Diwali, often known as the “Festival of Lights,” is among India’s largest festivals and has been compared with Christmas in the West. It is an important religious observance for Hindus worldwide, as well as for Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhist sects. Across five days in October or November, with dates set by the Hindu lunar calendar, people perform sacred rites for various deities, light lamps and candles, and exchange gifts.
Diwali’s Origins
Diwali, also called “Deepavali,” is an ancient Indian holiday with origins extending more than 2,500 years. As with many traditions from the subcontinent, it has no one origin story; many myths and legends have intertwined through the centuries. “Deepavali” is Sanskrit for “series of lighted lamps,” which explains the name “Festival of Lights.” For Hindus, the lamps recall those that guided Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, and his wife Sita home after 14 years of exile.
For others, the festival marks the birth of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In Gujarat, Diwali coincides with the New Year, and many celebrants ask Lakshmi for prosperity during the year ahead. Though Diwali is a religious holiday, its religious meaning varies across India and among Indian communities living abroad.
Diwali and Gold
A tradition shared by nearly everyone celebrating Diwali is exchanging gifts and purchasing goods for the home. Buying or giving gold, and sometimes silver, is especially popular because the metal is believed to attract prosperity and wealth. For people observing Lakshmi’s birth, Diwali’s first day, “Dhanteras,” involves purchasing and exchanging gold with relatives, friends, and neighbors. In India, jewelers and gold-coin dealers often experience an 20%-30% increase in sales before the festival.
When this article was originally published, families participating in Diwali with friends and relatives were invited to visit gold coin buyers and sellers to prepare for Dhanteras. The original article reported that Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers had a huge inventory of gold coins, gold bullion, and rare collectible coins for Georgia purchasers seeking gifts or auspicious personal purchases. It also stated that those selling extra gold could receive a free, no-obligation appraisal. At publication, readers were invited to Contact us for more information.
