Diwali festival is an occasion that calls for 5 days of celebration. It is a major Hindu festival. Indians in southern Asia and different parts of the world also celebrate this beautiful festival. The Hindu New Year coincides with Diwali, which ushers in new beginnings. It represents the fact that light always overcomes darkness. Diwali is also called the Festival of Lights.
Diwali is on the 15th day of Kartik month. On each of the 5 days, there are well-defined Diwali rituals. For instance, on the first day, which is Dhanteras, people buy gold and silver as it is auspicious. On the 2nd day, people light diyas and clean the house. On the 3rd day, Lakshmi Pooja is performed. This is the official Diwali, and people wear new clothes, make sweets, and burst firecrackers. On the 4th day, it is time for Govardhan Pooja, when Lord Krishna is worshipped. On the 5th day, Bhai Dooj is celebrated. Men visit the homes of their married sisters and are given a lavish feast.
History of Diwali:
Historically, Diwali was celebrated in ancient India. It may have started as a harvest festival. But there are many legends behind the origin of Diwali. Many of these stories emphasize the triumph of good over evil.
Rama’s return from exile
The most popular legend about Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after the end of his 14-year exile and after slaying the demon king Ravana who had abducted Sita. To celebrate the victory and the return of King Rama, the residents of Ayodhya illuminated the kingdom with diyas, distributed sweets, and exploded firecrackers. This tradition continues even now.
Goddess Kali’s Rampage
In eastern India, especially West Bengal, the festival honors Goddess Kali. It is said that Kali took birth to save the universe from evil demons. But even after slaying the demons, she could not control her fury and began to kill all those who came in her way. Finally, her consort, Lord Shiva, intervened to stop the blood bath by lying down before her. When she stepped on Lord Shiva, she came to her senses and was overcome with remorse.
Goddess Lakshmi
Most Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali. She is the deity of prosperity and wealth. It is also the day she wed Lord Vishnu.
Diwali is also the beginning of the financial year in India.
Here are 9 ways to prepare for Diwali:
1. Spring-clean your home thoroughly
Dust, sweep, and mop your home. Do your laundry. By doing all this, you cleanse the home so that Goddess Lakshmi can enter it. The goddess does not like dust and dirt.
2. Decorate your home
Decorate your house with lots of colorful objects and lights. Use bells, flower garlands, fairy lights, and wall hangings. Draw some traditional Rangoli designs at the entrance of the home.
3. Light lamps every night during the festival
In the evenings, light diyas or small clay lamps around your home. Diyas symbolize knowledge and inner light that can eliminate darkness.
4. Shop for new clothes
Diwali traditions include wearing new clothes in festive colors and designs.
5. Whip up a festive meal
Another much-loved Diwali tradition is making sweets, snacks, and savories for consumption as well as for gifts. Vegetarian food is mostly the norm.
6. Have a brilliant fireworks display
Paint the sky red, green, gold, and silver with a spectacular fireworks display. Supposedly, bursting crackers can ward off evil energies during the celebrations.
7. Perform Lakshmi Pooja
This Pooja is performed on Diwali day. It is done to invoke Lakshmi’s blessings for wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Chant Lakshmi Mantras and make offerings of dried fruit and money.
8. Play games
Diwali brings family and friends together. It is a time to have fun. You can play games like cards, musical chairs, Antakshari, charades, pass the parcel, and scavenger hunts.
9. Buy gifts for your siblings
During Diwali, people buy gifts for their brothers or sisters. The last day, Bhai Dooj, is a day that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. While brothers buy gifts for their sisters, the sisters treat their brothers to a sumptuous meal.
Diwali 2022 is from Oct 22 – Oct 27. Lakshmi Pooja is on Oct 24. Diwali Pooja 2022 is held at different times in different regions. In Chennai, it is from 7.05 pm – 8.12 pm on Oct 24, Monday.
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