Why do we celebrate Diwali scientific reason

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals in India. Apart from the cultural and religious importance of Diwali, it has scientific reasons as to why this festival is celebrated. The purpose of this article is to highlight the scientific features that distinguish this festival from the other ones.The celebrations symbolise the victory of light over dark, and in fact, this idiom has a scientific basis. Diwali is celebrated during the new moon day; that is, during the phase when the night is at its blackest. People think lighting the diyas and bursting firecrackers will drive away the darkness and the evils.

Furthermore, the lighting of diyas has another connotation as well. Based on the research conducted, the flame of a diya is believed to have the power of pulling in positive energies and repelling negative energies. It is thought to heal the atmosphere and welcome happiness and wealth in a home.

This way the scientific side of Diwali enlightens not only the festival but also reveals the correlation between history and present. Therefore, come with us as we follow the science behind the celebration of Diwali and discover the things that make Diwali so enlightening.

Historical and Cultural Significance of Diwali

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the oldest festivals of the Hindu calendar; it is observed in India and other countries with a sizable population of Indians. The term ‘ Diwali’ is an adaptation of the Sanskrit term ‘Deepavali,’ meaning ‘row of lights. ’It is celebrated to usher in the victory of light over darkness and of good over evil.

In the Hindu culture, Diwali is the celebration of the victory of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama, Sita and his brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. It is also celebrated as a homecoming or rejoicing of victory over hardship and affliction. The festival is also dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, which symbolizes the coming of wealth and prosperity.

The Scientific Reason behind Celebrating Diwali

Diwali is celebrated on the night of the new moon when nights are generally dark. This timing also has its scientific reason as to why it is celebrated. According to traditions, during this time of the year, the Earth is filled with evil energies and evil spirits. Singing songs, lighting oil lamps known as diyas, and bursting firecrackers are believed to ward off evil and negativity.

However, that is not the only role that the lighting of diyas plays. Scientifically, the light produced by a diya along with its continuous flicker brings about positive energy in the surrounding atmosphere and repels negative energy. This plant is used for cleaning the environment and maintaining harmony and wealth in a home. Not only do the lights accentuate the festive environment, but they also spread positive energy that makes people feel better.

Impact of Lighting Diyas and Fireworks on the Environment

The use of diya and crackers enhances the look and feel of Diwali and therefore it becomes crucial to think about the environmental implications. Burning of traditional oil lamps also releases pollutants in the air hence causing pollution of the environment. Likewise, we have adverse effects of smoke and noise pollution with the use of fireworks.

In the last few years, people have become quite conscious about the impact they make on the environment during festivals such as Diwali. There are new trends of making diyas from clay or any biodegradable items to reduce carbon footprint as compared to conventional ones. Also, there have been issues of reduced use of fireworks complete elimination of noise-producing fireworks or even the use of eco-friendly products.

The Significance of Light in Human Psychology

It is well known that light affects human thoughts and emotions in ways that are difficult to explain. As a colour, it has been associated with positivity, hope and happiness, for many years. This is seen best in the festival of Diwali where light plays an important role in the victory over darkness that is embodied in the form of evil.

Light exposure to the body promotes the secretion of serotonin – a hormone that controls mood, sleep and feeding patterns. For instance, people feel happy during the occurrence of sunny days because sunlight boosts the amount of serotonin in the body. Likewise, the light that is emitted from the diyas during Diwali can help lift the mood and improve health.

Diwali as a Symbol of Hope and Positivity

These lights are not only a symbol of victory over the dark but also a sign of joy and good luck all around. This is an occasion that has the nations celebrating, asking for forgiveness, and resetting their relations. The festival should inhibit negative feelings and encourage positivity from businesses and consumers alike.

Symbolically, the lighting of diyas represents enlightenment, a rise in consciousness and the quest for knowledge and knowledge alone can constrain darkness. It is a reminder to leave behind pessimism and any form of destructive feelings or additives and adopt the positive aspects of the heart – love and compassion. Diwali basically means good triumphing over evil and it is good in all the senses, as people aim to be good and better during the festival.

Diwali Celebrations around the World

Diwali, as mentioned earlier, is a festival celebrated mostly in India but has now been adopted worldwide. Diwali is widely celebrated in countries with prominent Indian populations, especially the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It has turned into a day to highlight the essence of Indian culture, customs, and food.

Learners in these countries celebrate Diwali through programs, dancing, drama, fireworks, and Indian meals. The festival is also a means of connecting different communities and creating a tolerant and multicultural society.

How to Celebrate a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Diwali

Diwali is a festival that celebrates light but as a responsible citizen of the world, we need to ensure that this festival is celebrated in a sustainable way. 

1. Avoid using plastic-based diyas or those that cannot be recycled easily; instead use elle diya or diya made up of clay or other raw materials.
2. Avoid loud and polluting fireworks substitutes or avoid fireworks altogether where possible!
3. When it comes to lights for decorations, use LED lights since they will help save energy and will last long.
4. Do not over-emphasize gift packaging since this increases the environmental impact and consider using environmentally friendly gift wrappers.
5. Buy from the local artists and craft makers so as to encourage them to make more craftwork rather than purchasing mass-produced items from big manufacturers.
6. Promote environmental responsibility and reduce pollution through the use of bins and proper disposal of garbage.

Thus, if these recommendations are followed, Diwali festivities can be enjoyed without posing any threat to the environment.

Traditional Rituals and Customs during Diwali

Diwali; the festival of light, is associated with traditions and culture at its best. As for the particularities of rituals, it is possible to state that Diwali is celebrated in a slightly different way in different states of India, but there are certain general characteristics associated with this holiday. 

1. Cleaning and decorating homes: While preparing for Diwali, people clean their houses for the goddess Lakshmi to enter and also apply various colours on the walls. This has the positive connotation of leaving behind something negative and the cycle begins anew.
2. Rangoli: Rangoli is an aspect of Indian culture, whereby designs are drawn on the floor using different colours of powders, rice and flowers. They also carry with them the symbolic meaning and are considered to bring success or wealth into a home.
3. Puja and prayers: Diwali brings prayers and divine offerings to deities. People celebrate by attending the Puja (Prayer) Ceremony during which the family asks for favours from gods & goddesses.
4. Exchanging gifts: Economic exchange in terms of gifts is another aspect of Diwali where people express their love towards their friends and family. People usually share candies, nuts, and other types of booths and sweets with each other during the festive season.
5. Feasting: It is celebrated with great enthusiasm through the preparation of different scrumptious foods and sweets. Families create big spreads and enjoy time together while consuming some more food.

Conclusion: The Importance of Celebrating Diwali Responsibly

There is no denying the fact that Diwali is a festival that spreads joy, togetherness, and positivity in equal measures. Particularly, knowing the scientific rationale for the celebration, one not only gets a cognitive sense of the festival and, indeed, becomes wiser, but also learns how tradition and science interact with each other.

Let us celebrate Diwali responsibly taking into consideration the pollution which affects the environment as well as the surroundings. Following environmentally friendly measures and promoting the spirit of love and compassion on Diwali, one can greatly enlighten future generations.

Hence, this Diwali let us rejoice with a newfound Social conscience to the light of awareness and Strength of gratitude. May the diyas that we burn not only activate the physical embodiment of our homes but also awaken the spirits of love, happiness and optimism in all of us.