See Also: Divali(encyclopedia)

Divali (sh)




or Diwali

In Hinduism, a five-day religious festival in autumn.

It honors Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, or, in Bengal, the goddess Kali. During its celebration, earthenware lamps are lit and placed on the parapets of houses and temples or set adrift on rivers and streams. The fourth day of the festival marks the start of a new year, a time of gift-giving, visiting friends, decorating homes, and wearing new clothes. Divali is celebrated by Jains and Sikhs as well.