Culture

Diwali Begins on October 17

by Jordan Yerman | October 15, 2009 at 09:02 am

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Diwali begins on October 17, and people around the world are starting to prepare. Diwali (also called Deepavali) is the Festival of Lights in Hinduism, as well as in Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Diwali is observed by lighting candles to symbolise the triumph of good over evil in the human spirit. Diwali is a five-day festival that begins on the new moon day at the end of the month of Ashwin.

The preparation is not without its difficulties so far, however. In northern India, people are advised to avoid dairy-based foods, since two factories were caught using toxic chemicals to produce synthetic milk.

Police said 28 people were arrested in raids Wednesday in two towns in Uttar Pradesh state, and about 1,000 litres of synthetic milk were seized.

Doctors say the synthetic milk is carcinogenic and urea and caustic soda are harmful to the heart, liver and kidneys.

Also check out the Times of India's 6 novel ways to celebrate Diwali.

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iprahin

at 17:43 on October 15th, 2009

The Sanskrit word Deepavali (Diwawli) means "festival of lights" or spiritually "the awareness of the inner light". In India and Nepal, Diwali typically marks the end of the harvest season. In Hinduism, across many parts of India and Nepal, it is the homecoming of Rama after a 14-year exile in the forest and his victory over Ravana.

Upper Serangoon Road in Little India (Singapore) is lit up each year for a month-long celebration, culminating in a national holiday on the 17th October.

israeli.agent

at 10:11 on October 16th, 2009

A small correction.

The actual meaning of "Deepavali" is the "row of lights", in Sanskrit. In essential this festival is the celebration of light, happyness, prosperity and every good thing in life. The light keeps away the darkness , the good always triumphs over the evil.

.Agent.