Bhai Duj
5 Days of Diwali: Day 05
The final day of Diwali is known as Bhai Duj. On this day, brothers and sisters exchange gifts as tokens of their love and as a hope for one another’s safe-keeping. There is also a focus on seeing the good in everyone on the last day of the festival — even in one’s enemies.

Diwali (Hindu/Jainism/India)
Also known as Deepavali, Diwali is a joyous five day celebration celebrating the victory of good over evil.

It is also referred to as the “Festival of Lights” because special lamps, know as diyas or kandils, are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for humankind.

Visit our newest holiday celebration – Diwali on the Net – A Celebration of the Festival of Lights

photo credit: McGun via flickr

Did You Know?
October 17

It’s Diwali!

Thank you for joining us as we counted down to Diwali.

May You Have a Happy, Bright, and Prosperous Diwali,
Louie and the Holiday Elves

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Lakshmi Puja / Diwali
5 Days of Diwali: Day 03
The third day of Diwali is the highlight of the festival, when families light their oil lamps, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge.

It is on this day that the Goddess Laskhmi is worshipped, calling on her to bring wealth and prosperity, and to triumph over evil and darkness.

More: Diwali on the Net – Day 03: Lakshmi Puja / Diwali

photo credit: via flickr

Did You Know?
Facts, Figures & Folklore
About Hindu Festival of Light
Oct 16 : 01 day to Diwali

Did you know that one out of every seven people on the planet is a Hindu living in India?

The majority of Hindus live in India, although there are also significant Hindu populations in Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Fiji, African, Europe and North America. About one million Hindus live in the United States, for example.

Diwali, or the “festival of lights” is celebrated by Hindus across India and the huge Hindu diaspora spread all over the world. This multi-day festival, whose name literally means “row of lighted lamps“, is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm between late October and November. It’s their most important festival in the annual calendar. Join us as we present a new “Did You Know?” fact each day as we countdown to Diwali.

Diwali begins Saturday October 17th, 2009

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