Oct 30- Popularly known as festival of lights, Diwali or Deepavali will be celebrated on November 2 this year.
Diwali is a 5 day festival, celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil. It is observed each year at some point during mid-October to mid-November in many countries such as India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Nepal or where there are large Indian communities living such as in Canada, Britain, and New Zealand.
Diwali is a festival that has as much meaning for Hindus. Aside from Hinduism, other religions that celebrate this festival are Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Whatever your faith, you can join in the festivity that is “The Festival of Lights”.
1. Learn what Diwali is
Diwali is also known as Deepavali, the “deep” meaning “light” or “lamp”, and “avali” meaning “row” This “row of lights” is represented by lighting lamps everywhere during Diwali. The reasons behind celebrating Diwali differ and are outlined under “Tips”.
- Hindus believe that this is the day that Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur, freeing the world from fear. Firecrackers are often let off from this day.If the house has not already been cleaned, it must be done early this day to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. Gifts and sweets are exchanged on this day to strengthen bonds of love between family and friends.
- Other than that, people believe that this is the day that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Parvat to protect the Gokul people from Indra’s wrath and King Vikramaditya was crowned.
2. Go shopping
It is customary to buy utensils and ornaments on the first day of Diwali.
3. Clean the house
Do the laundry, clean all the rooms and sort out your papers in both your home and business. It’s like a spring cleaning of sorts, a “cleansing” ritual to rid yourself of any unnecessary elements in your environment.
Draw small footprints using rice flour and vermillion powder over your house; this is a way of indicating that you’re awaiting the arrival of the Goddess.
4. Make the entrance way to your home colourful using the traditional motifs of Rangoli designs
These include bells, flower garlands, wall hangings, mirrors, LED lights, etc. This is a joyful way to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. Rangoli designs can be found across the internet. To help get you started, this section provides some examples to inspire your design.
5. Burn lamps every night during the festival
In the evening, light small oil lamps and place them around the home. Turn all the lights on and light some candles. The lamps symbolize knowledge or one’s inner light, which brings about inner peace and fights off any traces of darkness and ignorance.
6. Light some firecrackers and fireworks
These are a common part of Diwali, used to symbolize warding off evil from your surroundings. They are usually set off in greatest numbers on the actual day of Diwali.
- Be careful and follow all safety precautions associated while using firecrackers.
- Be careful of noisy crackers.
- Take care to keep pets and small children indoors and away from the excitement and frightening noises.
7. Wear new clothes and jewels on diwali
If you are a woman, try to obtain a sari, the traditional Indian dress for women. If you’re a woman, wear an Indian blouse(known as sari) and top. Men normally wear Jippa.
8. Bake sweets, snacks, and savouries
These are traditional offerings for Diwali and are given as gifts.
9. Go vegetarian
For many Indians, Diwali is a meatless holiday.There aren’t any set dishes, so the choices can be varied but it is important to include sweets, as Diwali is about sweets. Some suggestions for meals to make during Diwali can be found in Vegetarian Indian Dishes.
10. Care for your sibling
Brothers and sisters affirm sibling love and look after one another on the final day of Diwali. Cook for your sibling, give your sister presents, and tell your brother you love him and wish him a long life.
