Diwali 2024: Uncovering the origin, rituals, and lesser-known facts about the festival of lights

Today, on October 31, the festival of lights¡ªwill dazzle across the globe, because this beloved Hindu festival isn¡¯t just about lighting lamps and firecrackers; it¡¯s about diving into age-old traditions, family vibes, and the epic journey of Lord Rama. According to legend, Lord Rama returned to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after a 14-year exile and a heroic showdown with Ravana, the demon king. In pure joy, his people lit up every corner of Ayodhya with rows of diyas, and that tradition, dear friends, has been going strong ever since!

What¡¯s the Diwali buzz?

Diwali is a celebration of light overpowering darkness, wisdom outshining ignorance, and, of course, good trumping evil. And beyond all the symbolism, it¡¯s also a major vibe check on cultural heritage, bringing families together to worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for blessings of prosperity, good fortune, and success. It¡¯s a time when we refresh our homes (hello, Diwali cleaning spree!), whip up mithai (sweets), and get our gifting game on point. From Lakshmi Puja to sharing sweets, every ritual is a bridge between generations, helping us feel rooted even in this fast-paced world.

A Diwali for all

This festival goes beyond India¡¯s borders, too! Nepal calls it Tihar, and Malaysia knows it as Hari Diwali. Even the city of Leicester in the UK hosts one of the grandest Diwali celebrations outside of India, with tens of thousands gathering to celebrate. Fun fact: in Bengal, Diwali takes on a fierce twist¡ªpeople worship Maa Kali, the destroyer of evil. Meanwhile, in Nepal, people celebrate Lord Krishna¡¯s victory over the demon Narakasura.

Did you know?

Here¡¯s some lesser-known Diwali tea: Did you know the foundation of the Golden Temple was laid on Diwali? Or that Diwali always falls on a moonless night, a symbolic blank slate to fill with positivity and light? It¡¯s a festive time for both spiritual vibes and a little refresh for the soul. New beginnings are marked, businesses start fresh, and people renew their goals, giving Diwali a meaningful touch beyond the festivities.

The Diwali glow-up

This Diwali, remember that the real spark isn¡¯t just in the lights we see but in the hope and positivity they stand for. Diwali invites us to let go of negativity, renew our purpose, and bring a little more light into our lives and others¡¯. Every diya, every sparkle, and every prayer is our chance to embrace the good in life and let it shine through.

So, as Diwali 2024 is here, celebrate it with full spirit¡ªlight those diyas, put on your best traditional wear, and have some fun. After all, Diwali is all about celebrating life, light, and the unbreakable power of togetherness.