[PHOTOS] 9 Things You Might Not Know About Deepavali
Deepavali will be celebrated by our friends in Malaysia this Saturday, 2 November. Do you know enough about this celebration, which is also known as the 'Festival of Lights?' Read on to find out more...
By Judith Yeoh — 31 Oct 2013, 03:53 PM — Updated almost 11 years ago
1. Deepavali Is A Public Holiday In All States In Malaysia, Except Sarawak
Because it is has not been declared a public holiday in Sarawak, the awareness towards the celebration is low. In recent years, many have called for Diwali to be declared a public holiday here. In the spirit of One Malaysia, these calls were made by those who do not even celebrate Diwali!
theborneopost.com
2. Lamps Or Lights Are Symbol Of Knowledge Or Inner Light
Diwali is a festival of the light which dispels the darkness of our ignorance; it is a festival of the light which shows us the way on our journey through life. Those lanterns signify God's light, penetrating through the ignorance and sin of our daily lives. They signify the divine light, shining its way through this mundane world.
parmarth.com
3. Kolam Or Rangoli Is A Sign Of Invitation To Welcome Everyone Into Their Home
The rice powder which is used in Kolams invited birds and other small creatures to eat it, thus welcoming other beings into one's home and everyday life: a daily tribute to harmonious co-existence. It is a sign of invitation to welcome all into the home, not the least of whom is Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth.
4. Gambling, Playing Cards And Dancing Are Common During Deepavali
Playing cards is extremely popular on Diwali day. It is said that on playing cards, the goddess of wealth smile upon the player and ensures her goodwill. The memories of Diwali night can be joyful to the winners and the losers can't wait for the next Diwali to come around.
diwalifestival.org
The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year.
diwalifestival.org
5. New Clothes, Cleaning Homes And Decorating Are Common Deepavali Preparations
Most families will take the time to clean houses and shops before decorating them with twinkling lights and lanterns. Men and women will also typically don new clothes for Diwali, signaling a fresh start for the New Year.
6. Deepavali Is Not Just ONE Day, It Normally Lasts For 5 Days
The Diwali lasts for five days. It is a five day celebration which occurs on the fifteenth day of the Hindu month of Kartika (during October/November in the Gregorian
ask.com
7. Deepavali Is Celebrated By Hindus, Sikhs, Jains And Buddhists Too
It is an important festival in Hinduism, Jainism, Budhism and Sikhism, celebrated for different reasons, occurring between mid-October and mid-November.
blogspot.com
