Diwali Festival of lights

DIWALI: A FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Geographical barriers: The whole India, North, South, East and West

If Christmas is the festive season for Catholics, for Hindus Indian Festvial Diwali is equally important. Once upon a time, Diwali was widely celebrated across India with fun and frolic. Today, the festival of lights has transcended all barriers, irrespective of age, caste, nationality and countries.

Significance of Diwali

The word 'Diwali' means a line of lamps. It is celebrated with enthusiasm for five days. According to the Hindu calendar, it falls on the 13th dark fortnight during the month of Ashwin (October-November). The History of Diwali tells that it symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom?Ayodhya after being in exile for 14 years. It also hails his triumphant return after killing the wicked demon-Ravana. On this day, Lord Rama was crowned as the King of Ayodhya. It also marks the beginning of the Hindu calendar.

DIWALI: Merriment Times for Indians

For Indians, Diwali is a pretext to be with family and friends. For working class families, it is an excuse to receive Diwali bonus from their companies. For entrepreneurs, it is a best time to mint extra profits. The shops are illuminated with flashy colorful bulbs for nearly a month before Diwali. Mega promotional campaigns and heavy discounts are offered to attract shopping freaks.

For women, Diwali is a busy period for whitewashing their homes. Old household items are discarded, and a new shopping list for household appliances for the year ahead is planned.

Whitewashing of homes normally begins after Dusshera. Walls, cupboards and floors are scrubbed thoroughly to welcome Lord Lakshmi. Women gear up buying and grating ingredients, especially dry fruits for preparation of sweets. For children and teenagers, Shopping is the buzzword to catch up their favorite accessories, gadgets and fashionable accessories.

Diwali Customs

Diwali is celebrated for five days. Each of these days have a significant traditions and customs attached to it.

• Dhan Teras
• Chhoti Diwali
• Lakshmi Puja
• Govardhan Puja
• Bhai Dooj

Diwali Decorations

Indian homes are well lit with beautifully decorated miniature sized small earthen lamps called diyas. Off late, families have gone contemporary by lighting shimmering candles and lanterns in different shapes and sizes. The doorways are festooned with marigolds, palm leaves and rangoli designs. Families are attired in their elegant best in their rich Indian outfits. They exchange gifts, sweets, dry-fruits and of course, greetings on this festive occasion.

DIWALI FUN: A Cultural Phenomenon

Decorating Diyas

Art and craft lovers unleash their creativity and innovation. They lay their hands on molding earthen lamps called 'diyas' with bright oil plants, ribbons, mirror work and other motifs. Diyas are illumined with cotton wick and ghee in rows across the verandahs and balconies. In contemporary age, families prefer gel and wax candles in elegant shapes with assorted aromatic perfumes.

Drawing Rangolis

Rangoli is synonymous during Diwali to welcome the guests. It is a traditional art of decorating courtyards and walls. Typically, it is done with powder of white stone, lime, rice flour and other paste to draw designs. Modern women prefer buying readymade rangoli organic powder available in attractive colors.

Exploding Fireworks

Fireworks display is a sign of Diwali celebrations. It is a sheer dynamite view in the dark skies to watch rockets and flowerpots exploding with light and sound effects.

Munching Mithais (SWEETS)

Indians are known to have sweet tooth. During Diwali, they munch all kinds of sweets prepared from dry fruits, coconut, sugar, ghee and milk. The list of Diwali mithais is long to mention. Sweets like gajar ka halwa, kheer, ladoos, gulab jamuns, karanji, barfis, ras malais?. are savored.

Gambling to make Fortunes

Playing and gambling is very popular on Diwali night. It is believed that on playing cards, the Goddess Lakshmi smile upon the player and ensures her goodwill for all year around. On this day, it is typical merriment time of families trying to prove their luck of earning great fortunes. We do not encourage such activites and it should be avoided.

Parties and Get-Togethers

With more and more families busy with their careers, Diwali is the best time to bring together relatives and friends on one platform. Families organize get-togethers with a dash of songs, dance and a lavish array of Indian vegetarian buffet to rejoice in the festive spirit.