Diwali is traditionally celebrated with colorful lights, lanterns, and fireworks. It is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals in India. It is celebrated with great fervor and gaiety all over the country. The festival allows people to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions. It is also a time for people to show respect and love for their families and friends. People exchange gifts and sweets.
The festival is also known as the festival of lights because on this day, the houses and temples are lit up with diyas (earthen lamps) and candles. On the eve of Diwali, people clean and decorate their homes and workplaces. They also prepare unique sweets and snacks to share with family and friends.
Let us look into the facts behind the Diwali celebrations.
Alternative Name: Diwali, also known as “Deepavali” and “the festival of lights.”
Sanskrit word “Deepavali” means “a continuous line of lamps” (The word Deep’ means “light,” and ‘avali’ means “a continuous line”).
In one of the main stories in Hindu mythology, the festival commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, from his fourteen-year exile. The villagers lit a path for Rama, who had defeated the demon king Ravana.
Diwali is the Significant of the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness.
Diwali is celebrated over five days, starting from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashwin and ending on the second day of the bright half of the lunar month Kartik, i.e., a festival in October or November.
The first day of Diwali is known as Dhanteras. On this day, people worship the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. They also buy new clothes and gold or silver jewelry.
The second day is known as Narak Chaturdashi. On this day, people worship the god of death, Yama. They also offer prayers to Lord Krishna, who is believed to have destroyed the demon Narakasura on this day.
The third day is the main festival of Diwali when people worship the goddess Lakshmi and exchange gifts with family and friends.
The fourth day is known as Govardhan Puja. On this day, people worship Govardhan, the mountain that Lord Krishna is believed to have lifted on his little finger to save the people of his village from the wrath of Indra, the god of rain.
The fifth and last day of Diwali is known as Bhai Dooj. On this day, brothers visit their sisters and brothers-in-law to exchange gifts and express their love and affection for each other.
Here are some things we can do to make Diwali celebrations even more special:
1. Get together with friends and family: Diwali is about spending time with your loved ones. So get together with your friends and family and make some special memories.
2. Decorate your home: One of the best things about Diwali is decorating your home with colorful lights and lanterns. So get creative, make your home look gorgeous, and welcome Maa Lakshmi with lit-up diyas (earthen lamps) and candles.
3. Make traditional sweets and snacks: Diwali is also a time for indulging in delicious food. So, make some traditional sweets and snacks to enjoy with your family and friends.
4. Go shopping: Diwali is the perfect time to buy new clothes and gifts for your loved ones.
5. Pray for peace and happiness: Diwali is also a time for reflection and prayer. So take a moment to pray for peace and joy in the world.
6. Give to charity: Diwali is a time for giving, so donate to a charity.
Few things to avoid
1. Do not light crackers in hand
2. Do not leave the firecrackers around burning candles and diyas.
3. Never burst crackers near electric poles and wires.
4. Never throw half-burnt crackers. They may fall on a flammable object and ignite a fire.
5. Do not wear silk and synthetic fabric outdoors.
6. Avoid using open fire (matches or lighters) for bursting crackers. Instead, use a sparkler, long firewood or agarbatti to burst a cracker.
7. Avoid tampering with crackers if they take longer to burst. Maintain a safe distance from the firecrackers and pour water to diffuse them.
