다가오는 2024년 디왈리(Deepavali) 축제는 여러 나라에서 열띤 준비가 이루어지고 있지만, 올해는 축제 날짜를 두고 혼란이 빚어지고 있다. 힌두 달력에 따르면 디왈리는 카르틱(Kartik) 달의 아마바샤(Amavasya, 신월) 때 기념되는데, 올해 아마바샤가 두 날에 걸쳐 있어 날짜가 다르게 지정되었기 때문이다. 인도에서는 10월 31일에 디왈리를 기념하는 반면, 일본, 말레이시아 등 여러 국가는 11월 1일을 주요 축제일로 삼고 있다. 한국에서는 11월 1일 목요일부터 디왈리를 맞이할 예정이다.

양손에 작은 촛불이 담긴 램프를 들고 있는 긴머리에 안경을 낀 여자. 바라나시의 강가에서 배를 타고 어디론가 가고 있다.
The Festival of Lights, Diwali

The upcoming 2024 Diwali (Deepavali) festival is being eagerly prepared for around the world, but this year brings some confusion over its date. According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali is celebrated on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Kartik month. However, in 2024, Amavasya spans two days, leading to different festival dates across countries. India will celebrate on October 31, while Japan, Malaysia, and other countries plan to observe Diwali on November 1. In Korea, Diwali celebrations are expected to begin on Thursday, November 1.

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and is a significant event not only in India but also globally. This five-day festival carries unique traditions and meanings for each day:
1. Dhanteras: The first day, dedicated to wealth, involves purchasing items like gold and silver.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): On this second day, people celebrate Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
3. Lakshmi Puja: The third day, the highlight of Diwali, is dedicated to worshipping Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
4. Govardhan Puja: The fourth day commemorates Krishna’s protection of his village, and people express gratitude.
5. Bhai Dooj: The fifth day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

In Korea, Diwali can be celebrated in various ways:
Decorating homes and spaces: Light traditional oil lamps (diyas) and create rangoli (colorful floor patterns) with sand or petals for a warm and vibrant atmosphere.
Prayer and meditation: Honor Lakshmi with prayers, and meditate to welcome positive energy.
Sharing Indian food and sweets: Enjoy traditional Indian treats like ladoo, barfi, and jalebi, either by visiting Indian restaurants or cooking them yourself.
Gathering with friends and family: Diwali is a time for exchanging gifts and sharing positive energy. Consider joining events hosted by Indian or South Asian communities in cities like Seoul.
Eco-friendly fireworks: While fireworks are traditional, eco-friendly and quiet alternatives can be considered for environmental mindfulness.

Diwali is an opportunity to experience the richness of Indian culture, spreading light, peace, and hope globally—a chance for people in Korea to embrace Hindu culture.

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