Diwali – the Indian festival of lights
Anyone who travels to India between the end of October and the beginning of November will witness how one of the most important festivals of Hinduism is celebrated there: Diwali. The festival always begins on the 15th day of the Hindu month Kartik and, depending on the region, lasts between one and five days.
The word “Diwali” is a shortened form of “Dipavali” (row of lights, arrangement of lights) and its meaning indicates the central role that light plays in this festival.
After houses and apartments have been thoroughly cleaned, small oil lamps (diyas) lined up in rows and lit. Lamps are hung in trees and candles are placed on roofs. Nowadays, electric fairy lights are increasingly illuminating homes, shops and streets, helping to transform the entire country into a sea of lights. Ornate patterns made of colorful powder (Rangoli or kolam called) are painted in front of the entrances and fireworks are lit.
On this day and on the following days, almost all shops and stores in India will remain closed. People put on new clothes, visit relatives and friends and give each other gifts. At home at the house altar or in the temples you ask the gods - first and foremost Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity – for her favor.
Although Diwali is celebrated throughout India (and also in other Hindu countries such as Mauritius, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Singapore and the Fiji Islands), the origins of the festival vary regionally.
In North India, Diwali is based on the famous Indian epic Ramayana back: As God Foliage after 14 years of exile and defeating the demon ravana When he returned to the capital Ayodhya, people placed oil lamps along the way so that he could see the way in the darkness. Another interpretation says that they were lit out of joy at the return of the hero and the victory of good over evil.
While in South India it is believed that the God Krishna who defeated a demon on Diwali and freed 16000 women from its captivity, becomes the black goddess on this day in parts of eastern India Time venerated, which embodies both death and its overcoming.
Even if there are regional differences as to why and how Diwali is celebrated, there is always one commonality regarding the interpretation of this important holiday: Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, of joy over suffering of peace over war, of knowledge over ignorance - in short: for the victory of good over evil.
For Indian business people, this day is all about new things: inventories are taken in the days before Diwali and shops and businesses are repainted. On Diwali day, many businessmen pray Lakshmi, the goddess of luck and prosperity, so that she may help you achieve business success and prosperity.
Since many business people take time off over the holidays or the company is completely closed, it is advisable not to plan professional projects in India during this period.
With this in mind, Dr. Wamser + Batra GmbH a beautiful, light-filled Diwali celebration.
