Destinations, Travel tips, Festivals and Public Holidays
Deepavali 2012 – Diwali 2012
Diwali: The Festival Of Light
Deepavali (Diwali), also known as “Row of Lights”, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year based on Hindu Lunar Calendar. The name itself derive from Sanskrit; Dipa means lamp, and Awali means row or line.
This Festival of Lights was originally celebrated after the monsoon season when the weather is more cooperative and pleasant. To this day, Deepavali 2012 is a time for rejoicing and renewal as Hindus all over the world celebrate the triumph of good over evil, or light over darkness, which culminates to the Hindu New Year. During Diwali 2012 celebrations, many homes will light up little lamps to usher in light and good fortune.
When Is Deepavali 2012 / Diwali 2012?
Deepavali 2012 / Diwali 2012 Date
The first day of Deepavali 2012 / Diwali 2012 falls on Sunday, 11 November 2012. Some countries, like India, will celebrate Diwali for 5 days, which will be from Sunday, 11 November 2012 to Thursday, 15 November 2012.
Deepavali 2011 / Diwali 2011 Date
The first day of Deepavali 2011 / Diwali 2011 falls on Wednesday, 26 October 2011. Some countries, like India, will celebrate Diwali for 5 days, which will be from Wednesday, 26 October 2011 to Sunday, 30 October 2011.
Deepavali (Diwali) 2012 In Singapore, Malaysia & India
India Diwali 2012
Diwali 2012 is a major public holidays in India celebrated nationally. In India, Diwali 2012 will be observed in a five-day celebrations: first day Dhanteras, second day Choti Diwali, third day Lakshmi Puja Badi Diwali, fourth day Padwa and fifth day Bhaiduj. During these days, people pray to Lakshimi, the Goddess of wealth, light, prosperity and wisdom, and also to the God Ganesha, the “Remover of Obstacles” and the “Lord of Beginnings”.
Prior to Diwali, practitioners will clean their houses, and on the day of Diwali celebrations everyone will wear new clothes, exchange gifts, light firecrackers, make a bonfire and eat a festive meal.
The Hindu Goddess Lakshmi’s statue and images is carried through the streets during the procession. Dipa Lights (or Diwali Diyas, Kandils, Ghee Lamps, Parvati Ganesha Lamps) that are made of clay, with fuels either from the oils from coconut, mustard or clarified butter, wick made out of cotton wool, are placed outside of the house, and on the floors and doorways. Doors are also furnished with torans, made out of mango leaves and marigolds.
Singapore Deepavali 2012
As Singapore’s third largest ethnic group, the Indians form 9.2% of the country’s population. In Singapore, the Festival of Lights or Deepavali 2012 falls on Tuesday, 13 November 2012 and is a Singapore 2012 public holiday.
Indians and Hindus in Singapore celebrate Deepavali with intricate light and candle decorations that create a unique spectacle as night draws near. The atmosphere Deepavali creates, coupled with the joy and happiness of the people, are felt all over multi-racial and multi-nationality Singapore, regardless of their religion and nationality.
To mark celebration of the Deepavali, “Little India” on Serangoon Road is decorated with elaborate lights, garlands and colorful arches. It is the center of commerce of the local Indian community of Singapore on normal days, but on the day of Deepavali, the Little India is turned into a festive street, where children flock to open areas to light the sparklers.
Festive bazaars and numerous cultural activities such as the Indian Heritage and Craft Exhibition, Street Parade, Countdown Concert are also held in the Little India to celebrate Singapore Deepavali. The festive stalls are decorated with wares such as fragrant flowers, garlands used during prayers, traditional oil lamps and beautiful Saris with intricate brocade patterns and glittering gems.
Malaysia Diwali 2012
Aside from India, Malaysia is among the countries that celebrate the Diwali with most grandeur. Known for its diverse culture, the Deepavali is celebrated by Hindu and Indians in Malaysia, which form 8% of the Malaysian community. Many Malaysians call the Deepavali as Hari Diwali.
On the Deepavali festival, people pray and eat a special festive breakfast made of many different dishes. The traditional oil bath is a necessity for all Diwali rituals, which include temple visits and prayers. Malaysia however does not allow firecrackers lit up during the Festival since it has been banned in the country.
As a public holiday in Malaysia, Deepavali 2012 is the time to visit and pay their respects to their elders. It is also the time where Malaysia Indians invite their Malay and Chinese friends into their house.
Diwali 2012 In Other Countries
Originally a Hindu holiday, nowadays Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains & Buddhists in many countries around the world. Most other nations do not celebrate the Diwali with such grandeur as that of Malaysia and India, but for the Indians diaspora worldwide, it is a time where they trace back their roots to home land.
Diwali 2012 is an official holiday in India, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Fiji. As Diwali approaches, regardless of which country they are, the Indians family clean their home to escape bad luck in the upcoming year and families gather for a feast and stay up late, celebrating with crackers and sweets.
Deepavali / Diwali 2012 Travel Deals
Do expect heavy travelling during and around Deepavali 2012 in the countries that observe the festival. Try to find best deals from multiple sources, including online hotel booking and ticket search.
Happy Deepavali 2012 Holidays !
Happy Diwali 2012 !
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