Diwali is among the most significant celebrations in India. It is honored throughout the length and breadth of the country with substantial joy and excitement. Distinguished as the “Festival of Lights,” it is a five-day commemoration. Families and friends get together, ignite earthen lamps or ‘Diyas’ in their homes, feast on delicious treats, play various games, light crackers, and exchange Diwali gifts. As per the Hindu calendar, Diwali is commemorated on the night of ‘Amavasya,’ also known as a moonless night, and proclaims the dawn of a New Year. It is an indication of brand-new outlets as it is assumed that Goddess Lakshmi visits the homes of adherents during the night and sanctifies them with prosperity, happiness, and abundance. It is termed as the festival of lights because it signifies the triumph of good over evil, belief over despair, and light over darkness.
History of Diwali
The tale of Diwali can be pursued back to the ancient times of India. There exist numerous stories about the inception of the festival. Some assume it to be the commemoration of Goddess Lakshmi’s wedding, the dryad of prosperity and abundance, with Lord Vishnu. Others consider it to be the day Goddess Lakshmi was born. The most popular theory is that Diwali commemorates the homecoming of Lord Rama to the kingdom of Ayodhya, with Sita, his wife, and brother Lakshman, from a long exile of 14 years. To demonstrate the delight of their emperor’s arrival, the people of Ayodhya lit up the whole kingdom with earthen lamps, which gave rise to the festival.
Diwali in Various Faiths
Diwali is among those Indian festivities that unite various religions, precincts, and societies. The celebration obtains importance in Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, along with Hinduism. Hindus commemorate Diwali as the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya after conquering Ravana, who was the King of Lanka, subsequent to completing a 14 years expatriate in the woods. Jains observe the commemoration as the day when their final Tirthankara on the planet, Mahavir, achieved enlightenment or Nirvana. The Buddhists commemorate Diwali as the day when King Ashoka transformed and accepted Buddhism. The Sikhs honor the festival to celebrate the return of their Guru HarGobind Ji from the penitentiary of King Jahangir and various Hindu gurus.
The Importance of the Five Days of Diwali
As per the Hindu mythology, the five days of Diwali subserve various events. The opening day is called Dhanteras, which symbolizes the new fiscal year’s commencement for the Hindus. The following day is known as Chhoti Diwali, which is observed to commemorate the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon king Naraka. The subsequent day is the chief Diwali day, which includes idolizing Goddess Lakshmi to celebrate her inception from Samudra Manthan. The next day is acknowledged as Govardhan Puja, which is observed to revere the victory of Lord Vishnu over the devil king Bali. The fifth and concluding day is called Bhai Dooj, which commemorates the love and bond shared by brothers and sisters. Nowadays, people have started celebrating Bhai Dooj with Diwali cakes, making the occasion even sweeter.
Diwali Traditions: How Diwali is Observed in India?
Home Decors: Diwali festivities commence with embellishing the house. People usually clean their homes thoroughly in order to give it a more beautiful and pleasant look. Adornments involve diyas, lights, and blossoms. These signify brightness and prosperity since they light-up the whole environment and uplift our spirits. A vital element of this presentation is creating beautiful Rangoli. Which are artwork produced with color at the patios and doors of homes in order to greet Goddess Laxmi.
Fireworks: Lighting firecrackers on Diwali have remained among the celebration’s primary routines from a long-long time. Right from manageable Phooljhadi to anaars to patatakas, you will encounter various firecrackers illuminating the sky. Nevertheless, it is imperative to be conscious of the environment, so ensure you don’t light too many!
Laxmi Puja: This is among the crucial customs on Diwali when petitions are submitted to Goddess Laxmi. Asking for a better year packed with prosperity, tranquillity, and abundance. This is achieved by igniting a diya in front of the statue, succeeded by aarti. That involves chants and hymns devoted to Goddess Laxmi. Following that, people bathe the sculpture with milk and water or gangajal, apply kumkum and haldi. And provide coconut, sweets, and blossoms to the goddess in order to secure her sanctifications.
Gifts and Shopping:
Maybe Dhanteras is the most compelling portion of Diwali since people shop for their family, friends, and relatives. Gifting one another is a huge culture in India, particularly on Diwali, when people exchange gifts as a means of wishing one another a year filled with delight and prosperity & Buy Diwali sweets Online. If people live away from each other for some reason, they send online Diwali gifts to Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, etc.
Feasts: Treats are invariably an imperative element of all Hindu festivals, and is a notable custom on Diwali. Friends and families usually exchange delicious delicacies like happy Diwali cake, laddus, jalebis, Kaju-kathli, Gujias, kheer, barfis, and halwa. With that, tasty snacks like pakoras, samosa, puri, etc. are enjoyed.
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