Knowra Diwali Diwali Diwali is a multi-day festival celebrated across South Asia and its diasporas. Its lights, rituals, dates, and stories vary among Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities.
Rama : Rama is a prince and central hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana, revered as an avatar of Vishnu. In parts of India, Diwali marks Rama’s return to Ayodhya after exile.
Hindu calendar : The Hindu calendar is a set of lunisolar calendars used to determine religious dates and festivals. Diwali falls on different Gregorian dates because its timing follows a lunar calendar.
Ramayana : The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic recounting Rama’s exile, the abduction of Sita, and her rescue. Its return-to-Ayodhya episode informs one major account of Diwali’s origins.
Air pollution : Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere at concentrations that damage health or ecosystems. Fireworks can sharply worsen air quality during Diwali, especially in dense cities.
Lakshmi : Lakshmi is a Hindu goddess associated with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Many households worship Lakshmi during Diwali, seeking prosperity in the coming year.
Amavasya : Amavasya is the new-moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar. The main Diwali night falls on Kartik Amavasya in many traditions.
Ayodhya : Ayodhya is a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, associated in Hindu tradition with Rama’s kingdom. The story of its lamps welcoming Rama is linked to Diwali in northern India.
Noise pollution : Noise pollution is unwanted or excessive sound that disrupts health, communication, or wildlife. Diwali firecrackers can expose residents and animals to intense noise.
Naraka Chaturdashi : Naraka Chaturdashi is a Hindu festival day associated with Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura. In several regions, this story shapes the celebrations on the day before Diwali.
Diya : A diya is a small oil lamp, traditionally made of clay, with a wick. Rows of diyas give Diwali its characteristic display of light.
Show all 24