Diwali vs Deepavali? What Is the Proper Way to Greet on Diwali?

(CHAKRA Blogs) Deepavali is one of the largest celebrations in India and among Hindus. It is also one of the only common festivals celebrated by all Dharmic faiths (Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists)  to some degree. Nowadays, it isn’t uncommon to hear “Happy Diwali” from your friends or see it in your Facebook newsfeed. However, to ensure we keep consistent with tradition and understand what is the correct form of greeting, I thought I’d explain briefly.

Deepavali is a Sanskrit term, which translates into “row of lamps”. Sanskrit is an ancient language of India and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism and a literary and scholarly language in Buddhism and Jainism. The name “Diwali” or “Divali” is a contraction of “Deepavali”, hence eliminating the true meaning when spoken as “Diwali”. Deepavali is still commonly used as the main term used in Southern Indian states such as Tamil Nadu, Karela, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, whereas Diwali has become very common outside of India and its Northern states.

Therefore, be definition and in keeping with tradition, Deepavali is the correct term and Diwali is not.

Here are some of the traditional or proper ways to greet on Deepavali (other than using ‘Happy Deepavali”):

• Shubh Deepawali
• Deepawali ki Hardik Shubhkaamnayein
• Yeh parv is varsh aapke jeevan evam aapke parivaar mein khushiyaan laaye

 

By Abhi Kumar

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