As Diwali is here, here are some interesting facts about the festival that you need to know beyond the regular facts.
- Diwali is the Hindu New Year and the longest celebrated festival in the year and the country.
- In India, Diwali is celebrated as Deepavali, while in South India, it is celebrated as Narakasur Vadha.
- Malaysians celebrate this festival as Hari Diwali between the months September to October and it is a national public holiday in the country.
- In Nepal, Diwali is called Swanti or Tihar and on the fourth day of the festival, Yama, the god of death is worshiped for the longer life of people.
- In Odisha, people call the spirits of their dead ancestors on Diwali and burn jute stems to throw light on the dark path of the spirits on their way to heaven.
- Diwali is celebrated by Sikhs similar to Hindus and the foundation stone of the Golden Temple was laid on Diwali.
- The day also marks the beginning of the financial year, and traders open their book of accounts and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha.
- The common greeting ‘Shubh Deepavali’ means ‘have an auspicious Diwali’.