Millions of Indians celebrated Diwali with a Guinness World Record number of bright earthen oil lamps [887da773]. The festival of light symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and is a national holiday in India [887da773]. The lighting of over 2.22 million lamps took place at the Saryu River in Ayodhya, the birthplace of the god Ram [887da773]. The lamps were kept burning for 45 minutes as Hindu religious hymns filled the air [887da773]. Diwali is celebrated by socializing, exchanging gifts, lighting lamps, and setting off fireworks [887da773]. The celebrations occurred amidst concerns about air pollution in the country, with New Delhi experiencing hazardous levels [887da773]. The festival also coincided with the upcoming inauguration of a temple at the site of a demolished mosque in Ayodhya [887da773].
The festival of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated all over India as a symbol of victory of good over evil [28ca02d6]. In North India, Dussehra is celebrated with the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad in bonfires, accompanied by elaborate theatrical performances called 'Ramlila' that re-enact episodes from the Ramayana [28ca02d6]. In eastern India, the festival is marked by the immersion of Durga idols and enthusiastic celebrations [28ca02d6]. Dussehra is also dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, who defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura after a cosmic battle of 9 days [28ca02d6]. The festival of Dussehra serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful evil may be, it will ultimately be defeated by good [28ca02d6]. It is a time for reflection and a celebration of new beginnings, with many people starting new businesses or ventures [28ca02d6]. Dussehra also holds significance for farmers, as it marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest season [28ca02d6]. On this day, people visit temples, perform special pujas, and seek blessings for knowledge and wisdom [28ca02d6].
In preparation for the celebration of Dussehra 2023, security arrangements have been tightened in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh [4ef098d1]. Traffic diversions have been implemented, and police personnel have been deployed along the routes of the 76 processions that will take place [4ef098d1]. The Lucknow Commissionerate Police has issued guidelines to maintain law and order during the festivities [4ef098d1]. Additionally, security forces have been stationed at the ghats where 133 idols will be immersed, and police presence will be ensured at the 59 locations where Ravana effigies will be burnt [4ef098d1]. Extensive arrangements have been made, including the deployment of additional forces and trained personnel [4ef098d1]. The safety of the processions and crowd control are top priorities for the local police [4ef098d1]. Public offices will also have forces on duty due to the public holiday on Vijayadashami [4ef098d1]. The immersion program will take place at four ghats in Lucknow, with separate platoons assigned to each ghat [4ef098d1].
Online marketplaces have made it easier for Chhath devotees living abroad to purchase puja materials and participate in the festival [f96218c3]. Devotees in countries like Japan, the US, and the UK can now order Chhath items online, such as bamboo or metal moram, dry coconut, and jaggery syrup [f96218c3]. In the US, the Chhath festival is celebrated as a community puja in various temples, where puja materials are purchased from Indian stores and some items are ordered online [f96218c3]. Similarly, in the UK, a community of Bihar people organizes festivals together and purchases small puja items online in bulk [f96218c3].
Divali is celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago with lighted deyas, music, food, and colorful dress [28d6a0ac]. It is a big family affair and has both religious and cultural significance [28d6a0ac]. The celebration involves cleaning houses and yards, prayers at Hindu temples, and the exchange of prayer-food [28d6a0ac]. The buying, selling, and sharing during Divali create a Divali economy, similar to other festive occasions like Christmas and Eid [28d6a0ac]. The article highlights the economic potential of cultural celebrations like Divali for tourism [28d6a0ac]. It also mentions the international recognition and support for Divali, with US Vice-President Kamala Harris leading the deya-lighting at the White House and New York mayor Eric Adams pledging to make it a public holiday [28d6a0ac]. The article emphasizes the importance of culture in shaping a country's economics and politics [28d6a0ac]. It concludes with messages of hope and unity from the country's leaders and expresses concern about ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine [28d6a0ac].
The festival of Diwali and Dussehra are both celebrated in India as symbols of victory and the triumph of good over evil [887da773] [28ca02d6]. These festivals bring people together, foster a sense of community, and serve as reminders of the power of righteousness [887da773] [28ca02d6].