What is Diwali?

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Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the festival of lights. It is celebrated mostly by Hindus, but many Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists recognize Diwali as well. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
00:00 The Basics: When and what?
2:49 Day 1: Dhanteras
3:18 Day 2: Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi
4:17 Day 3: Lakshmi Puja
5:44 Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakut / Bali Pratipada
7:37 Day 5: Bhai Dooj
7:47 Diversity of Practice
9:49 Diwali Outside of Hinduism
10:26 Origins and Mythological Narratives
12:35 Diwali Outside of India
Select images courtesy of Getty

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Cogito here: nebula.tv/videos/cogito-yt-what-is-hinduism?ref=religionforbreakfast

[@TheVeganVicar]

Or, more correctly, DEEPAVALI. 🪔

[@sarge8441]

thanks for the lesson

[@chompythebeast]

Andrew I love your work, but by the gods, the replies are filled with some very awful people on this one. Please sweep up some of these more hateful comments towards Indians and Hindu practitioners

[@ChessPlayer78]

fantastic.,,

[@DevanampiyaBuddhika]

Worship only one imageless god

[@silverchairsg]

In Singapore we call it Deepavali, as the local Indians are mostly of Tamil descent.

[@3226bigdaddy]

We also call it dipawali somtimes diwali . Both r same u can diwali is a short name of dipawali , i guess

[@HimInMaking]

Yeah in India too We use both Names Diwali and Dipawali Diwali probably mean Dia+Wali And Deepawali probably means Deep+Wali Dia/Deep are same thing but two names (the thing made up of clay we use in this festival for lighting our houses )

[@darko8894]

Deepavali is the actual word and it's Sanskrit not Tamil

[@debodatta7398]

@@darko8894 no you are incorrect i really wish ignorant people would research what theyre saying before spreading misinformation... Deepavali is a Tamil word. The Sanskrit word is dīpāvali, the translation of that word is Deepavali, Diwali is a corruption of Deebali which was the Prakit translation of the Sanskrit dīpāvali due to the islamic invasions of North India where they heavily adopted Persian, Arabic and Turkish words and grammar, that is where the corruption of Diwali comes from.

[@debodatta7398]

@@3226bigdaddy wrong South Indians who aren't Bollywood/Hindi obsessed or trying to market themselves call it Deepavali always. The only reason Diwali is used nowdays by South Indians online is cause they know large numbers of North Indians who won't like/engage with the word Deepavali will only engage with Diwali whereas South Indians are accepting of all languages so they will like/engage even with corrupted word Diwali. Deepavali is a Tamil word. The Sanskrit word is dīpāvali, the translation of that word is Deepavali, Diwali is a corruption of Deebali which was the Prakit translation of the Sanskrit dīpāvali due to the islamic invasions of North India where they heavily adopted Persian, Arabic and Turkish words and grammar, that is where the corruption of Diwali comes from.

[@gravy7861_]

This channel is mental bleach from all of the negativity in the world. Thank you

[@chronikhiles]

OP spoke too soon.

[@AshiwiZuni]

@@AmazingbrownIndiansvery strange to see a fervent nationalist who hates his own people so much

[@ponypublications]

As a Christian, I love learning about Hinduism! And light overcoming darkness is a theme we can definitely agree on. Have a blessed Diwali, neighbors!

[@debodatta7398]

Deepavali is a Tamil word. The Sanskrit word is dīpāvali, the translation of that word is Deepavali, Diwali is a corruption of Deebali which was the Prakit translation of the Sanskrit dīpāvali due to the islamic invasions of North India where they heavily adopted Persian, Arabic and Turkish words and grammar, that is where the corruption of Diwali comes from.

[@Teja]

the sound la didnt exist in ancient tamil. Sanskrit word is Deepavali and lots of tamil sounds have been derived from Sanskrit. the evidence is in Tamil alphabets itself. Its the only Indian language which lacks alphabets for a LOT of sounds, and yet it uses that sounds, showing clearly how sanskrit has given tamil many of its sounds it uses @@debodatta7398

[@stargazer137]

Thank you:)) May God bless you.

[@akapbhan]

Weirdly when people bringing in caste to Ramayana is that Ravana who is an asura is also a pious Brahmin

[@marktwain368]

I mentioned it in my Canadian Studies class, many of whom are from India, and their faces lit up with my acknowledgement of this holiday. Om shree Lakshmiyay namaha.

[@STAR-616]

Are u Indian living in Canada?

[@Skycroft1000]

Another thing worth mentioning, I think, is that Diwali for many Indians the festival where you prioritize coming together as a family (much like Thanksgiving for Americans, or Christmas for many people) regardless of how dispersed you otherwise are.

[@chronikhiles]

Yes, but I think Navaratri holds that family connotation more overall.

[@manitdoshi]

@@chronikhiles I'm gujarati so ik when I say this. Navratri used to be mostly about personal devotion, now its about dance and meeting up with friends and community. Diwali is THE family festival. people living in other states have reported homesickness if they're not allowed to go back home for diwali its a whole phenomenon.

[@pikachue602]

Well every Indian celebration is a reunion of the entire family

[@CorinnaAtHome]

The comparison helps!

[@debodatta7398]

Deepavali is a Tamil word. The Sanskrit word is dīpāvali, the translation of that word is Deepavali, Diwali is a corruption of Deebali which was the Prakit translation of the Sanskrit dīpāvali due to the islamic invasions of North India where they heavily adopted Persian, Arabic and Turkish words and grammar, that is where the corruption of Diwali comes from.

[@FrizzyHoran]

As an Indian raised as in a religious hindu family, I’d say you did a great job on this video! As you said, indian celebrations and rituals always vary because both hinduism and the communities of India show great diversity. Maybe it’s because of where I live, but here bali pratipada is called bali padami.

[@TheVeganVicar]

why do you call your nation by the name given to it by the British (from the PERSIAN word “Hindustan”)?☝️ What’s wrong with its PROPER name (Bhārata)? 🇮🇳

[@Nittychirayath]

@@TheVeganVicarisn’t it Bharatam?

[@chicawhappa]

​@@NittychirayathNorth = Bharat, South = Bharatam, Sanskrit = Bharat-uhh

[@TheVeganVicar]

@@chicawhappa Bhārata 🇮🇳

[@AyushKumar-fo5yu]

are u not a hindu anymore?

[@nikeshchauhan8843]

Delhi's pollution is not a diwali problem and it's been backed by evidence, firecrackers are not included in the top 15 pollutants

[@cosmos1487]

IIT Delhi has researched and yeah you are true mostly stubble Burning from Punjab is the reason

[@gas_masked_guys]

0:51 Loved the fact that you mentioned Guyana. It’s a national holiday here, primarily celebrated by Hindus, but non-Hindus also participate in Diwali activities one way or another. Looking forward to Diwali it’s one of my favourite holidays. I love the food also. 😄

[@Seevawonderloaf]

Wow that’s so cool to hear!

[@ActiveAdvocate1]

I'm not a Hindu, by the way, but I do adore Krishna. And Kali. My God and my Goddess for equal and opposite reasons.

[@marktwain368]

The Lord loves your devotion and adoration, regardless of religious identity.

[@HimInMaking]

Both are forms of One true Ishwar-Paramatma They love you no matter what your religion is Be a good person 🙏❤

[@VeganSanatani]

​@@HimInMakinglove your profile picture brother.

[@bluedrummajor2876]

I live in San Antonio, TX. We have a large Diwali celebration that is cosponsored by the city and an Indian cultural group. San Antonio has a sister city relationship with Chennai.

[@Pika250]

I too live in Greater San Antonio. We as a family were used to having a lot of get-togethers on Thanksgivings and Christmases, but one by one we lost key members as time advanced -- even my biological father had to go. Most certainly they would have loved Diwali if they had even heard of it. (Talk about Diwali being "for the dead" am I right!?) We have welcomed new family members during that time interval, and they most certainly will love Diwali the same way I do, which thus brings me to -- I had heard of Diwali twofold: First, we were able to watch Disney junior specifically for my great-niece and we heard of it from a then-new addition to the lineup in Mira, Royal Detective. After all, she is based in India, so Diwali is right up her alley! But then we got the ESPN+ subscription this year and I started to appreciate the sport of cricket by watching the 2023 Asia Cup, followed by the (ongoing at the time of this comment) 2023 ODI World Cup. I had learned of the Diwali miracle specifically involving Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, who was key to his team's triumph over Team Pakistan in the 2022 T20WC, and apparently, he did it again -- he was trying to attain his 49th ODI century, to tie his hero Sachin Tendulkar, ultimately getting it on his birthday against Team South Africa, who were also one of the frontrunners. Oh, and get this -- the 2023 ODI World Cup is set across India -- and Team India is still undefeated (as of the time of this comment)! After all, if there is any one sport that is most likened to Diwali, it would have to be a two-side sport where one side sets the mark for the other to try to conquer, and cricket is exactly this.

[@chicawhappa]

Learnt something today!

[@MaggieGraceWebb]

Hey, my hometown in the comments section! Trinity University in SA has a pretty active South Asian Student Association, it's always awesome to see what they're doing

[@thescoobymike]

If reading the Ramayana is too daunting, I highly recommend the 1993 animated film adaption. It’s free on KZbin and it’s great!

[@suzbone]

It's so massively popular across India, there are so many versions! They're all eye-popping and mind-blowing 👏 🙌

[@Seevawonderloaf]

As a Hindu from a caste oppressed background, I can tell you that we don’t associate with Ravana, the one defeated by lord ram. Ravana himself was a king and Brahmin so he has nothing to do with being a caste oppressed person. This caste narrative is a very recent development among Marxist historians. I appreciate the rest of the video though, especially that you mentioned it is a religious holiday which recently people have endeavoured not to do so

[@daksh6388]

​@@Emperor-of-United-BharatvarshYeah but Ravan being a lower caste and Dravidian is very recent. And both are wrong. He was from Brahmin varna and From present day uttar pradesh.

[@daksh6388]

Backward caste is a better term than oppressed caste. I also belong to backward caste but i won't say it's oppressed.

[@IMAN-WALA]

@@daksh6388 Also adding further for the International audience that since Ravana was a Scholar in all Vedas he is considered as Brahmin. Verna was decided on ur Karma/Actions. Interestingly both the 2 epics Ramayana & Mahabharata compilers were Brahmin by Verna but Caste"-a Indo foreign word" Shudra----such a contrast. All bc of ...leave it why to go there....of whom we have tdays "Israel vs Palestine, India vs Pakistan, North Korea vs South Korea and boxes misery out of Africa. Everything u know about past colonial state came to rest of the world through a Evangelical British filter.... Resulting in Hakenkreuz------->Swastika, Verna System---->Caste system (Caste a Spanish/Portuguese word), and many more. Colonialism affects more Culturally/mentally than economically bc its eradicates Native culture....ex South America.

[@el_iron_duke]

@@daksh6388 it's pure propaganda of a group trying to draw parallels between white vs black conflict in the west. According to Hindu scriptures, both the Devas and asuras are descended from the same man. Even the devas are portrayed in a negative sense for example Indra. The story of Govardhan parvat is literally a story of Indra getting humbled by Krishna. Even Ravana was a half Brahmin and many other Asuras were also half brahmins. Deva and Asura doesn't have anything to do with race. It's a modern construct created to portray Hinduism as a racial based religion so that Christian missionaries can propagate their own religion. Our own people fell into this narrative and thus the reason why so many people believe in this nonsense.

[@pratyushpandey2855]

Read Lalai Yadav's translation of EVRs "Sacchi Ramayana", the inversion/subversive narrative of traditional narrative is being used as Bahujan/Dalit assertion. He also says, few from "oppressed communities" not all. Almost all educated and aware OBC SC and ST I have met have a sense of appreciation for those inverted stories. They are still better than Hindutva version of Bahujanism Dravidianism and Dalitism.

[@Pathan109ShortVideos]

As a Muslim I love celebrating Diwali with my friends In Delhi India 🇮🇳

[@TheVeganVicar]

Or, more correctly, Dīpāvali. 🪔

[@christianbjrnskov3642]

I that case, you an absolute heratic in celebrating a pagan and politheist ritual

[@iznakhan5868]

How can you be Muslim then?

[@Pathan109ShortVideos]

​@@iznakhan5868I'm Muslim Alhamdollillah ☝️

[@killerunny1754]

​@@iznakhan5868maybe because he thinks of Diwali as a celebration in which he can spend time with his friends

[@ameyasingh8628]

King Bali is actually seen as a great king no matter the caste, Vamana or Vishnu gave him the authority to rule the nether world and Bali accepted as he was a great devotee of Vishnu

[@ameyasingh8628]

@@AmazingbrownIndians 🤨 you ok brother?

[@snackreaper]

@@ameyasingh8628 Not really he's probably some racist punk who thinks it's funny to spew stereotypes online

[@TheAstroG]

@@shaurya3141 you living in 1700's?

[@ameyasingh8628]

@@shaurya3141 this man is either serious which I hope he is not, or he is just trying to mock Hinduism which makes him an incel

[@shaurya3141]

@@ameyasingh8628 BJP guys are incels

[@arc7818]

I'm not Hindu, but I've been hoping you'd cover more of the religion. I'd be interested to hear your insight on the Bhagavad Gita.

[@tivo3720]

Read Gita by yourself.... Don't listen from others.

[@pikachue602]

​​@@AmazingbrownIndiansporkistani bots.. don't even have enough to buy wheat or rice ..😂😂 nor even enough to create passports books😂😂😂.... Talking about others.. Shows the priority of these bast@rds

[@RoyalEditzProduction]

@@AmazingbrownIndianswhy is this bot here

[@jayant7467]

​@@RoyalEditzProductionpak bot?

[@newcovenantguy610]

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭

[@saayamsingh3620]

I don't think bali was opperessed as he was the grandson of prahlad the great vishnu devotee and bali was not sent to a hell or netherworld but instead he reigns in sutala a prosperous realm. Also he had conquered the deva loka thus endangering the devas who requested lord vishnu to save them from elimination

[@chronikhiles]

In most versions, Mahabali is exiled to the netherworld Patala. But yes, you're correct that Vishnu had to restore order because Mahabali seized Svarga from the devas.

[@saayamsingh3620]

@@chronikhiles ok I stand corrected

[@atharvagawkar4827]

@@chronikhiles He is also given Eternal life... so thats definetely not opression

[@pikachue602]

True in correct sense he is a Brahmin too.. As he was decendant of sage Kashyap ..

[@ishaanrohmetra3447]

+1

[@michaelwright2986]

I live in Auckland, NZ, where Diwali is now definitely a thing. Partly, it's because of an increase in the population of people from India, but it also is popular amongst the general population because of the food. Earlier, the Chinese Lantern Festival became a big civic occasion for just the same reason. This is, perhaps, of general interest: styles of food are deeply connected with our sense of cultural identity, and we now live in a world of cosmopolitan foodiness--at least, for foodies. Discuss.

[@Mars-ev7qg]

I help my Indian friends set up their Diwali celebration event even though I'm a Western Buddhist. It's an unusual arrangement for sure, but it works surprisingly well for everyone.

[@user-qd3rz7fb1t]

Considering the separation between Buddhists and Hindus is a mostly western manifestation this is not that unusual

[@HimInMaking]

If you see Chinese Travellers texts who travelled India 🇮🇳 You will find out that Buddhists and Hindus have Mostly been together Even though they had different beliefs but both used to regularly debate with each other by Acient Indian Debate method Budhists and Hindus now seems to be very apart But cases were not like this in History Budhists went decline due to thier "Non-Violence" Scheme when India was under constant attacks for 1300 years

[@hidum5779]

Buddhists celebrate Diwali too.

[@STAR-616]

Isn't. Buddhism and Hinduism come in same rope?

[@Nash15118]

@@STAR-616Buddhism branched out of Hinduism long back… now they are more like cousins with different world views

[@pachasoul]

My Indian friend is going to introduce me to the Diwali fest today here in Germany. I'm very excited! Happy Diwali everyone ❤ 🎉

[@STAR-616]

How was it?

[@metromaster7025]

In Ramayan it is mentioned that after killing the asur Ravana (btw he was not so called "lower caste" he was a Brahmin meaning knowledgeable but now considered to be an "upper caste"😂) it is mentioned that It took 20 days for Ram to reach Ayodhya , so after 20 days of dashahara when Ram reached ayodhya it's dark nights and for welcoming ram back to ayodhya people light up diya 🪔. And hence the festival is the factival of light and the victory of ram over ravan, light over darkness, good over evil happiness over sadness. Fun fact:- when you see the walking time from Sri Lanka Colombo to Ayodhya(U.P) on Google Maps. you will be shocked ❤

[@shubhanshuraturi7053]

Yeah the time thing is kinda shocking

[@anshul6168]

The linking of Asuras with Dalits if a fairly new construct by leftist historians who are anti Hindu. Ravan tha antagonist in the Diwali story was both a Asura and a Brahmin, the so called priveleged Upper Caste. Don't how how these leftist historians find these abusrds stories of Asura being Dalits , when Asuras are not mentioned in the 4 Varna Classification. Till now I haven't found any Indian community caliming themselves to be Asuras.

[@ActiveAdvocate1]

My Eastern Philosophy professor of yore (I adore that man) has been to India a few times, and he said the most beautiful thing he's ever seen in his life was Diwali being celebrated in Benares. He was on a boat in the Ganga because there were SO. FREAKING. MANY. people on shore, and everyone was wearing pearls and bright clothes, and lighting their lights at sundown. *Shudder, I said to him I want to go with him to India at some point to see that. He can speak some of the languages, despite being as white as me.

[@perla5465]

Happy Diwali 🪔 everyone! I hope it goes well for all who are celebrating.😊

[@shobhnapriyadarshini1162]

thanks u too

[@xtieburn]

Ahh I remember covering Diwali in high school. Well... to be a little more honest, I primarily remember the sweets we made and ate. (My favourite were the 'coconut ladoo'.)

[@TheVeganVicar]

I trust they were VEGAN. :D

[@tanya292]

@@TheVeganVicarprobably not. Indian sweets use an Indian clarified butter called ghee.

[@atharwamalawade259]

​@@TheVeganVicar Indian cuisine is mainly vegetarian. While most people do enjoy chicken, mutton and fish, pork and beef aren't consumed. Majority of the dishes usually contain milk or some derivative of it as well.

[@TheVeganVicar]

@@tanya292, Good Girl! 👌 Incidentally, Slave, are you VEGAN? 🌱

[@asdf9890]

Thank you, very in depth. I’m was an ignorant American about Diwali, but I understand more now. Sounds awesome and I wish my fellow Indians and Buddhists a happy Diwali!

[@dasikakn]

11:26 Diwali has always belonged to the Goddess Lakshmi. Rama just happened to return to Ayodhya on Diwali day and the festival grew in size to celebrate that event as well. But we *never* should forget the Devi (mother goddess) in Diwali Meditations. The Rama and Krishna stories are sub bullets of that. There is a series of pujas starting in September going until November. Saraswati (music and education) puja happens during Ganesh Chathurthi, Parvati (strength and will power) puja happens during Navaratri, and Lakshmi (wealth of all kinds including food, riches, children etc) puja during Diwali. This way you create value for and give gratitude for all the abundance of mother’s grace on you.

[@tentathesane8032]

Also, Rama specifically chose that day to return to Ayodhya because it was an auspicious day, because of its already existing connection to Lakshmi. Similarly, He chose the day for battling Ravana specifically because it was the same day that Durga had defeated Mahishasura

[@chandrajitkarmakar2333]

I was really hoping that you start to cover Hinduism. I would love to see more of this religion and the associated religious studies.

[@dhaucoin]

Adding to the global interest in the Festival- the Pokémon Go game has featured the Festival for the past few years, with themed pokémon spawns, avatar clothing, and other tidbits in the game. Thank you for a lovely, informative video!

[@msriram9884]

It is not “caste oppressed people” that have inverted this, that is modern western communist, missionary propaganda. People from across all sections of Indian indigenous practices have celebrated this holiday until the missionaries and cultural marxists showed up in town.

[@sahilsc1]

In Maharashtrad, Diwali starts on vasu baras. Vasu means calf worship 🙏🏽

[@debodatta7398]

and in Kerala brahmins will eat Veal on first day of Diwali as it is our Indian tradition Jai Hind.

[@naveengokarla1282]

​@@debodatta7398don't have to mention when the person seems to have high regards to calves

[@LazyIRanch]

Thank you for this! I've been looking for explanations of this festival. I'm friends with a couple from India who have a small Desi grocery store and I always enjoy talking to the wife, she is such a sweet person. I was at their store a few days ago and she was really looking forward to Diwali. I don't know anything about it so I asked her to tell me the story behind it. She did, and it sounds kind of wild but fascinating. I haven't watched this video yet, I'm hoping to understand Diwali better. Looks like a good time and involves a variety of delicious food. Count me in!!

[@TheVeganVicar]

Or, more correctly, Dīpāvali. 🪔

[@wmbedsole1]

Dwaili, All Saints’ Day, Halloween.. Christmas. I see a connection here ❤

[@VSM101]

Indo European culture Honoring of the acetors before the harvest and ends with a celebration

[@MasterGeekMX]

I knew about Diwali from the commercialization of the festivity. I follow the Nokia youtube channel since their "rebirth", and one day they uploaded some videos that said "This Diwali, gift a Nokia". it is worth mentioning Nokia is quite popular brand in India.

[@branbelenus]

Excellent video. I knew almost nothing about this festival and now I have a great base understanding of it. It looks like a lot of fun and enjoyment; even for those who treat it in a more sombre manner. Thinking about ancestors usually makes me smile.

[@gleann_cuilinn]

I moved to a neighborhood in Texas that's almost entirely southeast Asian and I'm looking forward to experiencing the Dipavali festivities this year :) thanks for the video

[@invokingvajras]

Regarding the suras vs. asuras, suras are synonymous with devas. It’s something like the gods vs. titans or the æsir vs. the jötnar.

[@chronikhiles]

Oh hey Wikipedia editor.

[@xiuhcoatl4830]

@@chronikhiles Why are yoou whining? he's right.

[@chronikhiles]

@xiuhcoatl4830 Don't be rude, I mean OP literally is a Wikipedia editor, so am I, I recognise their username.

[@invokingvajras]

@@chronikhiles Howdy-ho neighbor!

[@VSM101]

Yes the culture that came after and morphed into Viking culture

[@tanya292]

Oh my god finally you’re doing Hinduism. I’m so happy. And just in time for Diwali (which starts tomorrow). I am watching this video while prepping for Diwali. 🥳

[@TheVeganVicar]

Or, more correctly, Dīpāvali. 🪔

[@tanya292]

@AmazingbrownIndians bro it’s so sad that you’re using your limited time on earth doing whatever this is. I hope you find some actual joy in life. ❤️

[@marioicon]

Petition your Goddess for me I need wealth, Prosperity and abundance 🕯️🕯️🕯️

[@biggestfan.]

​@@tanya292maybe spamming comments gives him joy.. we're all animals and we're all fking weird.🎉

[@biggestfan.]

​@@tanya292on second thought, seeing that guy's channel is dedicated to _Amazingbrowindians,_ it's a bot. Rejoice as guy spent 60 seconds configuring a script.

[@wildmen5025]

Jai Durga Maa! Jai Kali Maa! Jai Sri Ram! Jai Sita Maa!

[@Chetna444]

🙏🏽🕉️❤

[@DeadInside-ct6dl]

I'm really glad you covered the aspect that Diwali has never been a festival that had one story behind it, and that its celebrated differently in different strata of Indian society

[@folcwinep.pywackett8517]

Is there any connection between Diwali and Hanukkah, or is this just a common human wish to dispel the darkness with light during the darkest part of the year?

[@chronikhiles]

Haha no connection, I think we just like the symbolism.

[@folcwinep.pywackett8517]

@@chronikhiles thanks! This was an excellent video of a festival I knew nothing about! Thanks again.

[@chronikhiles]

Happy Deepavali in advance everyone!

[@ActiveAdvocate1]

What's HILARIOUS about Govardhan Pooja is that, in the version I'm familiar ith, the Lord told His father to stop Indra's festival because it was Govardhan, NOT Indra, who provided for the people of Vrindavana: their cattle grazed on its slopes, its rivers watered the plants, animals, and people, and its woods provided coolness and wood for their homes. He did this as a way to humble Indra, who had started seeing himself as the source of life and prosperity, rather than as the Lord's servant.

[@chronikhiles]

My guess is that this particular legend was to emphasise the superiority of Krishna, a regional deity later identified with Vishnu, over Indra, the Vedic king of the gods, thereby implying that Puranic Hinduism is more valid than Vedic Hinduism.

[@ActiveAdvocate1]

@@chronikhiles, I know. It's also said that the Lord memorized the Vrefdas in ONE SESSION with His guru, and He also says to Arjun in the Bhagavad Gita that any need that can be served by a small well can also be served by a great reservoir of water, since He is the fulfillment of the Vedas.

[@vivekbam322]

Omg little Krishna referencesssss

[@ActiveAdvocate1]

@@vivekbam322, oh. Yeah. How did you know?

[@secretscipio]

​@@chronikhilesKRISHNA is one true Lord. Everything is his manifestation.

[@nishantshrivastava-2680]

Let me add another celebration held two days after Diwali, it's chitragupta Puja, celebrated mainly by kayastha community which i proudly belong to. On this day we worship pens 🖊️ 🖋️ Chitragupta ji is our ancestor and responsible for writing down all good and badvdeeds of people, based on which they are either send back to earth to reborn in their appropriate yonis or to attain moksha.

[@wilhelmseleorningcniht9410]

the thing with Lakshmi visiting houses to bless them is interestingly similar to the early modern European 'Holda,' though it is of course completely unrelated. Basically in Early Modern Europe a belief arose in a parade of spirits called Holda, oftentimes women dressed in white but others as well, riding beasts, I think deer popped up a lot but don't quote me on that, from house to house and blessing the house if the way was open and food prepared, and cursing it if it weren't. This would all occur around the 12 days of Christmas. A remnant of this belief possibly survives in the Pa Dutch folk tradition of the 'drei Dinge' or 'three things.' People'd place three things on the window sill on new years eve and the belief was that the house would be blessed by their addition, it could be a penny for more money, flour for more food, or coal for more fuel among other things. There was a tendency in pa Dutch culture to replace a focus on a specific spirit like a saint, or in this case potentially Holda, with a new focus on the timing. Suddenly it's not a saint or other entity believed to bless something, but instead the holy day or night itself. Originally the parade itself seems to be called Holda but later on it evolves into the name of the parade's leader specifically, and it's this entity that survives in folklore in a minimalistic way as Frau Holle. This tradition arose in the Rhineland first before spreading over a not insignificant amount of western Europe. It influenced the witch hunts, specifically the shtuff the witch hunters were claiming people were doing. This is where the whole 'riding beasts to go to the witch's sabbath' thing gets started. If anybody wants to learn more about this figure and tradition, Ronald Hutton's book "Queens of the Wild" is an extremely good source that goes very in depth. Fascinating stuff.

[@Raghni]

Wow, this is very interesting. Thank you for sharing! :)

[@THEShogunBallistic]

I like that. Removing obstacles and considering one's abundance with Ganesha and Lakshmi. It goes hand and hand with Indra's story.

[@manishpudasaini1497]

Thanks for covering this but you should've mentioned Nepal too which is a only hindu country in the world and has highest population of hindu (ratio wise) in the world. Nepal has around 88% hindus and 10% buddhists which are almost similar.

[@kdkp2000]

Nepal is also not a Hindu Country it's a secular country.

[@metaphordreams378]

As a hindu, this was a very sensitive, detailed and accurate.

[@VSM101]

alot of communits anit hindu propaganda in this

[@tivo3720]

In Bengal we also remember our ancestors... Its the day before the deepawali. Birth abd worship the yamraj the God of death. People wake up early do tapan ( offering of water and food) for ancestors, then we make a dish during this day by 14 types of vegetables. And at night light up 14 pradeep ( oil lamps) for our 14 forefathers. And i want to mention king Bali wasn't only the king of South India but was the king of the bhu loka... Placing the feet of God & elders upon our head is referred as respect & blessings in Hinduism not humiliation. King Bali get the boon of being immortal. The ruled the under world and keep it in balance ⚖️ .... He is also one of the dearest devotee of Sri Vishnu. And he visits us during this time. Those types of nonsense caste oppressed story is developed by the communists to attack the religion. These people in every hindu festivals aligned themselves as being oppressed. And more importantly those people are converted into another religions . They are not Hindu I don't know why do they talk about Hinduism and start doing this thing during hindu festivals

[@saayamsingh3620]

True

[@user-qt7nq5xl1m]

This channel has become a favorite 🎉. I try to learn something new each day even at over 60 years old now. You are giving me an education each time you post, and I really appreciate that. I have never heard of the Hindu festival of lights. So this is an excellent little gem of information I didn't have before.

[@ngwanggole9521]

Happy laxmi puja and bhai tika

[@ryanchatterjee]

Your first Hinduism video! Very much appreciated 😍

[@kyjo72682]

Nice! Always wanted to learn more about this festival.

[@prakyathkumar8618]

Ravana was a Brahmin and Bali, son of Bhakth Prahalad (He was a devotee of Vishnu and he has a whole other story) was a Kshatriya/Brahmin who was sent to nether world, Mahishasura was a Brahmin too, like do these people even know their mythology? Like why even bring something so inaccurate into the conversation? Like why? If you have to criticize get your facts straight even though it's a myth, it makes video seem that it lacked effort to understand even the basic.

[@pacoelchato7359]

I watch this video while having breakfast, to honor the name of the channel. Congratulations for this excellent work! from a Mexican Catholic interested in Eastern Cultures.

[@KingfisherTalkingPictures]

I grew up in Fiji in the 70s, and loved the lights covering all the houses. We went back, and the lamps and candles were replaced with Christmas lights and kids throwing firecrackers at each other. Not the same.

[@rimasha]

People tries bringing 2 religion same. Why hindus wants a christmas tree? For gifts?

[@cosmos1487]

​@@rimashasickular

[@sayakchoudhury9711]

In Bengal we usually celebrate Dipavali for two days, 1st day is the day of 14 lamps and 14 saag (14 different type of leafy vegetables are to be consumed). The 2nd day is the day of 1000 lamps and Kali Puja.

[@PrithaBhowmick-cb1cz]

Yes

[@agniswar3]

3:14 and apart from this Dhanteras is actually the day of worship of Lord Dhanvantari the God of medicines. He is also considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This is the most auspicious day for Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners.

[@tracycraft]

My pastor discussed Diwali in his sermon today. I enjoyed the idea of lighting my candles to symbolize good defeating evil. He didn't name the god involved. So, i was curious to see what it is.

[@rollsroyce4249]

It's Lord Ram

[@VSM101]

@@rollsroyce4249 Sri Ram is an incarnation of Maha Vishnu who is not a god But Bhagwan THE GOD.

[@Halepeno304]

Thank you for this informative video🙏

[@martinstuart5755]

I did thoroughly enjoy my local diwali festival it was fun and so nice with a great sunset over the crowd

[@patriciaaturner289]

Wishing Happy Diwali to all who celebrate.

[@laurasaxon694]

Very informative. I have a doctor who is from India and he had been out of the office for a few minutes yesterday observing Diwali and we spent the first few minutes of my appointment talking about the holiday and the various superstations that people in India have, so I now have my homework done for my next appointment.

[@DutchOrBelgian]

Thank you for this video!!

[@ngonfinda9606]

Great video much love from Florida. Wish regional variations could be focused as a 102 to this topic.

[@neeleneeleambarpar2151]

Historically, everyone celebrates Diwali, like you said! It was a major fesitval in the Mughal royal household as well. Happy Diwali, friend!

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

A gorgeous kaleidoscope of swirling colors!

[@whotfcaresaboutyouropinion]

As a Indian Christian, i thank you for making a video on hinduism❤

[@chronikhiles]

Respect.

[@ThePrimroseIFS]

Very well researched vedio on diwali. ❤

[@savedup2]

Thank you. Nice introduction.

[@YS27122]

Hindu culture and traditions were always meant to go global. They dont follow specific rule books, they dont restrict non believers, they embrace everyone with warmth and love. The greatest culture for a reason!!

[@abhiramn474]

Also remember that this festival use to be celebrated around the Fall Equinox. The ancestors are said to return on that day and the lamps would show the ancestors the way home.

[@pratyushpandey2855]

The subversion of "Traditional narrative" is a rather modern attempts of Bahujan/Dalit assertion. The caste oppressed is a rather strange use because such inversion of narrative was done by Bahujan and Dravidam communities that were, to a lot of extent, aristocratic castes. Although such an inversion isn't new in any culture/society. Specially when there is no historical account of the tales and anyone can spin them in any way they want.

[@jeevabalegar4954]

WONDERFUL INFORMATION 🥳

[@dr.ravinjay]

An extremely impressive and thorough discussion as usual 🎉

[@VSM101]

he managed to fit in poltical communist propaganda from south India as well that is 1.5% of the indian population DMK XD

[@NKsEntertainment]

Wow! Happy Diwali 🪔🎇🪔

[@brandonf.6495]

Big fan of your channel! Keep up the great work! I was wondering if there's a book that you would recommend that gives a good, academic overview of world religions?

[@daenerys30]

It interesting how many cultures have similar practices during November/December

[@NoThing-ec9km]

Please make more videos about Hinduism mainly the core principles of "Vedanta" like "Advaita" and "Dvaita".

[@user-lu9zn6ii4o]

Good job!

[@onenerd9573]

Beautiful festival.

[@Kyryyn_Lyyh]

I was just asking myself that the other day, awesome 😎

[@j.masonbrown6216]

Video idea: would love you to do a video about taking Vows of Silence. It seems there are examples in Christianity of devout monks taking vows of silence, and it seems to be very common in Buddhism. Would love to know more about the purpose behind it, and how it developed in different cultures/regions. Thanks!

[@mikelizard3730]

As a rimwolrd player, I partake on the festival of lights whenever possible.

[@jeanfalconer6377]

I think the celebration of a bond between brothers and sisters really sweet.

[@coyoteroadkill]

A few years ago we were in an Indian market and the owner offered us candy saying it was a tradition to give out sweets during Diwali. Kind of like Halloween in the US. Of course to be polite we took some. (Yeah, like I would turn down sweets.) Is this a pan-Indian or regional tradition?

[@chronikhiles]

Offering traditional sweets to friends and neighbours is absolutely a pan-Indian Deepavali tradition.

[@atharvagawkar4827]

Visting friends and family with sweets is must during this time.

[@secretscipio]

Pan-Indian

[@martinmorande657]

I have previously noticed you hadn’t done videos on hinduism, I think this is the first one afaik

[@user-bz9if2hl9q]

These stories are amazing. I love folklore in very areas in the world

[@kraut1982]

The Vishnu stomping on Bali’s head is an insidious imagery that I see you try to project here. Hindus see Bali as a righteous, powerful, generous king and not as a demon. When Vishnu in his dwarf form comes to Bali asking for just 3 steps of earth, the king is amused by such an small request from a big emperor of the 3 worlds. The dwarf, becomes a giant occupies the Devloka in one step and the Prithavi lok in another step, he then asks the King Bali, oh king now where do I place the 3rd step? King Bali by now recognizes that the dwarf was no ordinary person and indeed someone divine. He is humbled and bows to the Vamana and offers his head to place his 3rd and last step. In this way he kept his word although he lost his entire kingdom. But that does not in way mean Vishnu stomped on him. It just means he tames Bali’s pride.Bali is later goes on rules the Pataal lok, so he does live on.

[@J.A.Smith2397]

Good job

[@snickersandvas]

Thanks!

[@gloriajones1204]

Love the shoutout to cogito ❤

[@jessicawalton3497]

I support any celebration that brings light!

[@welcometonebalia]

Thank you.

[@freealter]

My town in NJ celebrates Diwali!

[@kray3883]

Our local CostCo has started selling Diwali-themed fireworks. It seemed popular, judging by looking in other people's carts so I'm guessing that Sunday is going to be very loud...

[@Sumit-Mitra]

দারুন লাগলো 👌🏻

[@keenanarthur8381]

The "asuras do not equal demons" bit is an interesting issue. To give an analogous example, are Greek Titans "the same" as Norse Jötnar? They're both races of primordial deities associated with chaos who clash with a race of gods associated with order. If you were to ask secular scholars, many would probably point to the fact that they have different mythologies and cultural contexts. If you were to ask practicing polytheists, however, you would probably get a wide range of different answers ranging from "yes they're different names for the exact same beings" to "sort of, the Titans and the Jötnar belong to closely related families," to "not at all, they're entirely distinct beings from separate pantheons." With Hindus, the views on asuras are also widely varied, as are the views on Abrahamic angels/demons/deities - although Jesus is widely considered to be an avatāra of Viṣṇu and a form of perenniallism is quite popular among many Hindus. And, as was mentioned, some Hindus (especially Vaiṣṇavas) basically view asuras as evil incarnate whereas others take a less polarized, more nuanced view (e.g. regarding them as a race of beings who primarily characterized by tamas/darkness rather than simply "evil").

[@speedwagon1824]

Source for jesus being widely considered an avatar of vishnu

[@miguelatkinson]

​@@speedwagon1824yeah that one is interesting

[@keenanarthur8381]

@@speedwagon1824 there are a number of different sects holding similar beliefs in this regard, including the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement (Jesus is mentioned in several books by Prabhupada and some of his followers), Advaita Vedānta (especially the branch associated with Śrī Rāmakṛṣṇa), the Self-realization fellowship started by Yogananda (he discusses Jesus in Autobiography of a Yogi), and many others.

[@chronikhiles]

You're misinformed, while there are some religious leaders who hold this idea to propagate syncretism, no average Hindu believes Jesus is an avatar of Vishnu. This is more often used by Christians as a conversion tactic.

[@atharvagawkar4827]

@@keenanarthur8381i m vaishnav and .... Prahlad (To save whose life Vishnu had to incarnate), Mahabali, Vibhishan are Asuras but definetly celebreated in Vaishanav community

[@alexandrugheorghe5610]

Celebrating it tomorrow at an Indian restaurant. 🪔