India is a vast country and transportation takes too long, so there are few opportunities for family and friends to get together. People mostly use the Diwali period to reunite with family and friends to celebrate this most important festival of the year.
According to the Indian epic "Ramayana", Rama, who is regarded as a model of morality, justice and a perfect monarch in Hinduism, defeated the devil, rescued his beloved wife, and returned to his hometown of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. In order to welcome Rama, the people lit thousands of oil lamps to guide him. This became the origin of Diwali, and it also carries the meaning of returning light and hope to the world.
Today, Hindus light oil lamps (Diya) outside their homes during Diwali to symbolize the inner light that protects the soul from darkness. They also use colored powder or sand to draw decorations called "Rangoli" on the floor, which symbolizes bringing warmth, joy, prosperity and good luck into the home.
Diwali is a day for Indian people to reunite with their close relatives and friends. The Gandhi family living in Delhi also invited reporters from China Central News Agency to visit their home for interviews to explore the most authentic Diwali scene.
On Diwali, the Gandhi family visited friends and neighbors. They began to perform puja after sunset. After the ceremony, they lit many oil lamps and placed them around the home. Then the adults went to a nearby temple to pray, while the children set off firecrackers and fireworks to celebrate. Finally, they gathered together to eat and chat until late at night.
Vikas, the male head of the Gandhi family, said in an interview with a reporter from Central News Agency that everyone usually starts celebrating Diwali two or three weeks before. "We will get together with friends, hold parties, play cards, and give each other gifts." On the day of Diwali, the focus will turn to home, especially after sunset, family sacrifices will begin. "Of course, we also have to enjoy a sumptuous meal."
Gauri, the hostess of the Gandhi family, mentioned in an interview with a reporter from Central News Agency that the purpose of Diwali is to welcome positive energy, so a series of celebrations often start with cleaning. "By cleaning the house, we clear away the negative energy and prepare for the good times to come."
She told a reporter from Central News Agency that during Diwali, everyone will gather with family and friends and exchange gifts. "We may not have the chance to meet some relatives and friends throughout the year, so we will specially use Diwali to visit."
Geli said that people will decorate their houses with flowers and "rangoli" during Diwali. After sunset, they will offer sacrifices and light oil lamps at home, "especially praying to gods that symbolize wisdom and prosperity."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on social media today: "This festival of light shows our determination to defeat darkness. I wish you all a happy Diwali. May you be filled with happiness, peace and prosperity in this festival and in the days to come."
As India is currently experiencing severe air pollution in winter, and people set off firecrackers and fireworks to celebrate during Diwali, Delhi was shrouded in thick haze early this morning, with extremely low visibility. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) around 8 a.m. soared to 483, reaching the worst "severe" level.
India's AQI is divided into six levels for judging air pollution, with 0 to 50 being "good", 51 to 100 being "satisfactory", 101 to 200 being "moderate", 201 to 300 being "poor", 301 to 400 being "extremely poor", and 401 to 500 being "severe".
The core meaning of Diwali is "to drive away darkness with light, to defeat evil with good, and to defeat ignorance with knowledge." The date is based on the Indian lunar calendar. This year's main festival falls on the 8th, but there are different activities or celebrations from the 6th to the 10th. (Editor: He Hongru) 1151109
