DEEPAVALI, DIWALI -- DIFFERENCE

OM SRI GURUPYO NAMAHA:, RESPECTFUL PRANAMS TO SRI KANCHI MAHA PERIVA.

Deepavali (also: Deepawali, 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 wearing 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, the 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 have 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, the Emergence of Laxmi, Krishna Narakasur Fight, the 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 the 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, burst firecrackers, light fireworks, colorful sparklers & bonfires, and have festive meals. Diwali Melas (fairs) are held throughout India and the celebrations are abroad. The Indian Festival of Lights takes place after the monsoon season has finished and the weather is nice and pleasant again.

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

What's the difference between

Deepavali vs. Diwali?

DEEPAVALI DIWALI

Origin Deepavali is the ORIGINAL NAME from Sanskrit Dīpāvalī (दीपावली) meaning "Row of Lamps" or "Spreading of Light".

Contraction of the word "Deepavali". Could have emerged to simplify pronunciation, especially under British rule (1757-1947).

Spiritual Differences Deepavali is a 4-day festival

Day 1: Deepavali (Naraka Chaturdasi)

Commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Naraka. People taking a bath in the early morning before sunrise while the stars are still shining in the sky.

Day 2: Lakshmi Puja

Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk). Lakshmi Pooja is performed on this day.

Day 3: Kartika Shuddha Padwa/Bali Padyami

Celebrates the victory of god Vishnu in his dwarf incarnation Vamana over the daemon king Bali. Honours Bali's return to earth for his devotion to the Lord and for his noble deeds to his people. First day of the Hindu month Kartika.

Day 4: Yama Dwitiya

Yama (God of Death) had a feast with his sister Yami. She put an auspicious tilak mark on his forehead for his well-being. On this day sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers. In return brothers giving gifts to their sisters.

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 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 after 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 the well-being of their brothers and put a mark on their foreheads. Brothers give gifts to their sisters in return.

Sri Kanchi Maha Periva Thiruvadigal Saranam