Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a widely celebrated Hindu festival that signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a festival of lights and is marked by various symbols and their associated meanings. Here are some of the key Diwali symbols and their meanings:
Diya (Oil Lamp): Diyas are small oil lamps made of clay or
metal. Lighting diyas is a central tradition during Diwali. They symbolize the
triumph of light over darkness and the illumination of knowledge over
ignorance.
Rangoli: Rangoli is a colorful and decorative design made on
the ground using various materials like colored powders, flower petals, or rice
flour. It represents welcome and is meant to bring good luck and prosperity to
the household.
Firecrackers: Firecrackers are a common sight during Diwali.
They are believed to symbolize the joy of the people living on Earth, making
the gods aware of their happiness. However, it's important to note that there
is growing concern about the environmental and safety impact of firecrackers.
Sweets and Mithai: The exchange of sweets and mithai is a
symbol of sharing and spreading happiness. It signifies the importance of
celebrating with loved ones and strengthening bonds.
Toran (Door Hangings): Colorful torans or door hangings are
hung at the entrances of homes during Diwali. They are meant to welcome guests
and ward off evil.
Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth): The goddess Lakshmi is
worshipped during Diwali. She is the symbol of wealth, prosperity, and good
fortune. Devotees seek her blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
Ganesha (Lord of Beginnings): Lord Ganesha is worshipped at
the start of Diwali celebrations. He is believed to remove obstacles and ensure
success in new endeavors.
Candles and Decorative Lights: Along with diyas, candles and
decorative lights are used to brighten homes and surroundings, symbolizing the
dispelling of darkness and the victory of light.
Oil and Sweets: Gifting oil and sweets is a gesture of
well-wishing. Oil symbolizes the light of knowledge, and sweets represent the
sweetness of life.
New Clothes: Wearing new clothes during Diwali symbolizes
the shedding of old, impure thoughts and the embrace of a new, pure self.
Oil Bath: Taking early morning oil bath is an important event during Diwali. It is believed that this helps in nourishing the body and also keeps negative forces away.
Goddess Kali (In Some Regions): In certain regions of India,
especially in Bengal, Goddess Kali is worshipped during Diwali. She represents
the fierce aspect of the divine and the triumph over evil forces.
Cleaning and Decoration: Cleaning and decorating homes
before Diwali is a symbol of preparation for the arrival of the goddess of
wealth and prosperity.
Prayers and Puja: Diwali is a time for families to come
together and offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek the blessings of deities
for a prosperous and harmonious life.
These symbols collectively represent the core values and
themes of Diwali, which include the victory of good over evil, the importance
of knowledge and self-improvement, the celebration of family and community
bonds, and the hope for a brighter and more prosperous future.