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Welcome to
Diwali on the Net

A Celebration of the Festival of Lights


Diwali is the five-day Hindu celebration known as the "Festival of Lights". Whether with modest oil lamps or awesome firework displays, the Diwali festival illuminates Hindu homes and businesses for five spectacular days.


Come join us as we share some of the ancient mythology practiced on each of the fives days of the Diwali, including the pinnacle third day when families light their traditional diyas (oil lamps). Learn more about the origin of this ancient festival and then savor some of the sugary treats that are traditionally served during Diwali.


If you are interested in investigating more about the Hindu religion, let our introduction to Hinduism get your started. Just don't forget to test your knowledge with our fun Did You Know feature.


Wishing you a joyous, prosperous and peaceful Diwali.


Diwali will be celebrated on October 26, 2011




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Did You Know? (Diwali)

Facts, Figures & Folklore about the Hindu Festival of Light


When is Diwali?

Here are the dates for Diwali 2010-2020

Diwali The Festival Of Lights

Diwali, or the "festival of lights" is celebrated by Hindus across India and the huge Hindu diaspora spread all over the world.


The Origins of the Hindu Festival of Diwali

The biggest of all Hindu festivals, Diwali is known in India as the Festival of Lights.


Diyas - Lighting the Way to Diwali

Since Diwali is known as the "festival of lights" it follows that "diyas" or clay lamps are an integral part of the occasion.


What Would Diwali Be Without Diyas?

Although various types of lamps and candles are used for decoration and lighting, the tradition of lighting Diyas is still important.


The Different Spellings of Diwali

Diwali? Divali? Deepavali? There seems to be some confusion surrounding the actual spelling of Diwali.


Presidential Diwali

US President Barack Obama celebrates Diwali at the White House.

The 5 Days of Diwali:

Each of the five days of the festival is marked with its own unique traditions and mythology.


Day 01: Dhanteras

The day of Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations.


Day 02: Choti Diwali - Narak Chaturdashi

Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated just a day before Diwali.


Day 03: Lakshmi Puja / Diwali

The Diwali day amidst other celebrations, holds special importance for the Hindu community as they worship Lord Ganesha and Lakshmi (Laxmi) on this auspicious day.


Day 04: Padwa & Govardhan Puja

The day following the Diwali day is celebrated as Padwa and Govardhan Puja day.


Day 05: Bhai Duj

Bhai Duj is celebrated two days after Diwali and is the fifth or last day of the Diwali celebrations.


Hinduism: An Overview of the Hindu Religion

The world's oldest religion, Hindusim has more than one billion followers around the globe, making it the third largest religion.


Hinduism: The Four Central Beliefs

There are four central beliefs in Hinduism.

Dharma (ethics and beliefs)

Dharma is one of the central tenets of Hinduism and is the path of right and living life as mentioned in the moral laws described by Hindu scriptures.


Samsara (rebirth)

Hinduism believes in transmigration of soul and rebirth in different bodies. This whole process of rebirth is called "samsara".

Karma (right action)

Hinduism believes in rebirth and reincarnation & the karma of a person in the present birth decides his life after death.


Moksha (liberation from the cycle of Samsara)

"Moksha" is the Sanskrit word for "liberation" and Hinduism considers it to be the highest goal of life to which every Hindu aspires.

Gods of the Hindu Religion - The Hindu Trinity

It is believed that the whole universe was created and run by three fundamental forces symbolized by the three Gods of Hindu Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu, & Shiva


Brahma

In Hinduism, Lord Brahma, the first of the gods from the Hindu Trinity, is said to be the creator of this universe.

Lord Vishnu

The 2nd member of the Hindu Trinity and is referred to as the protector and preserver of the world.


Shiva

One of the most powerful Gods in the Hindu religion and the third member of the Hindu Trinity. Lord Shiva is associated with Power.

Lakshmi (Laxmi)

The wife of Lord Vishnu is regarded as the goddess of Luck and is admired for her purity, generosity and chastity.


Hindu Holidays (calendar)
Makara Sankranti
Saraswati Pooja
Holi (Festival of Colors)

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is perhaps best understood as a celebration of the colors of unity and brotherhood - as an opportunity to forget differences.


Did You Know? Holi

Facts, Figures & Folklore about the Hindu Festival of Colors.

Holi Pictures & Slideshows

Enjoy beautiful and colorful slideshows of the Hindu Festival of Color from around the globe.


Diwali Blog
Check out the latest articles and postings about Diwali from our holiday blog site - Holiday Rap

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Diwali Recipes

Healthy, Wholesome, Vegan-friendly Recipes For Diwali


Diwali Crafts

Easy and fun craft projects for Diwali


Diwali Greeting Cards

Send your friends and family FREE Diwali eGreeting cards


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