Q. What is Diwali also known as?
A. Diwali is celebrated all cross India with equal fervour. Diwali is also known as ‘Deepawali- Festival of Lights‘. It is the day when Gods got victory over demons and got their wealth back. This is why Goddess of wealth Lakshmi ji is worshipped along with Ganesha. This is also the day when Lord Shri Ram returned to his Kingdom Ayodhya after killing Ravan. Diwali is festival of Hope, Light, Celebration of triumph of Good over Evil and knowledge over ignorance.
For Western Countries where Christianity is main religion few may use the term ‘Diwali is known as the Hindu Christmas‘ because it matches the fervour, tradition of family gatherings, gifts, Sweets, celebration and happiness plus plenty of fireworks and ethnic dresses. However these two are very different festivals. There are some similarities while some big differences as well. You may say that Diwali is the biggest Hindu festival of the year. However it has close competition from Holi, Navratri, MahaShivratri, Janmashtami etc.
Read about another Hindu Festival ‘Dussehra in US‘
