Coordinates	52°10′″N9°45′″N
Holiday name	Diwali (Dipawali)
Nickname	Translation: Row of Lights; Deepavali, Festival of Lights
Observedby	Hindus, Sikhs, Jains
Date	Decided by the luni-solar Hindu calendar
Observances	Prayers, Religious rituals (see puja, prashad)
Celebrations	Decorating homes with lights, Fireworks, distributing sweets and gifts
Longtype	Religious, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji (National holiday in these countries)
Significance	Celebration of the victory of good over evil; the uplifting of spiritual darkness
Date	5 November
Date	26 October
Date	13 November
Date2013	3 November
Date2014	23 October
Date2015	11 November
Date2016	30 October
Date2017	19 October
Date2018	7 November
Date2019	27 October
Date2020	14 November }}

Diwali (also spelled Devali in certain regions) or Deepavali, popularly known as the "festival of lights", is an important festival in Hinduism, celebrated for different reasons, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of ''moksha'' or ''nirvana'' by Mahavira in 527 BC.

Deepavali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji.

The name "Diwali" is a contraction of "Deepavali" ( ''''), which translates into "row of lamps". Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (''diyas'' or ''dīpa''s) in ) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.

The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year. The second day of the festival, ''Naraka Chaturdasi'', marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. ''Amavasya'', the third day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the Bali, and banished him to Patala. It is on the fourth day of Deepawali, ''Kartika Shudda Padyami'', that Bali went to patala and took the reins of his new kingdom in there. The fifth day is referred to as ''Yama Dvitiya'' (also called ''Bhai Dooj''), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

While the story behind Deepavali and the manner of celebration varies from region to region (festive fireworks, worship, lights, sharing of sweets), the essence is the same – to rejoice in the Inner Light (Atman) or the underlying Reality of all things (Brahman).

Dates

Diwali falls on the one new moon night between mid-October and mid-November. Deepavali is celebrated for five days according to the lunisolar Hindu Calendar. It begins in late Ashvin (between September and October) and ends in early Kartika (between October and November). The first day is ''Dhan Teras''. The last day is ''Yama Dvitiya'', which signifies the second day of the light half of Kartika. Each day of Deepavali marks one celebration of the six principal stories associated with the festival.

Hindus have several significant events associated with Diwali:

The return of Rama after 14 years of Vanvas (banishment). To welcome his return, ''diyas'' (ghee lamps) were lit in rows of 20.

The killing of Narakasura: Celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, one day before Deepavali, it commemorates the killing of the evil demon Narakasura, who wreaked havoc. Krishna's wife Satyabhama killed Narakasura during the Dwapara yuga. In another version of the belief, the demon was killed by Krishna or Krishna provoked his wife Satyabhama to kill Narshna, defeating Indra.

Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Deepavali and is the day Krishna defeated Indra, the deity of thunder and rain. According to the story, Krishna saw preparations for an annual offering to Lord Indra and asked his father Nanda about it. He debated with the villagers about what their 'dharma' truly was. They were farmers, they should do their duty and concentrate on farming and protection of their cattle. He said that all human beings should do their 'karma' to the best of their ability and not pray for natural phenomenon. The villagers were convinced by Krishna, and did not proceed with the special puja (prayer). Indra was then angered, and flooded the village. Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan and held it up to protect the people and cattle from the rain. Indra finally accepted defeat and recognized Krishna as supreme. Although this aspect of Krishna's life is sometimes ignored it sets up the basis of the 'karma' philosophy later detailed in the ''Bhagavat Gita''.

Other events associated with Diwali include:

Return of Pandavas after 12 years of Vanvas and one year of agyatavas (living incognito).

Deepavali celebrations are spread over five days, from Dhanteras to Bhaiduj. In some places like Maharshtra it starts with Vasu Baras. All the days except Diwali are named according to their designation in the Hindu calendar. The days are: #''Govatsa Dwadashi'' or ''Vasu Baras'' (27 ''Ashvin'' or 12 ''Krishna Paksha Ashvin''): ''Go'' means cow and ''vatsa'' means calf. ''Dwadashi'' or ''Baras'' means the 12th day. On this day the cow and calf are worshiped. The story associated with this day is that of King Prithu, son of the tyrant King Vena. Due to the ill rule of Vena, there was a terrible famine and earth stopped being fruitful. Prithu chased the earth, who is usually represented as cow, and ‘milked’ her, meaning that he brought prosperity to the land. #''Dhanatrayodashi or Dhan teras or Dhanwantari Triodasi'' (28 ''Ashvin'' or 13 ''Krishna Paksha Ashvin''): ''Dhana'' means wealth and ''Trayodashi'' means 13th day. This day falls on the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month. It is considered an auspicious day for buying utensils and gold, hence the name ‘Dhana’. This day is regarded as the Jayanti (Birth Anniversary) of God Dhanvantari, the Physician of Gods, who came out during Samudra manthan, the churning of the great ocean by the gods and the demons. #''Naraka Chaturdashi'' (29 ''Ashvin'' or 14 ''Krishna Paksha Ashvin''): ''Chaturdashi'' is the 14th day This was the day on which the demon Narakasura was killed by Krishna – an incarnation of Vishnu. It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness (Gujarati: Kali Chaudas, Rajasthan : Roop Chaudas). In southern India, this is the actual day of festivities. Hindus wake up before dawn, have a fragrant oil bath and dress in new clothes. They light small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate kolams /rangolis outside their homes. They perform a special puja with offerings to Krishna or Vishnu, as he liberated the world from the demon Narakasura on this day. It is believed that taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy Ganges. After the puja, children burst firecrackers heralding the defeat of the demon. As this is a day of rejoicing, many will have very elaborate breakfasts and lunches and meet family and friends. #''Lakshmi Puja'' (30 ''Ashvin'' or 15 ''Krishna Paksha Ashvin''): ''Lakshmi Puja'' marks the most important day of Diwali celebrations in North India. Hindu homes worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesh, the God of auspicious beginnings, and then light lamps in the streets and homes to welcome prosperity and well-being. #''Bali Pratipada'' and ''Govardhan Puja'' (1 ''Kartika'' or 1 ''Shukla Paksha Kartika'') : In North India, this day is celebrated as ''Govardhan Puja'', also called ''Annakoot'', and is celebrated as the day Krishna – an incarnation of god Vishnu – defeated Indra and by the lifting of Govardhana hill to save his kinsmen and cattle from rain and floods. For ''Annakoot'', large quantities of food are decorated symbolizing the Govardhan hill lifted by Krishna. In Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, it is celebrated as Bali-Pratipada or Bali Padyami. The day commemorates the victory of Vishnu in his dwarf form Vamana over the demon-king Bali, who was pushed into the patala. In Maharashtra, it is called as ''Padava'' or ''Nava Diwas'' (new day). Men present gifts to their wives on this day. It is celebrated as the first day of the Vikram Samvat calender, in Gujarat. #''Yama Dwitiya'' or ''Bhaiduj'' (also Bhayyaduj, Bhaubeej or Bhayitika) (2 ''Kartika'' or 2 ''Shukla Paksha Kartika''): on this day, brothers and sisters meet to express love and affection for each other (Gujarati: Bhai Bij, Bengali: Bhai Phota). It is based on a story when Yama, lord of Death, visited his sister Yami (the river Yamuna). Yami welcomed Yama with an Aarti and they had a feast together. Yama gave a gift to Yami while leaving as a token of his appreciation. So, the day is also called 'YAMA DWITIYA'. Brothers visit their sisters’ place on this day and usually have a meal there, and also give gifts to their sisters.

Lakshmi Puja

Deepavali marks the end of the harvest season in most of India. Farmers give thanks for the bounty of the year gone by, and pray for a good harvest for the year to come. Traditionally this marked the closing of accounts for businesses dependent on the agrarian cycle, and is the last major celebration before winter. Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead. ...

There are two legends that associate the worship of Lakshmi on this day. According to the first legend, on this day, Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagar, the Ocean of Milk, during the great churning of the oceans, Samudra manthan. The second legend (more popular in western India) relates to the Vamana avatar of the big three Vishnu, the incarnation he assumed to kill the demon king Bali. On this day, Vishnu came back to his abode the Vaikuntha; so those who worship Lakshmi receive the benefit of her benevolent mood, and are blessed with mental, physical and material well-being.

As per spiritual references, on this day "Lakshmi-panchayatan" enters the Universe. Vishnu, Indra, Kubera, Gajendra and Lakshmi are elements of this "panchayatan" (a group of five). The tasks of these elements are:

Lakshmi: Divine Energy (Shakti) which provides energy to all the above activities.

Vishnu: Happiness (happiness and satisfaction)

Kubera: Wealth (generosity; one who shares wealth)

Indra: Opulence (satisfaction due to wealth)

Gajendra: Carries the wealth

Diwali Greetings

Deepavali Habbada Shubhashayagalu(ದೀಪಾವಳಿ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಶುಭಾಷಯಗಳು): Greeting in Kannada

Deepavali ki Shubhkamnayein (दीपावली की शुभकामनाएं): Greeting in Hindi

Deepavali Nalvaazhtukkal (தீபாவளி நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்) :Greeting in Tamil

Deepavali Shubhakankshalu (దీపావళి శుభాకా౦కలు) :Greeting in Telugu

Shubh Deepavali/ Diwalichya Shubhechha (शुभ दीपावली /दिवाळीच्या शुभेच्छा ): Greeting in[Marathi]

Deepavali Aashamsagal: Greeting in Malayalam

Significance in other religions

Diwali also has significance in other religions.

Jainism

[[Image:PavaPansara.jpg|thumb|right|Replica of Pava temple at Pansara. Mahavira attained Nirvana at Pava.]] Diwali has a very special significance in Jainism, just like Buddha Purnima, the date of Buddha's Nirvana, is for Buddhists as Easter is for Christians. Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana or Moksha on this day at Pavapuri on Oct. 15, 527 BC, on Chaturdashi of Kartika, as Tilyapannatti of Yativrashaba from the sixth century states:

Mahavira is responsible for establishing the Dharma followed by Jains even today. According to tradition, the chief disciple of Mahavira, Ganadhara Gautam Swami also attained complete knowledge (Kevalgyana) on this day, thus making Diwali one of the most important Jain festivals.

Mahavira attained his nirvana at the dawn of the amavasya (new moon). According to the Kalpasutra by Acharya Bhadrabahu, 3rd century BC, many gods were present there, illuminating the darkness. The following night was pitch black without the light of the gods or the moon. To symbolically keep the light of their master's knowledge alive:

16 Gana-kings, 9 Malla and 9 Lichchhavi, of Kasi and Kosal, illuminated their doors. They said: "Since the light of knowledge is gone, we will make light of ordinary matter" ("गये से भवुज्जोये, दव्वुज्जोयं करिस्समो").

Dipavali was mentioned in Jain books as the date of the nirvana of Mahavira. In fact, the oldest reference to Diwali is a related word, dipalikaya, which occurs in Harivamsha-Purana, written by Acharya Jinasena and composed in the Shaka Samvat era in the year 705.

ततस्तुः लोकः प्रतिवर्षमादरत् प्रसिद्धदीपलिकयात्र भारते | समुद्यतः पूजयितुं जिनेश्वरं जिनेन्द्र-निर्वाण विभूति-भक्तिभाक् |२० | tatastuh lokah prativarsham-araat ako prasiddha-deepalikaya-aatra bharate samudyatah poojayitum jineshvaram jinendra-nirvana vibhuti-bhaktibhak

Translation: The gods illuminated Pavanagari by lamps to mark the occasion. Since that time, the people of Bharat celebrate the famous festival of "Dipalika" to worship the Jinendra (i.e. Lord Mahavira) on the occasion of his nirvana.

Dipalikaya roughly translates as "light leaving the body". Dipalika, which can be roughly translated as "splendiferous light of lamps", is used interchangeably with the word "Diwali".

Vira Nirvana Samvat: The Jain year starts with Pratipada following Diwali. Vira Nirvana Samvat 2534 starts with Diwali 2007. The Jain business people traditionally started their accounting year from Diwali. The relationship between the Vir and Shaka era is given in Titthogali Painnaya and Dhavalaa by Acharya Virasena: पंच य मासा पंच य वास छच्चेव होन्ति वाससया| परिणिव्वुअस्स अरिहितो तो उप्पन्नो सगो राया||

Thus the Nirvana occurred 605 years and 5 months before the Saka era.

On 21 October 1974 the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsava was celebrated by the Jains throughout India.

Regional variations within India

The celebrations vary in different regions:

Southern India

In Southern India, the festival is called Deepavali.

In Southern India, ''Narakasura vadha'' is the main day, with celebrations involving bursting firecrackers at dawn after Lakshmi puja. It is celebrated as Narakachaturdashi in Karnataka,

Deepavali is one of the seven most important festivals of Andhra Pradesh. It is very popular with children who celebrate Deepavali because of the excitement of bursting firecrackers. Special shops to sell firecrackers are set up in all towns, cities and bigger villages. There are some traditional customs followed such as buying new clothes for this festival. Buying new home or vehicles is considered auspicious. Special sweets are made too. Some eateries in Hyderabad make some delicious sweets during Deepavali which will not be available at any other time. Meat and alcohol are generally not consumed. Tradition has it that Andhraites gift sweets during Deepavali. Some areas host local stage story telling called Hari Katha. Some areas may put a huge Narakasura dummy made with firecrackers. This will be burst by a person dressed as Lord Krishna or, more accurately, a costume of Satyabhama, the consort of Lord Krishna, who actually killed the demon Narakasura; an event that is celebrated as Deepavali for generations. The evening sky of Deepavali is a colourful sight to watch.

Kerala is the only state in India where Diwali is not a major festival. Traditionally, Deepavali celebrations in Kerala are on a low key affair. The native people of Kerala do not celebrate Diwali. But places in Kerala where prominent Tamil, Bengali and various North Indian communities resides, Diwali Festival is celebrated with great zest. People of these communities arrange grand feasts and go to temples and fairs, visit friends and relatives.

In Karnataka

The entire house is cleaned and new clothes are purchased for the entire family which is followed by lighting of oil lamps around the house and bursting firecrackers.

The celebration of Diwali is marked by the lighting of innumerable lamps in every courtyard and the bursting of crackers. Sweetmeals, new clothes and spirit is there as in other festivals. The time for rejoicing is mainly early morning and late night. These hours of darkness bordering the waking hours are preferred as lights and crackers are the highlights of the festivities and these need darkness to have their illuminating effect. Hence people rise early and go late to sleep.

Cityscape

In Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu it is celebrated as Deepavali they celebrate this by lighting deepams, bursting fireworks, wearing new clothes and sharing sweets. A traditional visit to the Temple is a significant ritual of the day.

The city Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is the capital of India’s firework industry with about 8,000 factories, producing 90 percent of the country's total fireworks output. It also has the world's largest fireworks manufacturing unit.

The entire house is cleaned and new clothes are purchased for the entire family which is followed by lighting of oil lamps around the house and bursting firecrackers.

In Andhra Pradesh

In Northern India, Diwali is usually celebrated during the evenings with fireworks and diyas. However, in Andhra Pradesh, the festivities start out at the crack of dawn and carry on well into the night. Most people make a trip to the local temple along with their families to seek the blessings of their respective Gods. The night sky is lit up with a scintillating array of noisy fireworks.

People clean/white-wash or paint/decorate their homes as it is a very auspicious day; to welcome the goddess of wealth and prosperity i.e. Lakshmi devi to their homes. Homes are lit up with hundreds of diyas and colorful Deepavali Rangolis (link) adorn the doorways. After all this preparation all the members of the family perform the Lakshmi pooja. Another custom involves decorating homes with paper figures.

Festivities cut across boundaries to move on from the small villages to the big towns, often beginning almost a month before Deepawali. Sales of expensive silk saris, jewellery, ornaments, and household goods increase. From the poor to the rich, everyone indulges in the largest shopping spree of the year. Sweets, which are an integral part of any festival in Andhra Pradesh, are prepared or purchased from shops. The festival is full of messages depicting one or more aspects of human life, relationships, and ancient traditions.

In Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, Diwali starts from ''Vasubaras'' which is the 12th day of the 2nd half of the Marathi month ''Ashvin''. This day is celebrated by performing an ''Aarti'' of the cow and its calf - which is a symbol of love between mother and her baby.

The next day is ''Dhana Trayodashi''. This day is of special importance for traders and business people. It is also considered an auspicious day for making important purchases, especially metals, including kitchenware and precious metals like silver and gold.

This is followed by ''Naraka Chaturdashi''. On this day people get up early in the morning and take their bath before sunrise while stars are still visible. Bathing is an elaborate process on this day with abundant use of ‘ubtans’, oils and perfumes, and is preceded by an Aarti performed on the person by some lady, usually mother or wife. The whole process is referred to as ‘abhyanga-snaan’.

Then comes ''Lakshmi- pooja''. It occurs on ''Amavasya'' i.e. no moon day. The dark night is illuminated by lamps and at dusk firecrackers are burst. New account books are opened after a ''pooja''. Generally the traders do not make any payments on that day (according to their belief ''Lakshmi'' should not be given away but must come home). In every household, cash, jewellery and an idol of the goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. Friends, neighbours and relatives are invited over and celebrations are in full swing. The broom used to clean one's house is also worshipped as a symbol of Lakshmi in some places .

''Padwa' is the 1st day of the new month – ''Kartik'' in the Hindu calendar. It marks the start of Hindu financial year. Its a special day for Husband and wife. The wife puts tilak on her husbands forehead and gets an expensive gift. In recent times there is a growing trend of organising a cultural event called 'Diwali Padwa' early in the morning.

''Bhaubeej'' – it is the time when the bond of love between a brother and sister is further strengthened as the sister asks God for her brother/s' long and successful life while she receives presents from her beloved brothers.

In Orissa

Deepavali is celebrated with great joy. Rows of oil lamps, candles adorn the thresholds of all houses. Firecrackers are burst, sweetmeals are relished and distributed. Some people also worship family goddess Mahavidya . Tarpanam is done in the early morning of deepavali. All the members of the household gather together just after dusk. A rangoli of a sailboat is made on the ground. The boat has seven chambers. Over the drawing of each different chamber several items are kept - cotton, mustard, salt, asparagus root, turmeric and a wild creeper. Over the central chamber are the offerings meant for [prasad]. Perched over the prasad is a jute stem with a cloth wick tied around the edge. It is lit at the beginning of the puja. All members of the family hold a bundle of jute stems in their hands, Lighting their respective bundles from the flame on the rangoli, they raise them skywards chanting:

Beside the rangoli, a mortar and pestle and a plough are also kept and worshiped. After the puja and offerings, the family celebrates Diwali festival by bursting firecrackers. As in other regions, most people prefer to celebrate it in their own homes, though family gatherings are also common. For Diwali houses are brightly lit, with the doors and windows kept open as Lakshmi is supposed to visit every home, and you can't afford to leave it dark and abandoned. Various kinds of Pithas are prepared and given to the deities and forefathers, and enjoyed with family and friends. The festival is a famous affair in puri, Bhadrak, Rourkela, Kendrapara, Cuttack &Jajpur area.

In Bengal & Assam

Kali Puja is light-up night for Kolkata & Assam, corresponding to the festival of Diwali (pronounced ''Dipabali'' in Bengali), where people light candles in memory of the souls of departed ancestors. The goddess Kali is worshipped for whole night on one night during this festival. This is also a night of fireworks, with local youth burning sparklers and firecrackers throughout the night.

In Goa and Konkan

Diwali begins in Konkan and Goa on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi. The houses are cleaned and decorated with Kandil, lamps, mango leaves, and marigold flowers. The utensils are made to shine, filled with water, and decorated for the holy bath the following morning. On this day, paper-made effigies of Narakasura, filled with grass and firecrackers symbolising evil, are made. These effigies are burnt at around four o'clock in the morning the following day/ Firecrackers are burst, and people return home to take a scented oil bath. Lamps are lit in a lineThe women of the house perform aarti of the men, gifts are exchanged,a bitter berry called as ''kareet'' is crushed under the feet in token of killing Narkasur, symbolising evil and removal of ignorance. 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 and new jewellery, and their hands are decorated with henna designs. Among the many activities that take place at a mela are performances by jugglers, acrobats, snake charmers and fortune tellers. Food stalls are set up, selling sweet and spicy foods. There are a variety of rides at the fair, which include Ferris wheels and rides on animals such as elephants and camels. Activities for children, such as puppet shows, occur throughout the day.

In other parts of the world

Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world, particularly those with large populations of Indian and Hindu origin. These include countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Guyana, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. With more and more Indians now migrating to various parts of the world, the number of countries where Diwali / Deepavali 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.

In Nepal, Diwali is known as "Tihar" or "Swanti". It is celebrated during the October/November period. Here the festival is celebrated for five days and the traditions vary from those followed in India. On the first day (Kaag tihar), crows are given offerings, considering them to be divine messengers. On the second day (Kukur tihar), dogs are given food for their honesty. On the third day, Laxmi puja is performed. This is the last day according to Nepal Sambat, so many of the businessmen clear their accounts on this day and on finishing it, worship goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. The fourth day is celebrated as new year. Cultural processions and other celebrations are observed in this day. The Newars celebrate it as "Maha Puja", a special ritual in which the body is worshipped to keep it fit and healthy for the year ahead on this day. On the fifth and final day called "Bhai Tika", brothers and sisters meet and exchange gifts.

In Nepal, family gathering is more significant during Diwali. People in the community play "Deusi and Bhailo" which is a kind of singing and dancing forming a group. People go to all the houses in the community and play songs and dance, and give blessing to the visited house, whereas the home owner gives some food like rice grains, Roti, fruits and money. After the festival, people donate some part of collected money and food to the charity or welfare groups and rest of the money and food, they go for picnic. People also play swing called Dore Ping made out of thick ropes and Pirke Ping or Rangate Ping made out of woods.

In Sri Lanka, this festival is also called "Deepavali" and is celebrated by the Tamil community. On this day, it is traditional for people to wear new clothes and exchange gifts. Burning of firecrackers in the evening of the festival is a common practice of this festival. Hindus light oil lamps to invite the blessings of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The festival is marked by illumination, making of toys of enamel and making of figures out of crystal sugar popularly known as Misiri. Srilanka's celebration may lack many of the traditional aspects of Diwali such as games, fireworks, singing and dancing, but the tradition of a large meal is admirably preserved.

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 throughout Malaysia. In many respects it resembles the traditions followed in the Indian subcontinent. 'Open houses' are held where Hindu Malaysians (Malaysian Tamils) welcome fellow Malaysians of different races and religions to their house for a scrumptious meal. This is a practice unique to Malaysia and shows the goodwill and friendly ties practised by all Malaysians during any festive occasion. Telugu Malaysians, Malayalee Malaysians, and other non-Tamil speaking Malaysian Indians celebrate Diwali on different days so as not to coincide with the Tamil Diwali celebration.

In Singapore, the festival is called "Deepavali", and is a gazetted public holiday. Observed primarily by the minority Indian community (Tamils), it is typically marked by a light-up in the Little India district, the heart of the Indian community. Apart from the light-up, other activities such as bazaars, exhibitions, parades and concerts will also take place in Little India. The Hindu Endowment Board of Singapore along with Singapores' government organizes many of these cultural events during the Deepavali period.

In Trinidad and Tobago, communities all over the islands get together and celebrate the festival. One major celebration that stands out is the Diwali Nagar, or Village of the Festival of Lights. It features stage performances by the east Indian cultural practitioners, a folk theatre featuring skits and plays, an exhibition on some aspect of Hinduism, displays by various Hindu religious sects and social organizations, nightly worship of Lakshmi, lighting of deeyas, performances by various schools related to Indian culture, and a food court with Indian and non-Indian vegetarian delicacies. The festival culminates with magnificent fireworks displays ushering in Diwali. Thousands of people participate in an atmosphere devoid of alcohol and in a true family environment.

In Britain, Hindus celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm. People clean and decorate their homes with lamps and candles. A popular type of candle is a ''diya''. People also give each other sweets such as laddoo and barfi, and the different communities may gather for a religious ceremony and get-together. It is also an important time to contact family in India and perhaps exchange gifts. Diwali is becoming well known in Britain and some non-Indians join in. Leicester plays hosts to some of the biggest celebrations outside of India. Diwali also coincides with British Bonfire Night traditions on November the 5th. In the East End of London, a kind of joint festival has evolved where everyone enjoys the same fire and fireworks for their own diverse reasons.

In the United States, with increasing Indian population, Diwali is assuming significant importance year after year. Diwali was first celebrated in the White House in 2003 and was given official status by the United States Congress in 2007. Barack Obama became the first president to personally attend Diwali at the White House in 2009. On the eve of his first visit to India as the President of United States, Obama released an official statement sharing best wishes with "Hindus" for Diwali. Indians in the US celebrate Diwali in different parts of the US, just as in India. The Diwali Mela in Cowboys Stadium boasted an attendance of 100,000 people in 2009. In 2009, San Antonio became the first U.S. city to sponsor an official Diwali celebration including a fireworks display and 5000 people in attendance. In 2011, The Pierre in New York City, now operated by Tata Group's Taj Hotels, hosted its first Diwali celebration.

In Australia, Diwali is celebrated publicly among the people of Indian origin and the local Australians in Melbourne. On 21 July 2002 an organisation “The Australian Indian Innovations Incorporated” (AIII) consisting of a conglomerate of independent organisations and individuals was formed to celebrate Indian Festivals In Melbourne. AIII facilitated opportunities to depict the cultural kaleidoscope of India and assist Indians in Melbourne to showcase Indian art, culture, style, traditions and food via various activities, seminars, festivals, fairs and events. The first Inaugural Diwali Festival-2002”, was held at Sandown Race Course on Sunday 13 October 2002. Since then until October 2008, about 140000 people visited this Australian Indian Cultural Extravaganza filled with culture, fun and cuisine. This 10 Hour Festival is depicting India through 50 Stalls, 10 Food stalls and an 8 hour cultural programme with Dj, Children's rides and spectacular fire works over the last 7 years.

In New Zealand, Diwali is celebrated publicly among many of the South Asian diaspora cultural groups. There are main public festivals in Auckland and Wellington, with other events around the country becoming more popular and visible. An official reception has been held at the New Zealand Parliament since 2003. Divali is celebrated by Hindus. The festival signifies the triumph of light over darkness, justice over injustice, good over evil and intelligence over ignorance. Lakshmi Mata is worshipped at this festival. Lakshmi Mata is the goddess of light, wealth and beauty. Special Divali foods are barfi and Prasad.

References

External links

Diwali/Deepavali A-Z at NetGlimse.com

Diwali/Deepavali celebrations & Calendar until 2015

Diwali - Festival of lights

Category:Diwali Category:Hindu holy days Category:Fireworks Category:Hindu festivals Category:Jain festivals Category:Festivals in India Category:Festivals in Nepal Category:October observances Category:November observances Category:Sanskrit words and phrases Category:Holidays in India

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Coordinates	52°10′″N9°45′″N
Name	Priyanka Chopra
Occupation	Actress, Singer
Birth place	Jamshedpur, Jharkand, India
Birth date	July 18, 1982
Nationality	Indian
Yearsactive	2002–present}}

Priyanka Chopra (, ; born 18 July 1982) is an Indian actress and former Miss World. Before starting her acting career, she worked as a model and gained fame after winning the Miss World title in 2000. She is often referred to by the nickname "Piggy Chops", which was given to her by co-stars on the set of the film ''Bluffmaster!''

Chopra made her acting debut with the 2002 Tamil film ''Thamizhan''. The following year, she made her Bollywood film debut with ''The Hero: Love Story of a Spy'' and followed it with the hit ''Andaaz'', for which she won a Filmfare Best Female Debut Award. In 2004, she became the second woman to win the Filmfare Best Villain Award, which she received for her critically acclaimed performance in ''Aitraaz''. Chopra would later have commercial success with films like ''Mujhse Shaadi Karogi'' (2004), ''Krrish'' (2006) and ''Don – The Chase Begins Again''. In 2008, Chopra received a National Film Award for Best Actress, as well as a Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of a model in ''Fashion'' and has thus established herself as one of the leading contemporary actresses in Bollywood.

Early life and background

Chopra was born in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand to Ashok Chopra and Madhu Akhauri, both physicians by profession. Chopra spent her childhood in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh; Newton, Massachusetts; and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Her father was in the army and thus her family moved quite frequently. Her father hailed from a family of Punjabi origin, settled in Bareilly and her mother comes from a family settled in Jamshedpur. She also has a brother, Siddharth, who is seven years younger than she is.

Chopra studied at La Martiniere Girls' School in Lucknow as a young girl. She subsequently re-located to the U.S. where she studied in Newton South High School in Newton, Massachusetts and then in John F. Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She returned to India and finished her high school at Army School in Bareilly. She began college at Jai Hind College in Mumbai, but left after winning the Miss World pageant.

Miss World

Chopra's mother sent in pictures of her for the Miss India contest. When she got called to participate, she was surprised and did it mainly to take a break from studying. She came in second place at the Femina Miss India 2000 competition, winning the Femina Miss India World title. She was subsequently sent to the Miss World pageant, where she was crowned Miss World 2000. In the same year, Lara Dutta and Dia Mirza, both also from India, won the Miss Universe and Miss Asia Pacific crowns respectively, in a rare triple victory for one country. When Chopra won the Miss World crown, she became the fifth Indian woman to win the title, and the fourth Indian woman to win in a span of seven years.

Acting career

Debut and breakthrough (2002–03)

Chopra made her debut in the 2002 Tamil film ''Thamizhan'' playing the role of Priya, the love interest of the protaginist in the film played by Vijay. The film was praised for its wit, although the depth of Chopra's character was seen as lacking. Chopra also sang playback in the film, singing "Ullathai Killadhe" along with Vijay. In 2003, she appeared in her first Bollywood film, opposite Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta in the Anil Sharma film ''The Hero: Love Story of a Spy''. She played a supporting role as a doctor named Shaheen in the film that ''The New York Times'' described as "ripping its text from the seething border tensions between India and Pakistan, spicing its conflict with hot-tempered religious zealots bent on nuclear havoc". Despite being one of the highest grossing films of that year, the overall film was not well received by critics. Chopra was awarded mostly good reviews for her debut Hindi performance. Later that year she appeared in Raj Kanwar's ''Andaaz'', playing the character of Jiya who falls in love with Raj Malhotra, played by Akshay Kumar. The film was a success at the box office, earning her a Filmfare Best Female Debut Award and a nomination for Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. Rediff.com said of her role, "Priyanka Chopra alone clicks with the audience, thanks to her skimpy outfits."

Initial success and struggle phase (2004–08)

Her next few films released in 2004 ''Plan'', ''Kismat'' and ''Asambhav'' performed poorly at the box office. Later that year she appeared in David Dhawan's romantic comedy ''Mujhse Shaadi Karogi'' playing the role of a young fashion designer Rani along with Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. The film turned out to be the third-highest grossing film of that year. She next starred in Abbas-Mustan's thriller ''Aitraaz''. It was her first negative role and her performance was critically acclaimed. She earned a Filmfare Best Villain Award, becoming the second and last female actor to win the award after Kajol (the category has been retired since 2008). She also received a second nomination for Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award for the role. Film critic Subhash K. Jha noted, "A star is born! As the predatory social-climbing seductress who can go to any length to satiate her lust for life, Priyanka Chopra rocks the scene like never before. The film is undoubtedly a triumph for Priyanka Chopra. With half a smile, a twitch of her lip and a movement of her eyebrow she seems to slip into her man-eater's role with captivating ease". In 2005, she starred in six films. Four of them, ''Blackmail'', ''Karam'', ''Yakeen'' and ''Barsaat'' failed to do well. However, her performance in ''Yakeen'' garnered good reviews from critics.

Her other two 2005 releases, ''Waqt: The Race Against Time'' and ''Bluffmaster!'' performed moderately at the box office. In 2006, Chopra starred in two of the most successful films of the year: ''Krrish'', in which she shared the screen with Hrithik Roshan and Rekha, and ''Don – The Chase Begins Again'', alongside Shahrukh Khan which was a remake of the 1978 film ''Don''. She played the character of Roma, a role which was played by Zeenat Aman in the original movie.

In 2007, she appeared in Nikhil Advani's ensemble piece ''Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute To Love''. Despite a promising opening, the movie was a financial failure. Chopra's next release, the much-delayed ''Big Brother'', also underperformed at the box-office. In 2008, Chopra acted in six films. Her first four films, ''Love Story 2050'', ''God Tussi Great Ho'', ''Chamku'' and ''Drona'', were critically and commercially unsuccessful. Critics started panning her for choosing the wrong movies and criticising her performances. Still, she was noted for her physical performance in ''Drona'' with Rediff writing, "Chopra truly impresses with her convincing action heroine skills."

''Fashion'' and recent work (2008–present)

After a series of flops, Chopra was cast in Madhur Bhandarkar's ''Fashion'' (2008) for the lead role of Meghna Mathur. Revolving around the fashion world through Chopra's role of an ambitious model, the film was a critical success. Her performance in the film was appreciated and earned her several awards for Best Actress including the National Film Award for Best Actress, as well as the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Subhash K Jha said of her performance, "Her transformation from the bubbly Chandigarh girl to the super-ambitious supermodel, who dumps her boyfriend and conscience to pursue her dreams, is achieved with a gentle subtlety and bridled passion. This is Priyanka’s coming-of-age film. She looks like a zillion bucks. And acts like a woman who connects with the darkest, most desperate human emotions without wallowing in them." Chopra's final release of the year was Tarun Mansukhani's romantic comedy ''Dostana''. The film was a moderate financial success. Rajeev Masand wrote about her performance, "Priyanka Chopra, is at complete ease, slipping effortlessly into the role of the hottie-with-a-heart-of-gold; she looks smashing in this film, better than she's ever looked before."

In 2009, she appeared in Vishal Bhardwaj's caper thriller ''Kaminey'' alongside Shahid Kapoor, playing the role of a feisty Marathi girl named Sweety. Her performance in the film was described by critic Taran Adarsh as "first-rate", who further stated, "She's so much in sync with her character... [and] gets the Maharashtrian accent perfect". She subsequently appeared in Ashutosh Gowariker's romantic comedy ''What's Your Raashee?'', a film which made Chopra the first actress in cinema history to portray 12 distinct characters in one film. She was reportedly being considered for inclusion in the upcoming edition of ''Guinness World Records'' for this feat. The film itself was a financial and critical failure, but Chopra's performance in the film was appreciated by critics.

In 2010, Chopra appeared in Jugal Hansraj's ''Pyaar Impossible'' where she portrayed the role of a college beauty who eventually falls in love with a geek. The film was a commercial and critical failure. Her next release, Siddharth Anand's ''Anjaana Anjaani'' alongside Ranbir Kapoor, got a good initial response at the box office, but was not well-received by the critics.

In early 2011, Chopra appeared in Vishal Bhardwaj's black comedy ''7 Khoon Maaf'', in which she portrayed the role of an Anglo-Indian woman who murders her seven husbands. Her performance in the film garnered mixed reviews by the critics. She has completed the filming of Farhan Akhtar's ''Don 2 – The Chase Continues'' alongside Shahrukh Khan. She has commenced the filming of Anurag Basu's ''Barfee'', in which she is playing a mentally challenged girl, as well as Kunal Kohli's next venture opposite Shahid Kapoor in which she plays a yesteryear actress. and Karan Johar's ''Agneepath'' remake, the filming of both being held in back-to-back schedules. Recently, she has also confirmed to be reprising her role in ''Krrish 2'' alongside Hrithik Roshan.

Music career

Chopra is also a trained western classical singer. In August 2011, she signed a worldwide recording agreement with Universal Music and Desi Hits to record and release her first music album. The album will be released in North America with Desi Hits through Interscope Records and in other international markets on UK's Island Records. Her music career will be managed by Troy Carter, chief executive officer of Atom Factory. The album, which will be produced by Universal Music Group and Desi Hits will contain about ten pop songs and will release worldwide, sometime in 2012. Chopra is currently writing and recording the album in English.

Other work

Chopra became a television host with the Colors' reality show ''Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 3''. She replaced actor Akshay Kumar who hosted the previous two seasons. The show, which premiered on 6 September 2010, beat the opening ratings of the previous two seasons.

Chopra participated in a concert tour titled ''Temptations 2004'' with other Bollywood actors and actresses, including Shahrukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta and Arjun Rampal. She sang, danced and performed in skits. She was also offered the opportunity do the playback singing of "Tinka Tinka" in ''Karam'' (2005). She declined, wanting to concentrate on acting, but later sang the song live on the TV program Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.

On 12 December 2009, she was present as a judge for the Miss World 2009 competition held in Johannesburg, South Africa. She was also appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2010.

Chopra continues to do some modelling work, such as appearing for fashion designer Ritu Kumar's collection at HDIL India Couture Week. She has a number of endorsements and is one of the top paid Bollywood actresses in this respect. She has represented brands including Lux, Ponds, Sunsilk, Hero Honda, Nokia, Tag Heuer, J. Hampsted and Virgin Comic.

Awards and honours

Chopra has won several movie awards, including the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award in 2003 for ''Andaaz'', the Filmfare Best Villain Award in 2005 for ''Aitraaz'', and the Filmfare Best Actress Award in 2009 for ''Fashion''. She also received the 2009 National Film Award for Best Actress for ''Fashion''.

In 2006, the UK magazine ''Eastern Eye'' ranked her first on their list of "Asia's Sexiest Women", and an eBay online poll crowned her the Style Diva of the year.

Filmography

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2002	''Thamizhan''	Priya
2003	''The Hero: Love Story of a Spy''	Shaheen Zakaria
2003	''Andaaz''	Jiya	Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress
2004		Rani
2004		Sapna
2004	''Asambhav''	Alisha
2004	''Mujhse Shaadi Karogi''	Rani Singh
2004	''Aitraaz''	Mrs. Sonia Roy	Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress
2005		Mrs. Rathod
2005		Shalini
2005	''Waqt: The Race Against Time''	Pooja (Mitali)
2005		Simar
2005		Kajal
2005	''Bluffmaster!''	Simmi Ahuja
2006	''Taxi Number 9211''		Special appearance
2006	''36 China Town''	Seema	Special appearance
2006	''Alag''		Special appearance in song "Sabse Alag"
2006	''Krrish''	Priya
2006		Anu
2006	''Don: The Chase Begins Again''	Roma
2007	''Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute to Love''	Kamini
2007		Aarthi Sharma
2007	''Om Shanti Om''	Herself	Special appearance in song "Deewangi Deewangi"
2008	''My Name is Anthony Gonsalves''	Herself	Special appearance
2008	''Love Story 2050''	Sana / Zeisha	Double role
2008	''God Tussi Great Ho''	Alia Kapoor
2008		Shubhi
2008		Sonia
2008		Meghna Mathur	National Film Award for Best Actress Filmfare Award for Best Actress
2008		Neha Melwani
2009	''Billu''	Herself	Special appearance in song "You Get Me Rockin & Reeling"
2009	''Kaminey''	Sweety Shekhar Bhope	Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress
2009	''What's Your Raashee?''	12 roles	Anjali / Vishakha / Kajal / Hansa / Mallika / Pooja / Rajni / Nandini / Bhavna / Jhankhana / Sanjna / Chandrika
2010	''Pyaar Impossible''	Alisha Merchant
2010	''Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai''	Herself	Special appearance
2010	''Anjaana Anjaani''	Kiara
2011	''7 Khoon Maaf''	Susanna Anna-Marie Johannes
2011	''Ra.One''		Special appearance
2011	''Don 2: The Chase Continues''	Roma	Post-production
2012		Kaali	Filming
2012	''Barfee''		Filming
2012	''Teri Meri Kahaani''		Filming
2012	''Krrish 2''	Priya	Pre-production

See also

List of Indian film actresses

Miss India

References

External links

Official Website

Priyanka Chopra on Bollywood Hungama

}} Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:Indian film actors Category:Hindi film actors Category:Indian actors Category:Filmfare Awards winners Category:Miss World winners Category:Miss World 2000 delegates Category:Femina Miss India winners Category:Military brats Category:Indian female models Category:Old Martinians Category:Indian Hindus Category:Punjabi people Category:People from Bareilly Category:People from Jharkhand Category:National Film Award winners Category:Indian game show hosts

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