Discover the Magic: Top 11 Amazing and Intriguing Fun Facts About Diwali Celebration
1. Ayod-Lit-ya: Record-Breaking Diwali Illumination
Behold, the legendary Ayod-Lit-ya – where lamps have passport stamps and frequent flyer miles: Ayodhya, India has held onto its Guinness World Record for two years in a row by illuminating over 1.5 million oil lamps, or diyas, along the Saryu River for 45 minutes during Diwali. This resplendent festival, celebrated by scores of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, commemorates the victory of good over evil and honors the homecoming of Hindu deity Rama after 14 long years of exile. The awe-inspiring sight was witnessed by thousands, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the people of Ayodhya lit up their homes and sacred spaces.
Source => euronews.com
2. Goddess Lakshmi: Diwali Party-Crasher
Rumor has it that the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, moonlights as a secret Diwali party-crasher: During Diwali, people decorate their homes with lamps, diyas, and colorful rangolis, believing that the bright lights will guide Lakshmi to their homes and bless them with prosperity for the upcoming year.
Source => news.abplive.com
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=> Fun Facts about Holi
3. Enlightened Lamps: School of Spiritual Darkness Removal
Why did the Diwali lamp go to school? To dispel the darkness of ignorance, of course: Marking the victory of good over evil, Diwali sees Hindus across the globe lighting lamps to illuminate the path of truth and knowledge, symbolizing the eradication of spiritual darkness and welcoming infinite positivity, prosperity, and happiness into their abodes.
Source => sgcleaningservices.com
4. Diwali Pest Control: Torches & Conch Shells
Who needs pest control when you've got Diwali vibes on your side? Time to break out the torches and conch shells, folks: During Diwali, farmers in India use traditional methods like lighting torches and conch blowing to control the population of insects in their crops, especially during the Kharif season, effectively keeping paddy bugs and other pests at bay.
Source => krishijagran.com
5. India's Giant Lite Brite: Diwali Streetscape
When the sun sets and darkness creeps in, the streets of India transform into a giant Lite Brite on steroids: Diwali, originating from the Sanskrit word "deepavali" meaning "rows of lights", is a vibrant festival filled with twinkling diyas, fireworks, and colorful rangoli patterns. While it may not keep the boogeyman away, this joyful celebration uplifts spirits with festive home decorations, shared delectable mithai, and the joyful exchange of gifts.
Source => svcctemple.org
6. Diwali Lumos: Summoning Wealth and Prosperity
Step aside Harry Potter, there's a new lumos in town: Diwali, the festival of lights, sees diyas (earthen lamps filled with oil) lit to triumph over wickedness and summon the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, for a magical household makeover worthy of a Hogwarts diploma. This sparkling tradition dazzles Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs in India and beyond!
Source => readthespirit.com
7. Dhanteras Bling: Lakshmi's Gold Navel Upgrade
In an act of peak "treat yo' self" extravagance, during Diwali, people literally put their money where their (goddess's) belly is: On Dhanteras, the day before Diwali, it's considered auspicious to buy gold and silver items, which are then used in the Lakshmi Puja ceremony, attaching gold to the navel of Goddess Lakshmi with a Sindoor and pure Ghee adhesive. Gold coins with deity symbols are the top pick for this ritzy ritual.
Source => indianexpress.com
8. White House Desi Party: Biden's Diwali Bash
In a twist worthy of a Bollywood plot, the White House transformed into the brightest desi party in town, complete with all the fanfare and the Diwali spirit: President Joe Biden hosted the largest Diwali celebration ever at the White House with 200 guests, including the first lady Jill Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris, with the event symbolizing the victory of good over evil and light over the darkness that was the Trump campaign in 2016.
Source => nbcnews.com
9. Thailand's Water Goddess Fiesta: Loi Krathong Festival
Water you doing for Diwali? It's raining goddesses and gratitude in Thailand: The Loi Krathong Festival is an annual water extravaganza in Thailand that honors their Goddess of Water, originates from old Thai capital Sukhothai, and features decorated baskets floating away negativity, beauty pageants, and cultural performances – all unrelated to Diwali but certainly high on splashing good times!
Source => asiahighlights.com
10. House Bling & Cultural Unity: Diwali Worldwide
When lamps moonlight as house bling and cultures put the "unity" in "community": Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, featuring illuminated homes, temples, and workplaces with diyas, candles, and lanterns, while being an official holiday in India and many other countries worldwide.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
11. Plantable Fireworks: Going Green with a Bang!
Boom goes the dynamite... or not? This Diwali, it's time for explosions of the botanical kind: Delhi-based brand Shuffling Suitcases is offering plantable patakhas (fireworks) that contain seeds instead of explosives, encouraging users to create a lush, green display rather than a traditional, smoky one. Watch out, Amazon – you've got a different kind of firework on your hands!
Source => independent.co.uk
