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Diwali
For Hindus, Diwali is not only a festival of lights but also a special occasion to worship Lord Vinayaka, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Mahabali and Lord Mahavira
Official name	{{{official_name}}}
Also called	Translation: Row of Lights; Deepawali, Festival of Lights
Observed by	Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains
Type	Religious, Indian
Significance	Celebrate life and strengthen relationships
Begins	{{{begins}}}
Ends	{{{ends}}}
Date	New moon day of Kartika, although the celebrations begin two days prior and end two days after that date
Gregorian Date (2006)	October 21
Celebrations	Decorating homes with lights, Fireworks, Gift-giving
Observances	Prayers, Religious rituals (see puja, prasadam)
Related to	{{{relatedto}}}

Diwali (also called Deepavali) is a major Hindu festival. Known as the "Festival of Lights," it symbolises the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional diyas (as illustrated). Fireworks are associated with the festival in some regions of the country. Image File history File links Example. ... The Brahmic family is a family of abugidas (writing systems) used in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Tibet, Mongolia, Manchuria, and to an extent, Korea. ... Image File history File links Diwalipuja. ... Popular image of Ganesh In Hinduism, Ganesha (Gaṇeśa, lord of the hosts, also spelled Ganesa and sometimes referred to as Ganesh in Hindi, Bengali and other Indian vernaculars). ... In Hinduism, Lakshmi or Laxmi (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी ) is the goddess of wealth, light, wisdom and fortune, as well as (secondarily) luck, beauty and fertility. ... This article is in need of attention. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... A Sikh (IPA: [siːk] or [sɪk]; Punjabi: , , IPA: [sɪk. ... JAIN is an activity within the Java Community Process, developing APIs for the creation of telephony (voice and data) services. ... Kaartika (Hindi: कातिक kaatik or कार्तिक kaartik) is a month of the Hindu calendar. ... October 21 is the 294th day of the year (295th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 71 days remaining. ... The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House illuminated under New Years Eve Fireworks 2005 A fireworks event (also called a fireworks display or fireworks show) is a spectacular display of the effects produced by firework devices on various occasions. ... A small prayer setup This article is about Hinduism. ... Prasãd (Hindi) or prasãda (Sanskrit) is both a mental condition of generosity, as well as a material substance that is first offered to a deity and then consumed with the faith that the deitys blessing resides within it. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The Indian light festival Diwali is traditionally lit up by huge numbers of Diya (plural diyas). Diya is a contracted form of deep or light given by small earthen pots (also known as Pradeep), with wick made of cotton and dipped in ghee. ... The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House illuminated under New Years Eve Fireworks 2005 A fireworks event (also called a fireworks display or fireworks show) is a spectacular display of the effects produced by firework devices on various occasions. ...

Deepavali is celebrated for five consecutive days in the Hindu month of Ashwayuja. It usually occurs in October/November, and is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals of India. Hindus, Jains and Sikhs alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships. For Jains it is one of the most important festivals, and beginning of the Jain year. It is also a significant festival for the Sikh faith. Ashvin (Hindi: क्वार kvaar) is a month of the Hindu calendar, also known as Aswayuja. ... The hand with a wheel on the palm symbolizes the Jain Vow of Ahinsa, meaning non-injury and nonviolence. ... A Sikh man wearing a turban The adherents of Sikhism are called Sikhs. ... The hand with a wheel on the palm symbolizes the Jain Vow of Ahinsa, meaning non-injury and nonviolence. ... The Vira Nirvana Samvat (era) originated on Oct. ... The Harimandir Sahib, known popularly as the Golden Temple, is a sacred shrine for Sikhs. ...

Dates in various calendars

The date of Diwali is based on the Hindu calendar, which has solar sidereal years and lunar months. Although the festival is worshipped on exactly the same set of days across India, it falls in different months depending on the version of the Hindu calendar being used in the given region. The Hindu calendar used in Vedic times has undergone many changes in the process of regionalization, and today there are several regional Indian calendars, as well as an Indian national calendar. ... The sidereal year is the time for the Sun to return to the same position in respect to the stars of the celestial sphere. ... Bulk composition of the moons mantle and crust estimated, weight percent Oxygen 42. ...

The Amanta ("ending on the no-moon") version of the Hindu Calendar has been adopted as the Indian national calendar. According to this calendar, which is prevalent in southern India and Maharashtra, deepavali falls in the middle of the month of Ashwayuja. According to the Purnimanta ("ending on the full-moon") version prevalent in northern India, the 5-day celebration is spread over the last three days of the month of Ashwayuja and the first two days of the new month of Kartika. According to this calendar, the festival of Deepavali marks the new year's day of this calendar and is therefore an especially significant festival. The Hindu calendar used in Vedic times has undergone many changes in the process of regionalization, and today there are several regional Indian calendars, as well as an Indian national calendar. ... South India is a geographic and linguistic-cultural region of India. ... Maharashtra (Devanagari: महाराष्ट्र mahārāṣṭra, literally: Great Nation; IPA: / /)( ) is Indias third largest state in terms of area and second largest in terms of population after Uttar Pradesh. ... The Indo-Gangetic Plain is a rich, fertile and ancient land encompassing most of northern and eastern India, the most populous parts of Pakistan, and virtually all of Bangladesh. ... Ashvin (Hindi: क्वार kvaar, Bangla: আশ্বিন Ashshin), also known as Aswayuja, is a month of the Hindu and Bengali calendars. ... Kaartika (Hindi: कातिक kaatik or कार्तिक kaartik) is a month of the Hindu calendar. ...

In the Gregorian calendar, it falls generally in the months of October or November. In 2005, the new moon day which is the third and most important day of the festival fell on November 1. In 2006, it will be celebrated on October 21 (Saturday). This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The lunar phase depends on the Moons position in orbit around Earth. ... November 1 is the 305th day of the year (306th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 60 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 21 is the 294th day of the year (295th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 71 days remaining. ...

Significance in Hinduism

Diwali is also known as festival of lights. Shown here is the view of Jaipur city on Diwali days.

The festival marks the victory of good over evil. The Sanskrit word Deepavali means array of lights that stands for victory of brightness over darkness. As the knowledge of Sanskrit diminished, the name was popularly modified to Diwali, especially in northern India. Hinduism (Sanskrit: , IAST: ), also known as , (IAST: ) and , (IAST: ) is a set of religious traditions that originated mainly in the Indian subcontinent. ... Image File history File links Diwali_Jaipur. ... Image File history File links Diwali_Jaipur. ... Also known as the Pink City, Jaipur has a long, rich and colorful history. ...

On the day of Diwali, many wear new clothes, share sweets and light firecrackers. The North Indian business community usually starts their financial new year on Diwali and new account books are opened on this day.

Hindus find cause to celebrate this festival for different reasons:

• As per sacred texts, according to Skandha Purana, the goddess Shakti observed 21 days of austerity starting from ashtami of shukla paksha (waxing period of moon) to get half part of the body of Lord Shiva. This vrata is known as kedhara vrata. Deepavali is the completion day of this austerity. This is the day Lord Shiva accepted Shakti into the left half of the form and appeared as Ardhanarishvara. The ardent devotees observe this 21 days vrata by making a kalasha with 21 threads on it and 21 types of offerings for 35 days. The final day is celebrated as kedhara gauri vrata.

Children lighting lamps in the form of swastika on eve of diwali

• Diwali also celebrates the return of the Lord Rama, King of Ayodhya, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya from a war in which he killed the demon king Ravana. It is believed that the people lit oil lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness. In North India, the festival is held on the final day of the Vikram calendar. The following day marks the beginning of the North Indian new year, and is called Annakut.

• It commemorates the killing of Narakasura, an evil demon who created havoc, by Lord Krishna's wife Sathyabhama. This happened in the Dwapara Yuga during this time of Lord Krishna's avatar. In another version, the demon was killed by Lord Krishna himself. In South India, Diwali does not coincide with the beginning of a new year as South Indians follow a different calendar, the Shalivahana calendar.

• In Bhavishyottara and Bramhavaivarta Purana, Diwali is associated with the Daitya king Bali, who is allowed to return to earth once a year.

To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... This article is about the Hindu God. ... In Hinduism, Ardhanari or Ardhanareshvara, is an androgynous deity composed of Shiva and his consort Shakti, representing the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies. ... Image File history File links DiwaliSwastika. ... Image File history File links DiwaliSwastika. ... A right-facing Swastika in decorative Hindu form For the town in Ontario, see Swastika, Ontario. ... This article is about a Hindu incarnation of God (i. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Sita Devi SITA ... Lakshaman (far left) with Rama (centre), Sita (far right) and Hanuman (kneeling) - Bhaktivedanta Manor, Watford, England Lakshmana (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मण; IAST Lakṣmaṇa) was the brother and close companion of Rama, and himself a hero of the epic Ramayana. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... A dipiction of Ravana, Hindu Demon King of Lanka In Hindu mythology, Ravana (Devanagari: रावण, IAST Rāvaṇa; sometimes transliterated Raavana and as Ravan) is the principal antagonist of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. ... The Vikram Samvat is a Hindu calendar which began in 57 BCE. To calculate the corresponding year of the Gregorian calendar, 57 years should be subtracted from the Indian year if the date falls between the beginning of the Indian year and the end of the Western year, that is... Narakasura was the son of Goddess earth, (referred to as Dharthi), by Lord Vishnu himself during his Varaha (boar) avatar. ... Krishna (कृष्ण in Devanagari, IAST ) is according to various Hindu traditions the eighth or the ninth avatar of Vishnu. ... The Dvapara Yuga is the third out of four yugas, or ages in the Hindu religion. ... Look up avatar in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Krishna (कृष्ण in Devanagari, IAST ) is according to various Hindu traditions the eighth or the ninth avatar of Vishnu. ... A Hindu calendar. ... The Puranas are part of Hindu Smriti; these religious scriptures discuss devotion and mythology. ...

The Five days of Diwali

Diwali is celebrated over five days in most of North India. All the days except Diwali are named using the designation in the Indian calendar. A lunar half-month is 15 days. Diwali as a new-moon day, marks the last day of a 15-day period.

Diwali has emerged as one of the most famous Hindu festivals. An integral part of Diwali decorations, Rangoli is a colorful pattern drawn on the floor.

1. Dhan-trayodashi or Dhan teras: Dhan means "wealth" and Trayodashi means "13th day". Thus, as the name implies, this day falls on the 13th day of the first half of the lunar month. It is an auspicious day for shopping. Image File history File links Rangoli2. ... Image File history File links Rangoli2. ... Rangoli in Singapore Rangoli is one of the most popular art forms in India. ...

2. Naraka Chaturdasi: Narak means 'of a new era of Light and Knowledge'. Chaturdasi implies fourteenth day.

3. Diwali: the actual day of Diwali, is celebrated on the third day of the festival, when the moon completely wanes and total darkness sets in the night sky.

4. Varsha-pratipada or Padwa: Beginning of the New Year (Kartikadi Vikram). Pratipada means the first.

5. Bhayiduj (also Bhayyaduj, Bhaubeej or Bhayitika) -- on this day, brothers and sisters meet to express their love and affection for each other. Bhaubeej/Bhau-Beej (in Marathi) or Bhai-Dooj (in Hindi) or Bhai Beej (in Gujarati) is a festival or ceremony performed by Hindus on the second day after Diwali, which is the second day of the new year. ...

The celebrations vary in different regions:

• In Southern India, naraka chaturdashii is the main day, with firecrackers at dawn.

• The main festival is on Amavasya evening with Lakshmi Puja which is followed by lighting of oil lamps around the house.

South India is a geographic and linguistic-cultural region of India. ... Amavasya - A Hindu Custom Amavasya is nothing but the no-moon day. ... In Hinduism, Lakshmi or Laxmi (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी ) is the goddess of wealth, light, wisdom and fortune, as well as (secondarily) luck, beauty and fertility. ... A small prayer setup This article is about Hinduism. ...

Diwali in Sikhism

Every year, thousands of Sikhs and Hindus celebrate Diwali at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India.

Sikhs also celebrate Diwali to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone for the Golden Temple in 1577. It is also known as Bandi Chhorh Divas. The Mughal emperor Jahangir arrested the Sikh Guru Hargobind and imprisoned him in Gwalior. Later Jehangir relented and released the Guru. The Guru asked that 52 rulers imprisoned with him should also be released. To the joy of the Sikhs the Guru returned to Amritsar on Diwali and it prompted the followers to celebrate the day with joy and happiness. Image File history File links Diwali_goldentemple. ... Image File history File links Diwali_goldentemple. ... The Harimandir Sahib, known popularly as the Golden Temple, is a sacred shrine for Sikhs. ... This article is about the Hindu religion; for other meanings of the word, see Hindu (disambiguation). ... The Golden Temple The Golden Temple is also known as Harmandir Sahib or Hari Mandir by the Sikhs. ... Amritsar (Punjabi: ), meaning Pool of the Nectar of Immortality, is the administrative headquarter of the Amritsar District in Punjab, India. ... The Golden Temple The Golden Temple is also known as Harmandir Sahib or Hari Mandir by the Sikhs. ... Nuruddin Jahangir (Persian: نور الدین جہھانگر) (August 31, 1569 – October 28, 1627) was the ruler of the Mughal Empire from 1605 until 1627. ... Sri Guru Har Gobind Ji (Punjabi: ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਜੀ) (19 June 1595 - 03 March 1644) was the sixth of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism and became Guru on 25 May 1606 following in the footsteps of his father Guru Arjan Dev. ... Amritsar (Punjabi: ), meaning Pool of the Nectar of Immortality, is the administrative headquarter of the Amritsar District in Punjab, India. ...

On Diwali the Sikhs illuminate their Gurdwaras and homesare with Deewé (earthen oil lamps) or candles. Early in the morning, Sikh pilgrims take a dip in the sacred tank while reciting Japji Sahib, and then pray at the Golden Temple. Circumambulation of the tank is done. Japji Sahib consists of the Mool Mantra, a set of 38 hymns and a final Salok which appear at the very beginning of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book of the Sikhs. ... The Golden Temple The Golden Temple is also known as Harmandir Sahib or Hari Mandir by the Sikhs. ...

Diwali in Jainism

Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana on this day at Pavapuri. According to Jain tradition the chief disciple of Mahavira, Ganadhar Gautam Swami also attained complete knowledge on this very day, thus making Diwali a really special occasion for the Jains to celebrate. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... JAIN is an activity within the Java Community Process, developing APIs for the creation of telephony (voice and data) services. ... The 24 Jinas carved on a rock in Ginjee, Tamilnadu In Jainism, a Tirthankar (Fordmaker) (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a human who by adopting asceticism achieves enlightenment (perfect knowledge), thus becoming a Jina (one who has conquered his inner enemies - anger, pride, deceit, desire etc. ... This article is about a Buddhist philosophy concept. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

Diwali is first mentioned in Jain books as the date of the nirvana of Lord Mahavira. The oldest use of the word "Diwali/Dipavali" occurs in Harivamsha-Purana written by Acharya Jinasena, composed in Shaka Samvat 705. The sample of text containing the word Diwali is below: JAIN is an activity within the Java Community Process, developing APIs for the creation of telephony (voice and data) services. ... This article is about a Buddhist philosophy concept. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Jinasena is the name of two famous Jain Acharyas. ... Centuries: 1st century BC - 1st century - 2nd century Decades: 0s BC - 0s - 10s - 20s - 30s - 40s - 50s - 60s - 70s - 80s - 90s - 100s Years: 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 Events Romans conquer the Ordovices, located in present-day northern Wales, as well as the Silures. ...

Replica of Pava temple at Pansara. Mahavira attained Nirvana at Pava.

ज्वलत्प्रदीपालिकया पृव्रद्ध्या सुरासुरैः दिपितया प्रदीप्तया| तदा स्म पावानगरी समन्ततः प्रदिपिताकाशतला प्रकाशते |१९| Image File history File links PavaPansara. ... Image File history File links PavaPansara. ... Pawapuri is located 38 kilometers from Rajgir and 90 kilometers from Patna, India. ...

ततस्तुः लोकः प्रतिवर्षमादरत् प्रसिद्धदीपलिकयात्र भारते | समुद्यतः पूजयितुं जिनेश्वरं जिनेन्द्र-निर्वाण विभूति-भक्तिभाक् |२० |

Thus people in Bharata every year celebrate famous "Dipalikaya", to reverently worship the Jinendra on the occasion of his nirvana on the amavasya of Kartika month.

Significance of lamps: The Kalpasutra by Acharya Bhadrabahu, 3rd century BC, explains the significance of lights: "गये से भवुज्जोये, दव्वुज्जोयं करिस्समो", with light of knowledge gone, we make light of ordinary matter. Harinegamesin Takes the Embryo of Mahavira from Devananda and Brings it to Queen Trisala, Folio from a Kalpasutra (Book of Sacred Precepts) Date circa 1450, from Collection of LACMA. Kalpasutra is a Jain ancient text book containing the life and history of the Jain Tirthankars. ... An acharya is a prominent guru, teacher and scholar who teaches by his own example (from Sanskrit achara, behavior). ... Bhadrabahu was a Jain saint. ...

The way Jains celebrate Diwali is different in many respects. There is a note of asceticism in whatever the Jains do, and the celebration of Diwali is not an exception. The Jains celebrate Diwali during the month of Kartik for three days. During this period, among the Shvetambaras, devoted Jains observe fasting and chant the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, which contain the final pravachans of Lord Mahavira, and meditate upon him.

Vira Nirvana Samvat: The Jain year starts with Pratipada following Diwali. Vira Nirvana Samvat 2532 starts with Diwali 2005. The Jain businessmen traditionally started their accounting year from Diwali. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Hindu calendar. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Hindu calendar. ...

Melas

Henna is applied on women's hands at a Diwali Mela.

To add to the festival of Diwali, fairs called Melas are held throughout India. ^[1] Melas are to be found in many towns and villages. A mela generally becomes a market day in the countryside when farmers buy and sell produce. Girls and women dress attractively during the festival. They wear colourful clothing, new jewelry and their hands are decorated with henna designs. Image File history File links Mehndi on hand File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Mehndi on hand File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Henna (Lawsonia inermis, syn. ...

There are plenty of activities that take place at a mela. These activities include performances from jugglers, acrobats, snake charmers and fortune tellers. Food stalls are set up, selling sweet and spicy foods. A variety of rides are present during the fair, which include Ferris wheels and rides on animals such as elephants and camels. Another attraction are the puppet shows that are shown throughout the day. In its general sense, juggling can refer to all forms of artful or skillful object manipulation. ... Look up Acrobat in Wiktionary, the free dictionary Acrobat may refer to— someone who practices acrobatics. ... A snake Charmer in Kochi, India Snake charming is the practice of apparently hypnotising a snake by simply playing an instrument. ... For prophecy in the context of revealed religions see Prophet. ... The Riesenrad Ferris wheel of the Prater amusement park in Vienna, Austria. ... Genera and Species Loxodonta Loxodonta cyclotis Loxodonta africana Elephas Elephas maximus Proboscidea is an order including only one extant family, Elephantidae or the elephants, with three species: the Savannah Elephant and Forest Elephant (which were collectively known as the African Elephant), and the Asian Elephant (formerly known as the Indian... For other uses, see Camel (disambiguation). ...

Diwali in other parts of the world

Flowers are an integral part of Diwali as are many decorations

Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world, in countries such as Britain, The Netherlands, Suriname, Canada, Guyana, Mauritius, Fiji, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Australia, much of Africa, and the United States.^[2] With more and more Indians now migrating to various parts of the world, the number of countries where Diwali is celebrated has been gradually increasing. While in some countries it is celebrated mainly by Indian expatriates, in others it has become part of the general local culture. In most of these countries Diwali is celebrated on the same lines as described in this article with some minor variations. Some important variations are worth mentioning. Image File history File links Divali_flowers. ... Image File history File links Divali_flowers. ... Motto: Je Maintiendrai (Dutch: Ik zal handhaven, English: I Shall Uphold) Anthem: Wilhelmus van Nassouwe Capital Amsterdam1 Largest city Amsterdam Official language(s) Dutch2 Government Parliamentary democracy Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Beatrix  - Prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende Independence Eighty Years War   - Declared July 26, 1581   - Recognised January 30, 1648 (by Spain... For other uses, see Africa (disambiguation). ...

In Malaysia, Diwali is known as "Hari Deepavali," and is celebrated during the seventh month of the Hindu solar calendar. It is a federal public holiday. In many respects it resembles the traditions followed in the Indian subcontinent.

In Nepal, Diwali is known as Tihar and celebrated during the October/November period. Here, though the festival is celebrated for five days, the traditions vary from those followed in India. On the first day, cows are given offerings, in appreciation of the food they have given and agricultural work they have performed.. On the second day, dogs and all living animals are revered and offered special food. On the third day, celebrations follow the same pattern as in India, with lights and lamps and much social activity. On the fourth day Yama, the Lord of Death, is worshipped and appeased. On the fifth and final day, brothers and sisters meet and exchange pleasantries.

Diwali is celebrated in the Caribbean Islands as well. Especially in Trinidad and Tobago, Diwali is marked as a special occasion and celebrated with much fanfare. It is observed as a national holiday in this part of the world and some Ministers of the Government also take part in the celebrations publicly.

Economics of Diwali

A typical household celebrates Diwali with fireworks.

Diwali is an annual stimulus for the Indian economy. Indians purchase gold, gifts, decorations, crackers and household appliances during this festival. Companies offer huge discounts during the Diwali season to attract customers, which helps the economy and also helps the poor. It also helps the community in hunger since this festival shares it food. It also brings tourists to the country. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1200x1600, 765 KB) Summary A pic of Diwali fireworks. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1200x1600, 765 KB) Summary A pic of Diwali fireworks. ... India has had robust economic growth since 1991 when the government reversed its socialist-inspired policy of a large public sector with extensive controls on the private sector and began to liberalize the economy. ...

Since Diwali period also marks school holidays in most parts of India, many Bollywood movies are released during this period. Movie poster of one of the most popular films—Sholay (1975) Bollywood (Hindi: बॉलीवुड, Urdu: بالیوُڈ) is the informal name given to the popular Mumbai-based Hindi language film industry in India, but has largely become synonymous with Indian cinema in general. ...

Notes

1. ^ Kadowala, Dilip (1998). Divali. London: Evans Brothers Limited. ISBN 0-237-51801-5.
2. ^ Diwali Celebrations Around The World. diwalifestival.org. Retrieved on 2006-08-27.

2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... August 27 is the 239th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (240th in leap years), with 126 days remaining. ...

External links

• Legends of Diwali
• Diwali photos
• Seven Different Views on Origin of Diwali
• Significance of Deepavali and Kedhara vrata
• Comprehensive guide to Diwali in India.
• BBC Diwali information
• BBC: Personal report on Hindu Diwali celebrations in UK
• When is Diwali? Dates of Diwali until 2010

Festivals in the Hindu calendar

Sankranti | Hosa Varsha | Gowri Habba | Anantana Vrata | Bheemana Amaavaase | Satyanarayana Pooja | Datta Jayanti | Pongal | Holi | Ugadi | Rama Navami | Krishna Janmaashtami | Onam | Ganesh Chaturthi | Vaisakhi | Navratri | Durga Puja | Vijayadashami | Dasara | Deepawali | Thaipusam | Maha Shivaratri | Ekadasi | Vaikunta Ekadasi | Mahalakshmi vrata | Raksha Bandhan | Bhai-Dooj/Bhau-Beej | Puthandu v·d·e