What does the word 'Deepawali' mean?
Q: What does the word 'Deepawali' mean?
A: Deepawali means rows of lighted lamps.
Q: When is Diwali celebrated?
A: Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartikamasam which falls sometime during October or November.
Q: What are people doing to celebrate Diwali?
A: People light up their houses and shops with Diyas (small cup-shaped oil lamp made of baked clay), worship the Lord Ganesha for welfare and prosperity, and Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and wisdom, clean and decorate their house before the festival, do colorful rangoli art works on floors, put on their best clothes, exchange greetings, gifts and sweets with friends and family, illuminate buildings with earthen lamps, candle-sticks and electric bulbs, buy sweets for own families as well as send them as presents to others.
Q: Who is worshipped during Diwali?
A: During Diwali people worship Lord Ganesha for welfare and prosperity and Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and wisdom.
Q: How long does the celebration last?
A: In many parts of India Deepawali is celebrated for five consecutive days.
Q: Is it a public holiday in other countries besides India?
A: Yes it is a public holiday in countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji Suriname Guyana Trinidad And Tobago. It is also a school holiday in many states of the United States with a large Hindu population.
Q: What do Hindus believe about this day? A: Hindus believe that on this day Lakshmi only enters houses which are neat and tidy so they offer prayers for their own health wealth & prosperity & leave lights on believing that Lakshmi will not have difficulty in finding her way in.
