HAPPY DIWALI
The five-day long festival originated in the Indian subcontinent and is likely a fusion of harvest festivals in ancient India.[49] It is mentioned in early Sanskrit texts, such as the Padma Purana and the Skanda Purana, both of which were composed between 7th century to 10th century.[54][55] The diyas (lamps) are mentioned in Skanda Kishore Purana as symbolising parts of the sun, describing it as the cosmic giver of light and energy to all life and which seasonally transitions in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik.[42][56]
Emperor Harsha refers to Deepavali, in the 7th-century Sanskrit play Nagananda, as Dīpapratipadotsava (dīpa = light, pratipadā = first day, utsava = festival), where lamps were lit and newly engaged brides and grooms received gifts.[57][58] Rajasekhara referred to Deepavali as Dipamalika in his 9th-century Kavyamimamsa, wherein he mentions the tradition of homes being whitewashed and oil lamps decorated homes, streets, and markets in the night.[57]
