Difference between Diwali and Deepavali? | Sparklekidz

Find out about the differences between two of the most popular Hindu festivals – Diwali and Deepavali.

Find out about the differences between Diwali and Deepavali. The two Indian festivals celebrated around the world. In this post, we explore the differences between Diwali and Deepavali – two major Hindu festivals celebrated across India.

 

Blog Introduction

Diwali is a five-day Hindu festival of lights, celebrated in autumn every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light. The festival over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops. They celebrates outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a period of one month. In this post, we will explore the differences between Diwali and Deepavali.

Diwali Definition

Diwali is also known as Lakshmi Puja, marking the official start of the Hindu New Year. Hindus believe that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi came out of the ocean during Samudra Manthan or Churning of the Ocean by the Gods and Demons. Therefore, Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights because Hindus decorate their homes and workplaces with diyas (small oil lamps made of clay) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

Deepavali Definition

Deepavali on the other hand, is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana in Lanka. It also signifies the victory of good over evil. People decorate their houses with lights and oil lamps on this day to welcome Lord Rama home.

Diwali is celebrated for 5 days while Deepavali is only celebrated for 1 day.

Diwali celebrations start with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdasi on second day, Deepavali on third day, Diwali Padva on fourth day and finally Bhai Dooj on fifth day.

 

History of the Festive

Deepavali celebrations start with Dhanteras or Yamadeepdaan.

On this day people clean their houses and workplaces and decorate them with diyas (small oil lamps made of clay).

The second day of Diwali celebrations is known as Naraka Chaturdasi or Choti Diwali. It also marks the defeat of demon king Narakasura by Lord Krishna. On this day people take oil baths and wear new clothes to mark the occasion.

The third day which is also the main day of Diwali celebrations is known as Deepawali or Lakshmi Puja. On this day Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in all homes and businesses. People also exchange gifts with each other and feast on delicious food.

The fourth day of Diwali celebrations is known as Diwali Padwa or Govardhan Puja which marks the victory of Lord Krishna over Indra Deva. On this day people make special preparations like making Govardhan mountains out of cow dung cakes and worshipping them.

The fifth and final day of Diwali celebrations is known as Bhai Dooj which marks the special bond between brothers and sisters. On this day sisters put tilak (a mark worn usually by men) on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long life while brothers promise to protect their sisters from all troubles in life.”

 

Blog Conclusion

Diwali and Deepavali are two different festivals but they are often confused to be one and the same thing because they are both Hindu festivals that are celebrated around the same time period each year. However, there are several key differences between these two festivals which include their history, duration, celebration days as well as what they celebrate. So next time someone asks you about the difference between Diwali and Deepavali, you will be able to tell them all about it!

 

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