September 27, 2024
The Festival of Lights: Celebrating Diwali
Every year, around late October to early November, vibrant celebrations light up India and communities beyond, marking the 5-day festival of Diwali. Derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which translates to “row of lights”, Diwali is not just a holiday but a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness, and the uniting power of light.
Diwali Traditions
Celebrants lay out elaborate and beautiful displays of colored powder known as rangolis, and light ornate, shallow oil lamps called diyas. While absolutely stunning, this decor is not just for aesthetics, but to welcome the goddess of wealth and good luck, Lakshmi into their communities and homes. It is believed that Lakshmi will enter homes that are clean, well lit, and welcoming, so lighting is a crucial aspect of Diwali.
Origins of Diwali
Various Hindu myths and legends are associated with the origin of Diwali, but the most popular and notable is the story of the exiled Prince Rama of the kingdom of Ayodhya in northern India. After Prince Rama rescues his beloved wife, Sita from being kidnapped by the King of Demons, Ravana, people put out rows of lights on their doorsteps to help the couple find their way back home. To this day, the tradition of displaying diyas continues as a symbol of welcoming, community, and hope. Now, we see people using not only traditional oil lamps to mark the celebration, but also using modern lighting solutions like LEDs to illuminate the night and create a luminous and colorful atmosphere.
Significance of Light During Diwali
As the tagline ‘festival of lights’ indicates, light and lighting are a key symbol of Diwali. Not only do people light their personal homes for the holiday, but, in India, Diwali marks the beginning of the new fiscal year for many businesses. Lighting symbolizes the hope of a successful and prosperous year ahead, both in business and personal endeavors. Additionally, during Diwali, public spaces are adorned with beautiful and elaborate lighting displays which foster a sense of collective celebration and festive ambiance. Diwali is a fantastic example of how lights create magic, and help to not only bring visual joy to a celebration, but can symbolize so much more.
Celebrate Diwali with Brite Nites
At Brite Nites, we want to help you celebrate the holidays that matter most to you. With Diwali quickly approaching, we’ve got designers ready to meet with you and create a custom Diwali display for your home, business, or community. What better way to celebrate the festival of lights than by illuminating your outdoor space? For a custom design and personalized quote, give us a call or fill out a webform. We can’t wait to celebrate Diwali with you!