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|date2012=13 November
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{{DisplayTranslations
| Hindi | दीपावली, दिवाली
| Kannada| ದೀಪಾವಳಿ
| Marathi| दिवाळी, दीपावली
| Tamil | தீபாவளி
| Telugu | దీపావళి
| Urdu | دیوالی
|Konkani|दिवाळी,धाकली दिवाळी}}
'''දිවාලි''' හෝ '''{{IAST|දීපාවලි}}''' ([[සංස්කෘත]]: යනු "පහන් පෙළක්" යන අරුත නිරුපනය කරන සංස්කෘත වචනයකි.<ref>{{cite book|last=[[Monier Monier-Williams]]|title=Sanskrit-English Dictionary|location=Entry for दीप्|pages=481}}</ref>), එය ඉන්දියානු උත්සව අතරින් ඉතාම වර්ණවත් උත්සවය වේ. මෙම උත්සවය නව සඳ උදාවීමට සමගාමිව ඔක්තෝබර් හෝ නොවැම්බර් මස වලදී සැමරේ. 2010 වර්ෂයේ මෙම උළෙල නොවැම්බර් 5 වන දිනට යෙදේ.
[[ගොනුව:Knadil.JPG|thumbnail|දකුණ|Diwali being festival of lights, across India people celebrate it via symbolic diyas or [[kandil]]s (colorful paper lanterns) as an integral part of Diwali decorations.]]
[[ගොනුව:The Rangoli of Lights.jpg|thumbnail|[[Rangoli]], decorations made from colored powder, is popular during Diwali]]
=== Martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji ===
Another important [[Sikh]] event associated with Diwali is the martyrdom in 1737 of the elderly Sikh scholar and strategist [[Bhai Mani Singh]], the [[Granthi]] (keeper/reader of Sikh scripture) of Harmandir Sahib ([[Harmandir Sahib|Golden Temple]]). He had refused to or was unable to pay [[jizya]] - a special tax imposed by the Mughal Empire on non-Muslims - on a religious meeting of the [[Khalsa]] on the Diwali day. This and other Sikh martyrdoms gave further momentum to the Khalsa struggle for freedom and eventual success in establishing the Khalsa rule north of Delhi
Bhai Mani Singh was a great scholar and he transcribed the final version of [[Guru Granth Sahib]] which was dictated to him by [[Guru Gobind Singh]] Ji in 1704. He took charge of Harmandir Sahib's management in 1708. In 1737, he received permission from the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] governor of Punjab, Zakariya Khan, to hold a religious meeting on Diwali for a massive tax of Rs. 5,000 (some authors say it was Rs 10,000). Invitations were sent to the Sikhs all over India to join Bandi Chhorh Diwas celebrations at Harmandir Sahib. Bhai Mani Singh thought he would collect the tax-money from the Sikhs who would assemble for the purpose of Diwali Celebrations as subscriptions. But Bhai Mani Singh Ji later discovered that Zakariya Khan secretly planned to kill the Sikhs during the gathering. Bhai Mani Singh Ji immediately sent messages to all the Sikhs not to turn up for celebrations. As Bhai Mani Singh could not arrange for the tax to be paid, Zakariya Khan ordered Bhai Mani Singh's execution at [[Lahore]] by ruthlessly cutting him to death, limb-by-limb. Ever since, the great sacrifice and devotion of martyr Bhai Mani Singh Ji is remembered on the Bandi Chhorh Diwas (Diwali) celebration.
=== Uprising against the Mughal Empire ===
The festival of Diwali became the second most important day after the [[Baisakhi]], when [[Khalsa]] was formally established by the Tenth [[Guru Gobind Singh]] in 1699.
The Sikh struggle against [[Mughal Empire]]'s atrocities on non-Muslims, especially on Sikhs, which intensified in the 18th century, came to be centered around this day. After the execution of [[Banda Bahadur]] in 1716, who had led the agrarian uprising in [[Punjab region|Punjab]], the Sikhs started the tradition of deciding matters concerning the community at the biennial meetings which took place at [[Amritsar]] on the first of Baisakh and at Diwali. These assemblies were known as the [[Sarbat Khalsa]] and a resolution passed by it became a [[gurmata]] (decree of the Guru).
== Diwali in different regions of India ==
The celebrations vary in different regions:
=== In South India ===
* In [[Southern India]], ''narakasura vratha'' is the main day, with celebration with firecrackers at dawn after lakshmi puja.
* Diwali is one of the seven most important festivals of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. The others are Ugadhi, Sri Rama Navami, Sankranthi, Siva Ratri, Vinayaka Chavithi and Dasara (Dusshera). There are many other festivals too such as Nagula chaviti, Vasanthochavam (Holi), Atla Taddhi, etc. Diwali festival is very popular among the children for the joy of bursting fire crakers. Special areas to sell fire crackers are set up in all towns and cities including bigger villages. There are some pseudo-traditional customs followed such as buying new clothes for this festival. Buying new home or vehicles such as cars and trucks is considered auspicious. Special sweets are made too. Some eateries in Hyderabad makes some delicious sweets during Diwali which will not be available at any other time. Meat and Alcohol are generally not consumed. Tradition has it that Andhraites gift sweets during Diwali. Some areas host local stage story telling called Hari Katha. Some areas may put a huge Narakasura dummy made with fire crackers. This will be burst by a person wearing the dress of Lord Krishna or more accurately, a costume of [[Satyabhama]], the consort of [[Lord Krishna]] who actually killed the demon [[Narakasura]]; an event that is celebrated as Diwali for generations. The evening of Diwali is a colourful sight to watch the evening sky.
* The main festival in Karnataka is on the first day -Narakachaturdashi and third day- Balipadyami, with no celebration on the middle day of ''Amavasye''. The festivities begin a day, during which water is stored (following the tradition, since running water was not available with ease, and it had to be carried from nearby ponds and lakes) for the next days Oil bath in the early hours of the morning. Then the entire house is cleaned and new clothes are purchased for the entire family (signifies becoming a new/better person by giving up darkness within us) which is followed by lighting of oil lamps around the house and bursting firecrackers.
* The third day is celebrated as [[Bali Padyami]] as the day of Vamana's victory over '[[Mahabali]]'. This festival is greatly celebrated in Karnataka.
* In Tamil Nadu it is celebrated as Deepavali. Celebrate this with lighting deepams, firecrackers, wearing new dresses and Sweets. It is a big festival in Tamil Nadu. They Take Oil bath early in the morning and poosai. After that Crackers and a traditional Visit to the Temple.
=== In Gujarat ===
{{මූලික|Diwali in Gujarat}}
=== In Maharashtra ===
<!-- Missing image removed: [[Image:Diyas.jpg|thumb|A circular arrangement of [[diya]]s.]] -->
In [[Maharashtra]], Diwali starts from ''Vasubaras'' which is the 12th day of the 2nd half of the month of ''Ashwin''. This day is celebrated by performing an ''[[Aarti]]'' of the cow and its calf- which is a symbol of love between mother and her baby.
The next day is ''Dhanatrayodashi'' (dhana=wealth, tra=3 dashi=10th i.e. 10+3=13th day) or ''Dhanteras''. This day is of special importance for traders and business people.
The 14th day of ''Ashwin'' is ''Narakchaturdashi''. On this day, people wake up before sunrise and bathe after rubbing scented oil on their body (they also bathe using ''[[Utna]]''). After this the entire family visits a temple and offers prayers to their God. After this visit, everyone feasts on ''Faral'' which is a special Diwali preparation consisting of delectable sweets such as "''karanji''", "''ladoo''", "''shankarpale''" and "''mithai''" as well as some spicy eatables like "''chakli''", "''shev''" and "''chivda''".
Then comes ''Laxmi- poojan''. It occurs on ''Amavasya'' i.e. no moon day. The dark night is illuminated by lamps and at dusk [[fire cracker|crackers]] are burst. New account books are opened after a ''pooja''. The [[stock exchange]] performs a token bidding called ''Muhurta'' bidding. Generally the traders do not make any payments on that day (according to their belief ''Laxmi'' should not be given away but must come home). In every household, cash, jewellery and an idol of the goddess [[Laxmi]] is worshipped. Friends, neighbours and relatives are invited over and celebrations are in full swing. The broom used to clean one's house is also worshipped as a symbol of [[laxmi]] in some places .
''Padwa' is the 1st day of the new month - ''Kartik'' in the Hindu calendar.
''Bhaubeej'' - it is the time where in the bond of love between a brother and sister is further strengthened as the sister asks God for her brother/s long and successful life while she receives presents from her beloved brother/s.
Homes are cleaned and decorated before ''Diwali''. Offices perform ''puja''. Bonuses and holidays are granted to employees on these auspicious days. People buy property and gold on these days too. Children build replica forts in memory of the founder of [[Maratha empire]], [[Shivaji Maharaj]]. For children, Fire works, new clothes and sweets make Dipavali the most eagerly awaited festival of the year.
=== In Kolkata ===
{{මූලික|Kali Puja}}
'''Kali Puja''' is light-up night for [[Kolkata]], corresponding to the festival of Diwali (pronounced ''Dipabali'' in Bengali), where people light candles in memory of the souls of departed ancestors. The Goddess [[Kali]] is worshipped at night on one night during this festival. This is also a night of [[fireworks]], with local youth burning sparklers and crackers throughout the night. Kolkata had to pass [[ව්යවස්ථාදායකය]] a few years back to ban fireworks which break the 65 [[decibel]] sound limit, as ambient noise levels were going up to 90 [[decibels]] or more in parts of the city.
=== In Goa ===
Diwali begins in Goa on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi.The houses are cleaned,and decorated with Kandil,lamps,mango leaves and marigold flowers,the utensils are made to shine,filled with water and decorated for the holy bath the following morning.On this day a paper made effigies of [[Narakasura]],filled with grass,crackers symbolising evil are made.<ref>{{cite book|last=Gajrani|first=S.|title=History, religion & culture of India |publisher=Gyan Publishing House|date=2004|volume=3|pages=109|isbn=8182050626|language=English}}</ref>These effigies are burnt at around four o'clock in the morning the following day,crackers are burst and people return home,take a scented oil bath,lamps are lit in a line.<ref name="goa">{{cite book|last=Gune|first= Vithal Trimbak|title=Gazetteer of the Union Territory Goa, Daman and Diu: district |publisher=Goa, Daman and Diu (India). Gazetteer Dept|date=1979|volume=Volume 1|pages=262|language=English}}</ref>The women of the house perform [[arti]] of the men,gifts are exchanged,a bitter berry called as ''kareet'' is crushed under the feet,in token of killing Narkasur,symbolising evil and removal of ignorance.<ref name="goa" /> Different varieties of [[Poha]] and sweets are made and eaten with family and friends.Festivities continue till Tulsi vivah and lamps are lit every evening.Celebrations include Lakshmi puja on the Diwali day,Krishna puja or Govardhan puja and cattle worship on [[Balipratipada]] day,Bhaubeej,and Tulsi vivah.
== Melas ==
[[ගොනුව:Mehndi-cu.jpg|thumbnail|දකුණ|[[Mehndi]] is applied on women's hands at a Diwali Mela.]]
{{මූලික|Mela}}
To add to the festival of Diwali, fairs (or '[[mela]]s') are held throughout India.<ref> {{cite book | first=Dilip | last=Kadowala| title=Diwali | publisher=Evans Brothers Limited | location=London | year=1998 | isbn=0-237-51801-5}} </ref> Melas are to be found in many towns and villages. A mela generally becomes a market day in the countryside when farmers buy and sell produce. Girls and women dress attractively during the festival. They wear colourful clothing and new jewelry, and their hands are [[Mehndi|decorated]] with [[henna]] designs.
Among the many activities that take place at a mela are performances by [[jugglers]], [[acrobatics|acrobats]], [[Snake charming|snake charmers]] and [[fortune tellers]]. Food stalls are set up, selling sweet and spicy foods. There are a variety of rides at the fair, which include [[Ferris wheel]]s and rides on animals such as [[elephants]] and [[camels]]. Activities for children, such as puppet shows, occur throughout the day.
== In other parts of the world ==
In Nepal, family gathering is more significant during Diwali. People in the community play "Deusi and Bhailo" which is a kind of singing and dancing forming a group. People go to all the houses in the community and play songs and dance, and give blessing to the visited house, whereas the home owner gives some food like rice grains, Roti,fruits and money. After the festival, people donate some part of collected money and food to the charity or welfare groups and rest of the money and food, they go for picnic. People also play swing called Dore Ping made out of thick ropes and Pirke Ping or Rangate Ping made out of woods.
[[ගොනුව:Dipavali-Coventry.jpg|thumbnail|දකුණ|Diwali celebrations in [[Coventry]], [[United Kingdom]].]]
[[ගොනුව:Deepavali, Little India, Singapore, Oct 06.JPG|thumbnail|දකුණ|In Singapore, Diwali is marked by 2 kilometres of lights across the [[Little India, Singapore|Little India]] area.]]
Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world, in countries such as the [[United Kingdom]], the [[Netherlands]], [[නවසීලන්තය]], [[Suriname]], [[Canada]], [[Guyana]], [[Kenya]], [[Mauritius]], [[Fiji]], [[Japan]], [[ඉන්දුනීසියාව]], [[Malaysia]], [[Myanmar]], [[Nepal]], [[Singapore]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[South Africa]], [[Tanzania]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[Jamaica]], [[Thailand]], [[United Arab Emirates]], [[ඕස්ට්රේලියාව]], much of [[Africa]], and the [[United States]].<ref> {{Cite web|url=http://www.diwalifestival.org/diwali-celebrations-around-the-world.html|work=diwalifestival.org|title= Diwali Celebrations Around The World|accessdate=2006-08-27}} </ref> With more and more Indians and Sri Lankans now migrating to various parts of the world, the number of countries where Diwali is celebrated has been gradually increasing. While in some countries it is celebrated mainly by Indian expatriates, in others it has become part of the general local culture. In most of these countries Diwali is celebrated on the same lines as described in this article with some minor variations. Some important variations are worth mentioning.
In [[Nepal]], Diwali is known as "Tihar" or "Swanti". It is celebrated during the October/November period. Here the festival is celebrated for five days and the traditions vary from those followed in India. On the first day (Kaag tihar), crows are given offerings, considering them to be divine messengers. On the second day (Kukur tihar), dogs are worshipped for their honesty. On the third day, Laxmi puja and worship of cow is performed. This is the last day according to [[Nepalese calendar|Nepal Sambat]], so many of the businessmen clear their accounts on this day and on finishing it, worship goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. The fourth day is celebrated as new year. Cultural processions and other celebrations are observed in this day. The Newars celebrate it as "Mha Puja", a special ritual in which the body is worshipped to keep it fit and healthy for the year ahead on this day. On the fifth and final day called "Bhai Tika", brothers and sisters meet and exchange gifts.
In [[Trinidad and Tobago]], communities all over the [[Caribbean|islands]] get together and celebrate the festival. One major celebration that stands out is the Diwali Nagar, or Village of the Festival of Lights. It features stage performances by the east Indian cultural practitioners, a folk theatre featuring skits and plays, an exhibition on some aspect of Hinduism, displays by various Hindu religious sects and social organizations, nightly worship of Goddess Lakshmi, lighting of deeyas, performances by various schools related to Indian culture, and a food court with Indian and non-Indian vegetarian delicacies. The festival culminates with magnificent fireworks displays ushering in Diwali. Thousands of people participate in an atmosphere devoid of alcohol and in a true family environment.
In [[Malaysia]], Diwali is known as "Hari Deepavali," and is celebrated during the seventh month of the Hindu solar calendar. It is a federal public holiday throughout Malaysia. In many respects it resembles the traditions followed in the Indian subcontinent. 'Open houses' are held where Hindu Malaysians ([[Malaysian Tamils]]) welcome fellow Malaysians of different races and religions to their house for a sumptious meal. This is a practice unique to Malaysia and shows the goodwill and friendly ties practised by all Malaysians during any festive occasion.
In [[Singapore]], the festival is called "Deepavali", and is a [[Holidays in Singapore|gazetted public holiday]]. Observed primarily by the minority Indian community ([Tamils]]) , it is typically marked by a light-up in the [[Little India, Singapore|Little India]] district. The Hindu Endowment Board of Singapore along with Singapores' government organizes many cultural events around Deepavali time.
In [[Sri Lanka]], this festival is also called "Deepavali" and is celebrated by the [[Tamil people|Tamil]] community. On this day, it is traditional for people to wear new clothes and exchange gifts.
In [[United Kingdom|Britain]], [[Hindus]] and [[Sikhs]] celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm and in most ways very similarly to as in India. People clean and decorate their homes with lamps and candles.A popular type of candle used to represent this holiday is a diya. People also give each other sweets such as [[laddoo]] and [[barfi]], and the different communities may gather from around the country for a religious ceremony and get-together. It is also an important time to contact family in India and perhaps exchange gifts through the post. It is a greatly celebrated holiday and is a great way to connect with the culture and heritage of India. Diwali is becoming a well known festival in Britain and non-Indians also join in the festivities. [[Leicester]] plays hosts to some of the biggest celebrations outside of India itself.
Diwali also coincides closely enough with the British [[Guy Fawkes]] ([[Guy Fawkes Night|Bonfire Night]]) traditions on November the 5th that in many areas, such as the East End of London, a kind of joint festival has evolved where everyone celebrates and enjoys the same fire and fireworks for their own diverse reasons.
In [[නවසීලන්තය]], Diwali is celebrated publicly among many of the South Asian diaspora cultural groups. There are main public festivals in Auckland and Wellington, with other events around the country becoming more popular and visible. An official reception has been held at the New Zealand Parliament since 2003.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-Sch091JMS-t1-g1-t5.html|title=Diwali Downunder: Transforming and Performing Indian Tradition in Aotearoa/New Zealand|journal=New Zealand Journal of Media Studies|volume=9|number=1|pages=25-35|year=2005| issn=1173 0811}}</ref>
In [[ඕස්ට්රේලියාව]], Diwali is celebrated publicly amongst the people of Indian origin and the local ඕස්ට්රේලියානුවෝ in Melbourne. On 21st of July 2002 an organisation “The ඕස්ට්රේලියානු Indian Innovations Incorporated”(AIII) comprising of a conglomerate of independent organisations and individuals was formed to celebrate Indian Festivals In Melbourne. AIII facilitated opportunities to depict the cultural kaleidoscope of India and assist Indians in Melbourne to showcase Indian art, culture, style, traditions and food via various activities, seminars, festivals, fairs and events. The first Inaugural Diwali Festival-2002”, was held at Sandown Race Course on Sunday 13 October 2002. Since then until October 2008, about 140000 people visited this ඕස්ට්රේලියානු Indian Cultural Extravaganza filled with culture, fun and cuisine. This 10 Hour Festival is depicting India through 50 Stalls, 10 Food stalls and an 8 hour cultural programme with Dj, Children's rides and spectacular fire works over the last 7 years.
== References ==
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