Diwali When and What It Is

in

Diwali, the words come from Sanskrit Deepawali’, meaning rows of lights’ are celebrated on the Amavasya or the no moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik (October – November). The festival of Diwali falls 20 days after the famous festival of Dussehra. Diwali is celebrated as a five-day-long festival and there are set rituals for each of the five days. Diwali Festival marks the coronation of Lord Ram as the King of Ayodhya on his return to the kingdom with wife Sita and brother Laxman after 14 long years of exile and slaying of Ravana – the demon king of Lanka. As the Hindus hold Lord Ram in high esteem, the festival of Diwali is celebrated with joy and charm that is unmatched in celebration with any other festival.

The Day of Diwali

On the day of Diwali, people spruce up their houses to welcome Goddess Lakshmi – the Hindu mythological Goddess of Wealth. People believe that Goddess Lakshmi visits only clean houses on Diwali. Womenfolk engage themselves in preparing festival special dishes like laddoos, mathri, dahi bade, etc. People also visit friends and relatives during the day to greet each other the best of Diwali. They also exchange Diwali Gifts which usually is a box of sweets, a packet of dry fruit, a decorative item or other household goods. It is believed that the exchange of gifts on Diwali Day helps to strengthen relationships.

In the evening earthen diyas, candles, and layers of electric bulbs are lighted by people to mark the festival. People wear bright new clothes and women adorn themselves with heavy jewelry. All members of the family gather in the worship room to perform the traditional Lakshmi Puja on the occasion of Diwali. People pray for prosperity and happiness in the coming year. This is because Diwali marks the beginning of the New Year, especially by the Hindu business community. Businessmen start new account books on the auspicious day of Diwali.

A sumptuous family dinner follows the Puja and thereafter, it is time to burn crackers. Everybody gathers in the open area outside the house and indulge in a show of fireworks Sky looks brilliant with the dazzling sparkle of crackers. Children enjoy playing with small crackers like phuljhari, anaar (flowerpot) and chakris. Some people also follow the tradition of playing cards and gambling on the day of Diwali.

Leave a Comment

Related Posts

Hinduism Role and Importance of Ganga

River Ganga or the Ganges is the river of India: it’s a life-giver and savior for the Indian people. It attracts millions for reasons of their own. Some flock it’s ... Read More

Thoughts on Devotion to a Guru

Ahh the GURU.. It is true that many people, especially in the West, have no idea what a GURU is and what his/her purpose is in that present lifetime. Just ... Read More

Bindi

It dawns to an Indian woman with a fresh bindi on her forehead. She gets up early in the morning, takes a bath and adorns herself with a bindi on ... Read More

Introduction to Hinduism

Hinduism is a name applied by foreigners to the people living in the region of the Indus River. In the nineteenth century under colonial British rule used this to categorize ... Read More