While most Hindu festivals last only for a day, there are few which carry on for several days. Among the most special Hindu festivals is Diwali.
Diwali is celebrated in different traditional forms depending on the region. The common thread that intrinsically links all celebration is unconditional love, unification of family and friends, and reverence for deities associated with the festival. Diwali celebrations are typically spread over five days. Planning begins well in advance. Homes are meticulously cleaned and painted, choicest linen and upholstery is carefully appointed, and elaborate menus are drawn up to appease all the senses. Diwali has various dimensions to it – there is tradition, religion, fun and festivity. For any Diwali to feel complete and meaningful, it is important to have every element woven in in some measure. Ensure that you have a balanced Diwali celebration, and you will have found a novel way of enjoying the festival.
If your
mother hasn’t asked you to get ready for the annual cleaning and
dusting process, you’re in for a big trouble! This is an unsaid
ritual that every household follows in India round one of the
most celebrated festivals of the country; Diwali. It is
considered as the festival of festivals and is a festival that
sings of joy, fulfillment and optimism.
Diwali is more of a feeling than a festival. It overwhelms your
heart with its sheer simplicity and purity. It is the victory of
good over evil and taps into the unknown territory of kindness,
generosity and humility in an individual. Festival for some,
feeling for many, Diwali comes with a flurry of other
celebrations which lay before or ahead of it. Dhanteras and Kali
Chaudas fall before Diwali while, Govardhan Puja and Bhaiya
Doojh are celebrated post Diwali. |
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Dhan Teras
Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali. The folklore has it that
goddess Laxmi who is the goddess of Wealth in the Hindu
Mythology emerged from the Samundra Manthan (Churning of Milky
Sea). Thus, goddess Laxmi along with lord Kubera (Lord of
Wealth) are worshipped on this day
This is a day dedicated to the worship of wealth. Like the name ‘dhan’ itself suggests, any means of procuring wealth forms the centre of prayer. It is customary to buy gold, silver or some metal on this day. Normally, people would like to find a good time in the day when they purchase something precious. However, this day is largely auspicious and there is no special time that needs to look for when buying gold. Offices, accounting books, and even cattle are considered revered on this day. Hopes of a prosperous year and fortune are fostered. It is common to have a puja in offices and companies, and all machinery is decorated and offered gratitude.
Kali Chaudas
Kali Chaudas
is the second day of Diwali. It is believed that goddess Kali
(destroyer of evil) killed an Asura (Demon) named Naraka on this
day. Thus, Kali Chaudas is also called Naraka Chaudas. It is the
finish of evil, laziness and terror and thus, is one of the most
pious celebrations of Deepavali.
Naraka Chaturthi
On this day, Lord Krishna is believed to have rescued the women from the evil Narakasur. Crackers are burnt and victory of virtue is celebrated. Unlike most common Diwali celebrations, celebrations on Naraka Chaturthi begin in the morning with the bursting of crackers and uninhibited consumption of sweets. The day in itself is relatively low key, but it makes a great precursor to the celebrations that are to follow.
Diwali
The main day of Diwali is the one which is most awaited by everyone. This is the day that all the planning and preparation is targeted at. Diwali ischaracterised by visits made to greet friends and family. New clothes are proudly strutted and Goddess Laxmi is paid respects. Lord Ganesha finds his place on the altar along the Goddess as the Lord of Blessings. Sweets, savoury delicacies and fragrant drinks are served to guests who come laden with boxes of sweets and dry fruits. Lamps are lit, and crackers are burst amid great pomp and camaraderie. Diwali celebrations are usually made with friends and family, and not alone. This is characteristic of the shared happiness and joy. Many people also make it a point to share crackers and sweets with the less fortunate so that they may also enjoy the occasion,
while some who are miles
away, send
Diwali Gifts
to their near and dear ones..
Govardhan Puja
The days that follow Diwali
are Govardhan Puja and Bhaiya Dooj. Govardhan Puja is celebrated
as a part of Diwali as it was the day when Lord Krishna lifted
the Govardhan Hill on his pinky finger and saved the village of
Vrindavan from massive rains and floods. Devotees pray to the
lord and offer a mountain of food in the temples and to the less
fortunate on this day.
On this day, Lord Krishna is worshipped with elaborate meals that could comprise over seven courses laid out for Him. The deities are bathed and decorated elaborately before they are offered their meals, which are then distributed among the family. Several people take their children and families to the temple not just to offer their salutations, but also to educate the youngsters abut Indian tradition and enjoy some sumptuous Prasad.
Bhai Dooj
Bhaiya Doojh is similar to
Rakhi in India. On this day, the sister ties a red thread (Mauli)
on the brother’s hand to seek protection from him and in return
gets the gift of love, promise and affection from her brother.
Of course, with those a slightly better gift of her liking as
well is given by the brother.
Bhai Duj is a day when brothers undertake long journeys to go visit their sister, no matter where she may be. The sister is indulged and showered lavishly with gifts. The sister, on the other hand, prays for the well being of her brother and serves him a sumptuous meal. Diwali has a sense of fervent faith, joy and belonging, and a staunch hope for a bright future. Its inimitable appeal comes with the promise of a year full of good fortune, and sweet memories of Diwali remain long after it is over. This is perhaps the most fitting end to the celebration of Diwali, since it ends with unity, promise and longing. Once the brother returns home suitably rewarded and armed with gifts, it is time to wind up the festivities, and look forward to another great Diwali in the year ahead.
Celebration of Diwali in South India
Diwali is a five-day long celebration and is celebrated
differently across cultures in India. In the Southern part of
India many cultures consider Naraka Chaudas as the main festival
where they clean their homes and draw religious symbols in home.
Some part of south India also consider Diwali as a celebration
of Lord Krishna’s consort Satybhama had killed a demon. Thus, it
is celebrated with great pomp and show and the newly married
couple stays the night at the bride’s paternal home on Diwali.
Celebration of Diwali in North India
Talking of North, it is the celebration of Lord Rama coming back
to Ayodhya with his consort Sita and brother Laxman. The Ramayan
is depicted through Raam-lila in many areas in the Navratri and
on the day of Diwali, people decorate their homes with oil lamps
and flowers. People visit each other and exchange dry-fruits,
sweets, gifts and food on Diwali in North India.
Celebration of Diwali in West India
The west is known for its trading and business inclination and
thus, people on the day of Diwali find it extremely fitting to
buy a new property or invest in a new venture or start a new
venture. Before the night of Diwali, people light an oil lamp
and keep the flame burning throughout the night to ward off any
evil that might loom in their lives or surroundings.
Celebration of Diwali in East India
In the east, like all other cultures, homes are cleaned and
decorated, flowers are brought and new clothes are worn. Along
with that, people in west Bengal and neighboring states worship
goddess Kali late in the night on the day of Diwali. This is
called Kali Puja and is in sync with the Durga Puja that takes
place in the season of Navratri.
Celebrating Diwali in a Traditional Manner
Diwali shopping starts well in advance in India. People begin to
buy new furniture, paint their houses and get their new outfits.
People like to keep ahead of the festival and start to prepare
for the five-day celebration well in advance. This Diwali 2019,
know each and every date from the Diwali calendar and get ready
to put on your best outfits, decorate your homes in the most
beautiful manner and bring happiness home. Buy your Diwali gifts
well in advance and eliminate the last minute hassles. You can
browse through the internet and choose the best Diwali gift
online for those away or step out and buy a unique Diwali gift
for loved one.
Celebrating Diwali in a Modern Avatar
The millennial generation embracing the Indian customs and
traditions whole-heartedly, most enjoy Diwali in various way.
Some might gather in house and have a potluck party along with
some music while some might have a sleepover with a movies night
and lots of laughter and fun. The entire generation is coming to
terms with climate change and are moving towards changing the
future. Thus, lately, a lot of youngsters have addressed
environmental issues and turned to a more green and healthy
Diwali. Now, most people buy diyas that are dissolvable in water
or those that can be reused. Firecrackers that emit harmful and
toxic chemicals are shunned by individuals and green crackers
that do not use harmful constituents are sold in the markets.
Celebrating Diwali with a Twist
People make Rangolis (drawings with colored sand) at the
entrances with a rainbow of colors or flowers. Most in Southern
India adorn festivals with flowers and Diwali is no different.
One can see an artistic use of flowers in Rangolis and the
entrances look breathtaking with their presence. Some houses
also have ties mango leaves on the entrances with marigold
flowers to mark the entrances of a new beginning. Mango leaves
signify the presence of goddess Laxmi and thus, to offer prayers
and welcome the goddess’ omnipresence into the house, mango
leaves are used. Oil lamps are a major element of Diwali for
they not only add to the beauty of the festival but also,
signify light and vigor. Some add ghee to the lamps while some
add mustard oil to the lamp. The flame of this lamp signifies
warding off evil and ignorance with light and knowledge.
A Creative and Unique Diwali celebration!
Donating food and clothes on this festival holds great
significance. Diwali is not a celebration of one event but many.
Those fortunate can easily buy clothes, sweets, firecrackers and
other items to celebrate the festival. However, in a country
like India where most do not get the basic necessities of life,
for them the festival may just be another day where they feel
sorry for themselves. However, with awareness and social
significance, people come out of their houses to share their
happiness with children and donate whatever little they can.
Food donation is one of the biggest charity in Hinduism and
thus, people visit temples, orphanages and slum areas to give
packets of sweets and food.
Certain MNCs and NGOs come up with unique Diwali ideas every
year and try to bring in the sizzle of creativities in their
celebrations. They partner with small communities to organize
celebrations and workshops in the under-developed areas of the
city or state and visit the place. They actively perform street
plays, organize health camps, make diyas through pottery and
cook food to be distributed among people. Religions that do not
celebrate Diwali also welcome it whole-heartedly and one can
witness a Gurudwara or Mosque being adorned with Lights to
address and welcome the festival.
Sending Diwali Gifts to India Online got easier than ever!
With modernization becoming the center piece of the world, we
are often on the edges of confusion and bewilderment as to what
to gift our loved ones that is meaningful as well as useful in
the long run. Well, GujaratGifts brings to you a plethora of
ideas that may fit the ideal description of a gift for your
loved ones. Those abroad can now easily choose from a variety of
Diwali Gifts online and send across India with utter ease and
convenience. From dry fruits to sweets, watches to perfumes,
hampers to flowers, choose ideal Diwali gifts online and bring
your presence alive at home. You can send your sister Diwali
gifts to India by choosing a fine piece of jewelry along with
her favorite chocolates or you can send your mother a Diwali
gift of a small idol of Lord Ganesha with a dry-fruit thali this
Diwali.
Hence, make Diwali a memorable affair with your friends and
families and choose to imbibe the real essence of this festival.
Make sure to bring a smile on someone’s face and make a
difference to humanity by little gestures of kindness and love.
Last Updated : 10th October 2019 |