1- Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, formed from deepa (“light”) and āvalī (“series” or “row”). Deepavalli thus meant a “row” or “series of lights”.

2- Diwali is also considered by many people as the marriage day of the Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

3- Dhanteras is celebrated before Diwali. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi came out of the ocean this day. People purchase gold or silver on this day, hence it is the day when most of the gold is bought in the world.

4- It is believed that Lord Ganesha is the God of good beginnings, prosperity, wisdom and success. And is also considered as the adopted child of goddess Lakshmi. Therefore, during Diwali, Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi idols are placed side by side for the prayers and rituals. Lord Ganesh is worshipped first followed by Lord Lakshmi.

5- Outside India, the largest Diwali celebrations happen in the city Leicester of United Kingdom. Thousands of people gather in the street to enjoy light, music and dance.

6- Diwali is celebrated around the world, particularly in countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the Netherlands, Canada, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

7- Diwali is a national holiday in many countries like India, Trinidad & Tobago, Myanmar, Nepal, Mauritius, Guyana, Singapore, Suriname, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Fiji. And it is an optional holiday in Pakistan.

8- In 15th October 527 BCE, Mahavir Jain attained moksha (liberation) on Diwali day.

9- The foundation stone of the Golden Temple was laid on the day of Diwali in 1577.

10- Diwali is considered as new year day as per hindu calendar.

11- Maharshi Dayananda founder of Arya Samaj attained his nirvana on new moon day of Kartik (Diwali day).

12- In Indian Stock exchanges, you can do trading during one hour time on Diwali even when it is on Saturday this year. BSE is conducting Diwali muhurat trading sessions since 1957, while NSE is conducting since 1992.

 

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