-house competitions. Her dedication and the collective spirit of the school's community have earned recognition and made Dnyananand a place where compassion and curiosity are nurtured every day.
This article highlights the beloved tradition of Pahandi Bije, a stunning ritual that takes place during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri. It describes the mesmerizing choreography of faith as the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are carried from their temple to their grand chariots. The story behind the giant floral headpieces, known as tahias, adds an extra layer of reverence to this spiritual spectacle.
The Adani Group, known for its involvement in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, is now extending its support to India's spiritual and cultural events. Following their successful seva at the Maha Kumbh Mela, the Group is now providing nearly 4 million free meals and drinks, designated food counters, beverages, and support for lifeguards and beach clean-up during the nine-day Ratha Jatra in Puri, Odisha. The collaboration between the Adani Group and various organizations showcases a message of social service as a central value and reinforces the view of development grounded in Indian culture, community, and compassion.