Diwali Or Deepavali: Which Is Correct?

Diwali is the Festival of Lights and is known by different names in India. This festival symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. In India, it is considered to be the most auspicious festival and we all love it! Practicing religious rituals, shopping for ourselves, gifting friends and families, distributing sweets, and everything else that makes a festival the best time of the year. (Psst! If you plan to shop, don’t forget to use these Diwali offers to make shopping easy on the pocket.)

But let’s get back to the main reason you are here for! You must have heard people calling it Diwali and Deepavali. So, the big question is, which one is correct?

Which is Correct – Diwali Or Deepavali?

Have you ever thought which is correct?

Well, both are. They both come from the same word! Let us take a look at what are the other names given to this festival of lights!

Meaning of Diwali

Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Dīpāvali, which is formed by two words, ‘dipa’ meaning light or lamp and ‘avali’ meaning series or row. Thus, the word means rows or series of lights. To mark the symbol of light every house is lit in Diwali with lamps, diyas, and different other types of bulbs.

Other Names of Diwali Festival

India being a country of diverse language and culture, Diwali is called by different names. The way of celebrating Deepavali varies from one region to another. Although it is the triumph of good over evil, the warm days turn to mild winter. A day before Diwali, people start cleaning every nook and corner of the house, decor with lights, preparing sweets, shop for new clothes, and jewelry. As the festive days are fun-filled, celebrate with friends and family members with utmost happiness. Have a look at the table below to know the other popular names used during the Deepavali festival in India:

Other names of the festival

India being a country of diverse language and culture, Diwali is called by different names. In Orissa people call it ‘Deepabali’, Bengalis call it ‘Deepaboli/Kali Pujo’, Assamese call it ‘Deepavali’, Gujratis call it ‘Divali’, Sindhis call it ‘Diyari’, and it is called ‘Tihar’ in Nepal.

When does Diwali fall?

Diwali falls on the 15th day of Kartik, which is the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. So, depending on the cycle of the month, Diwali falls either in October or November each year.

In 2021, Diwali will be held on the 4th of November. Refer to the table below for Diwali dates from 2021 to 2035 to plan your festive days accordingly.

Significance of celebrating Diwali

Diwali or Deepawali is generally celebrated on the 15th day of Kartika (October/November). It commemorates the return of Lord Rama to his Kingdom, Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. It is believed that when Lord Rama returned home with his wife and brother entire Ayodhya was lit up and happiness prevailed in every corner. Thus, during Diwali, we decorate our houses, light up lamps, meet relatives, cook good food, and pray for prosperity.

The other story behind Diwali Celebration

There is another story behind the Diwali celebration, which goes like this:

As per Hindu Mythology, King Bali was a demon king who was so powerful that he became a threat to the Kingdom. Lord Vishnu came as a dwarf mendicant Vamana to cease the power of Bali. By diluting Bali’s power Lord Vishnu brought back peace to the Kingdom. Vishnu gave him the lamp of knowledge to light the dark side of the world. Thus, today on Diwali millions of lamps are lit.

Bottom Line

Whatever be the story behind Diwali, we know that you love celebrating it with sweets! So, go ahead and celebrate the Festival of Lights with everyone and not just your loved ones. Get the best offers from GrabOn, and above all, don’t forget to purchase cool gift cards for you and the entire family.