Welcome to this presentation of

Deepavali

What is Deepavali?

• Diwali derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali

Deepavali = Deep + Avali

Deep = light

Avali = a row

Diwali = Deepavali = Row of Light

• The Indian calendar is based on the lunar cycle and the movement of the moon, unlike the conventional Gregorian/English calendar.

• The result is that Indian festivals move sideways the English calendar from year to year.

• Diwali, for example falls on the date of the no moon In the month of Kartika (Hindi Calendar), usually this is in October or November.

When ?

DEEPAVALI• One of the most common festival of India• Triumph of good over evil• Remove darkness and ignorance• Bring in light and knowledge• Stories Behind the Celebration• Five Day Celebration• Rongoli• Fireworks• Family Get Together• New Colorful clothes• Distributing Sweets

On Diwali people exchange sweets and good wishes

Lights-Lamps and Fireworks

On Diwali, the story is that a famous Indian God & King, Rama returned home

after 14 years

But it was a moonless, dark night. Rama couldn’t see. The citizens of ayodhya decorated the entire city with the earthen lamps and illuminated it like never They lit the roads with little lamps to show

them the way home. It was a huge celebration that day. This is Diwali, the festival of lights.

Significance of Lamp• Light symbolizes knowledge• Light is Lord Himself• Light removes darkness that

symbolizes ignorance

Deepavali is a people oriented

festival when enimities are forgotten and

families and friends meet to enjoy and

establish a world of closeness. As the light from within

shines through, the ignorance that blinds

us fades away!

Significance of Light

Celebrations…

After sunset, fireworks are seen everywhere…each and every street…

Fireworks light up the sky in celebration of Diwali

Celebrations…

Beautiful and colorful designs are put in

front of their houses called “rangoli”

On Diwali people worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth is worshipped for a

prosperous year ahead.

Rongoli Patterns

A Rangoli is a colourful design drawn on the floor near the entrance to a house to welcome guests.

During Diwali, Indians draw bright Rangoli patterns on the floor by the front door to encourage the goddess Lakshmi to enter their homes.

Rangoli is also made with flowers

U.S. President Barack Obama lights a traditional oil lamp as Sri Narayanachar Digalakote, Hindu Priest from the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland, chants in observance of Diwali, in the East Room at the White House October 14, 2009 in Washington, DC