Here is a further extended essay on Diwali using 10 subtopics (subheadings):
# Diwali: The Festival of Lights
Diwali is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists around the world. It is also known as Deepavali, which means “row of lights” in Sanskrit. Diwali lasts for five days and usually falls in late October or November, according to the lunar calendar. The festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. It is a time of joy, gratitude, generosity, and spiritual renewal.
## Dhanteras: The First Day of Diwali
The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras, which means “wealth day”. On this day, people clean their homes and buy small items of gold or silver as a symbol of prosperity. They also worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and abundance, and pray for her blessings. Some people also light diyas (earthen lamps) outside their homes to welcome Lakshmi and ward off evil spirits.
## Naraka Chaturdashi: The Second Day of Diwali
The second day of Diwali is called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, which means “small Diwali”. On this day, people commemorate the defeat of Narakasura, a demon king who terrorized the earth, by Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu. They also offer prayers for the souls of their ancestors and seek their guidance. Some people also apply oil and turmeric paste on their bodies and take a bath before sunrise as a ritual of purification.
## Lakshmi Puja: The Third Day of Diwali
The third day of Diwali is the main day of the festival and is called Lakshmi Puja or Amavasya. On this day, people perform puja (worship) to Lakshmi and Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success. They decorate their homes with rangoli (colorful patterns made of rice flour, sand, or flower petals), diyas, candles, and flowers. They also exchange gifts and sweets with their family and friends. In the evening, they light fireworks and crackers to celebrate the joy of life.
## Govardhan Puja: The Fourth Day of Diwali
The fourth day of Diwali is called Govardhan Puja or Annakut, which means “mountain of food”. On this day, people remember how Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain on his little finger to protect the villagers from the wrath of Indra, the god of rain. They also thank Krishna for his blessings and offer him a variety of food items as a sign of gratitude. Some people also worship cows as a symbol of fertility and abundance.
## Bhai Dooj: The Fifth Day of Diwali
The fifth and final day of Diwali is called Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Dooj, which means “brother’s day”. On this day, sisters apply a tilak (a mark) on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long life and happiness. They also exchange gifts and express their love and affection for each other. Brothers in turn promise to protect and support their sisters throughout their lives.
# Additional Subtopics
## Fireworks: A Tradition
of Diwali
One
of the most spectacular aspects
of Diwali
is the tradition
of fireworks
that light up
the sky
with dazzling colors
and sounds.
Fireworks
are believed
to symbolize
the joyous mood
of the festival
and scare away
evil spirits.
They are also
a way
of expressing gratitude
to the gods
for their blessings.
However,
fireworks
also cause noise
and air pollution
that can harm
the environment
and human health.
Therefore,
some people prefer to use eco-friendly alternatives such as candles or lanterns.
## Lights: A Symbol
of Diwali
Another important symbol
of Diwali
is the light
that represents
the divine presence
in one’s life.
People light diyas (earthen lamps)
in every corner
of their homes
to dispel darkness
and welcome prosperity.
They also decorate
their windows
and doors
with colorful electric lights
or lanterns
to create a festive atmosphere.
Lights are also used
to adorn temples
and other public places
where people gather
to pray
and celebrate.
## Gifts: A Custom
of Diwali
Diwali is also a time to exchange gifts with one’s family,
friends,
neighbors,
and colleagues.
Gifts are a way
of expressing love,
appreciation,
goodwill,
and gratitude.
They can range from sweets,
fruits,
dry fruits,
clothes,
jewelry,
utensils,
books,
toys,
to money
or vouchers.
Some people
also donate gifts
to the poor
or needy
as a form
of charity.
## Rangoli: An Art Form
of Diwali
Rangoli is a traditional art form that involves creating intricate designs on the floor using colored powders or materials such as rice flour,sand,and flower petals.Rangoli is usually drawn at the entrance or courtyard of one’s home or workplace to welcome guests and invite positive energy.Rangoli designs can vary from geometric patterns to floral motifs to religious symbols.
## Pooja: A Ritual
of Diwali
Pooja is a ritual that involves offering prayers and worship to one or more deities according to one’s faith and tradition.Pooja can be performed at home or at a temple with the help of a priest or by oneself.Pooja usually involves chanting mantras (sacred verses), lighting incense sticks or lamps (aarti), offering flowers or fruits (prasad), applying vermilion powder (kumkum) etc.Pooja can be done for various purposes such as seeking blessings,
expressing gratitude,
asking for forgiveness etc.
# Further Subtopics
## Significance: The Meaning
of Diwali
Diwali has different meanings
and significance
for different faiths
and regions
in India
and beyond.
For Hindus,
Diwali is associated with various legends
and stories
that illustrate
the triumph
of good over evil,
such as the return
of Rama
to Ayodhya
after defeating Ravana,
the killing
of Narakasura
by Krishna,
the birth
or marriage
of Lakshmi
with Vishnu etc.
For Jains,
Diwali marks
the anniversary
of Nirvana
or liberation
of Mahavira,
the 24th Tirthankara
or spiritual teacher.
For Sikhs,
Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas,
the day when Guru Hargobind Ji,
the sixth Guru,
was freed from imprisonment by Mughal Emperor Jahangir along with 52 other princes.
For Buddhists,
especially Newar Buddhists in Nepal,
Diwali is celebrated as Ashok Vijayadashami,
the day when Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism after witnessing the horrors of war.
## History: The Origin
of Diwali
Historically,
Diwali can be traced back to ancient India.
It most likely began as an important harvest festival that stretches back more than 2,500 years¹.
However,
various legends are associated with the origin
of Diwali.
Some believe it to be the celebration
of the marriage
of Lakshmi,
the goddess
of wealth,
with Lord Vishnu¹.
Others use it as a celebration
of her birthday,
as Lakshmi is said to have been born on the new-moon day
of Kartik¹.
In Bengal,
the festival is dedicated to the worship
of Mother Kali,
the dark goddess
of strength¹.
In North India,
the festival also celebrates
the royal homecoming
of Rama (along with Sita,Lakshman,and Hanuman)to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana,the 10-headed king
of the demons².
In South India,
the festival marks Krishna’s defeat
of Narakasura,the demon who kidnapped 16 thousand princesses².
Some celebrate Diwali as a commemoration
of the liberation
of Mahavira,the last Jain Tirthankara².
Some Sikhs celebrate it as Bandi Chhor Divas,the day when Guru Hargobind Ji was released from captivity by Mughal Emperor Jahangir².
## Customs: The Practices
of Diwali
Diwali involves various customs
and traditions that vary by region,culture,and faith.
Some common practices include:
- Cleaning one’s home before Diwali to invite Lakshmi’s presence³.
- Buying new clothes,jewelry,gold,silver,and utensils for prosperity³.
- Making rangoli designs at entrances,courtyards,and floors using colored powders,rice flour,sand,and flower petals³.
- Lighting diyas,candles,and electric lights inside and outside one’s home to dispel darkness³.
- Performing pooja rituals to Lakshmi,Ganesha,Krishna,Rama,Kali,Mahavira,G
Source: Conversation with Bing, 5/18/2023
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(2) 7 Popular Activities to Do on Diwali Festival Days - Holidappy. https://holidappy.com/holidays/Popular-Activities-To-Do-On-Diwali-Festival-Days.
(3) 20+ Easy Diwali Crafts for Kids - Happy Toddler Playtime. https://happytoddlerplaytime.com/diwali-crafts-activities-for-kids/.
(4) 10 Fun Diwali Celebration Ideas At Home For Diwali 2021 - Naaree. https://www.naaree.com/diwali-celebration-ideas/.
(5) Diwali Festival And Celebrations - What Happens During Diwali? - Schools. https://school.careers360.com/articles/diwali-festival-of-light-and-celebrations-sst.