Wishing Happy Diwali to everyone !!

Deepavali ( Depawali, Dipavali, Dewali, Diwali, Divali, Dipotsavi, Dipapratipad ) marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. It literally translated means 'Row of Lights' (from Sanskrit: dipa = lamp / awali = row, line). It celebrates the victory of Goodness over Evil and Light over Darkness - it ushers in the new year. Especially for this event people are cleaning their houses and wear new clothes. Diwali is a 5 day festival as Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Badi (Main) Diwali, Padwa and Bhaiduj. There are many different names for the days of Diwali in different regions of India (South & North India, East & West India) and in the different languages spoken in that regions (i.e. Hindi, Urdu, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Bengali). During Deepavali people pray to Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, light, prosperity and wisdom, but also to Ganesha, the 'Remover of Obstacles' and the 'Lord of Beginnings'.

Deepavali celebrations take place in many countries in the world. On the first day of the Diwali festival people pray and having a special breakfast made of many different foods. The Hindu Goddess Lakshmi's statue and images are carried through the streets in processions. There are various legends and stories associated with the Diwali festival. The story of Bali, Emergence of Laxmi, Krishna Narakasur Fight, Victory of Rama over Ravana and many more. Dipa Lights (also called Diwali Diyas, Kandils, Ghee Lamps or Parvati Ganesha Lamps) - made of clay, fueled with Oil from Coconuts, Mustard or Ghee (clarified butter), the wick made of cotton wool - are placed outside of houses, on floors and doorways. During Diwali festival, doorways are hung with torans of mango leaves and marigolds. Deepavali Melas are being enjoyed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains & Buddhists alike. On the day of Deepavali people exchange gifts, bursting firecrackers, lighting fireworks, colourful sparklers & bonfires and having festive meals. Diwali Melas (fairs) are held throughout India and the celebrations abroad. The Indian Festival of Lights takes place after the monsoon season has finished and the weather is nice and pleasant again.

Wishing Happy Diwali to everyone! Deepavali Valthukkal!! Shubh Diwali!!

Diwali is a 5 day festival

Day 1: Dhanteras
Commemorates the birth of Dhanvantari (the physician of the Gods). Dhan translates to wealth. Goddess Lakshmi is being worshiped for prosperity and well-being. Many Indian businesses start their accounting year on this day.
Day 2: Choti Diwali (Kali Chaudas)
Also known as Small Diwali. Daemon Narakasura was killed by Krishna. Poojas for Lakshmi and Rama.
Day 3: Diwali & Lakshmi Puja
Commemorates the return of Lord Rama (King of Ayodhya) to his hometown from 14 years of exile in the forest, after defeating the evil daemon king Ravana of Lanka. Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk). Lakshmi Pooja is performed on this day.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakoot)
Celebrates the victory of Krishna over Indra, the deity of thunder and rain, by lifting Govardhana Hill with his little finger to save people from the floods. This day is also known as Annakoot (mountain of food).
Day 5: Bhai Dhooj
Sisters pray for well-being of their brothers and put a mark on their foreheads. Brothers give gifts to their sisters in return.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

 

Indian Population  Living Outside of India celebrates Diwali :

Worldwide there are an estimate of 25 million Non-Resident Indians (NRI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) living in countries other than India. Those estimates vary between 25 to over 30 mio. The entire NRI population is dominated by people from the southern indian states. According to recent estimates, over 54% of NRIs have their origin in South India, while only 23% are from the North, followed by 19% from the West and only 5% from East India. More details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-resident_Indian_and_Person_of_Indian_Origin

Worldwide Population of People with Indian Origin

Country	Number of Indians	Remarks
India	1,166 mio	Diwali Festival Celebrations in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Tamilnadu, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Srinagar, Agra, Surat, Kanpur, Nagpur, Indore, Bhopal, Thane, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Nashik, Vadodara, Rajkot, Meerut, Patna
Nepal	4.0 mio	14% of population, Deepavali is called "Tihar" and "Swanti" here
USA	2.8 mio	most Indians in California (Cupertino, Los Angeles, Freemont, Palo Alto), New York City (NYC), Atlanta/Georgia, Indianapolis/Indiana & New Jersey
Myanmar / Burma	2.0-2.9 mio	2% of population, estimates vary significantly
Malaysia	2.1 mio	8% of population, most Tamil (also Malayalam- & Telugu speaking), called "Hari Diwali" here, Celebrations in Kuala Lumpur (KL)
United Arab Emirates	1.5 mio
Saudi-Arabia	1.5 mio
United Kingdom (UK)	1.4 mio	2.7% of population (2nd largest ethnic minority in Britain), most in London, Leicester is famous for its Diwali celebrations
South Africa (RSA)	1.2 mio	most living in Durban, eastern regions of Natal and Transvaal
Canada	970,000	more than 70% of Indians live in Toronto/Ontario, Vancouver & Calgary
Mauritius	860,000	63-70% of population (80% are Hindus)
Sri Lanka	850,000
Kuwait	580,000
Trinidad and Tobago	550,000	Chaguanas hosts the Divali Nagar site
Oman	450,000
Singapore	400,000	3rd largest ethnic group (9-10%), most prominent in Little India District
Fiji	340,000
Guyana	300,000	around 40% of population
Australia	260,000	1.2% of population, celebrated in Melbourne (Sandown Race Course)
Rèunion	220,000
Netherlands	217,000
Suriname	180,000
Bahrain	150,000
New Zealand	105,000
Yemen	101,000
Kenya	100,000
Tanzania	90,000
Uganda	90,000
Jamaica	90,000
France	75,000
Italy	72,000
Portugal	70,000
Thailand	65,000	Diwali is called "Lam Kriyongh" here
Indonesia	55,000	2% of population, Bali is known for it's Diwali Festival celebrations (the majority here are Indians)
Guadeloupe	55,000
Israel	45,000
Philippines	40,000
Hong Kong	40,000
Germany	35,000
Cuba	34,000
Japan	21,000