Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India. The word “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which means “a row of lights.” The festival is celebrated over five days and is a time for families and friends to come together, feast, and exchange gifts.
The pronunciation of Diwali is straightforward. The word is pronounced “dee-vaa-lee.” The first syllable is pronounced with a long “e” sound, like the “e” in “feet.” The second syllable is pronounced with a short “a” sound, like the “a” in “cat.” The third syllable is pronounced with a long “e” sound, like the “e” in “meet.”
