Deepavali, noun
- Forms:
- Also Deepavalli, Depawali.
- Origin:
- Tamil, SanskritShow more Tamil, from Sanskrit dipa lamp, light + avali a row, line.
The ‘Festival of Lights’, the major religious festival of the Hindu year, celebrated in October or November. Also attributive.
- Note:
- Familiar especially in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, ‘Deepavali’ is used as well as the general Hindi word ‘Diwali’ (which appears to be the usual form in world English).
1937 C. Birkby Zulu Journey 31The great day of their year is Deepavali, the Day of Lights, when they celebrate Vishnu’s reincarnation and victory over a particularly troublesome enemy. No matter how poor they may be, every Hindu family celebrates the Deepavali about a month before we celebrate Christmas.
1992 S. Padayachee in Sunday Times 25 Oct. (Extra) 6 (advt)Oriental Plaza..Fordsburg, Johannesburg. The management and staff wish all our valued Hindu clients and friends a Happy Deepavali.
The ‘Festival of Lights’, the major religious festival of the Hindu year, celebrated in October or November. Also attributive.
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