“The essence of Diwali lies in spreading the light of knowledge & illuminates the darkness of the New Year's moon, it teaches us to leave the path of enmity and resort to friendship”
Diwali is traditionally known by the name of the 'festival of lights", for the common practice is to light small oil lamps (called divas) and place them around the home, in courtyards, gardens, verandas, on the walls built around the home and also on the roof tops. There are whole lots of Diwali customs and traditions associated with the festival of Diwali in India, which make this festival worth celebrating. The Diwali customs and traditions are diverse and there are a lot many legends associated with the celebrations of Diwali.
Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important. Enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion, its magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity.
Every year on the dark nights of Diwali the sound of firecrackers announces the celebration of the favorite festival of Indians. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed by everyone and thousands of lamps are lit to create a world of fantasy.
The essence of Diwali lies in spreading the light of knowledge. It teaches us to leave the path of enmity and resort to friendship. Amidst the hustle bustle of the city life, we get so lost in ourselves that we forget to thank those who are special to us. There are many people in our lives, who deserve thanks for making us become, what we are today. Diwali is the right occasion to do that. On one hand, where it gives you an opportunity to strengthen your bondage of love and friendship, then on the other hand, it preaches you to forgive people and replace hatred with love.
Customs and traditions show the mythological aspect of Diwali and also reveal the festive mood of the Indians who actually follow these ancient traditions and customs, which have been passed on by their ancestors. So this Diwali, get to know about all the Diwali customs and traditions along with Diwalimela.
Melas are held in different parks and gardens, which are especially enjoyed by young children. The highlights of the mela consist of the merry go round swings, cultural programs, snacks stalls and games.
In the evening time, Lakshmi Ganesh puja is performed. People make offerings to the deities and seek their divine blessings. Thereafter, the feast that is specially prepared for Diwali is served to all. People visit temples and pray the deities to shower their blessings on them. They visit their near and dear ones and wish them 'Happy Diwali'. Sweets, chocolates, toys, dry fruits and greeting cards are exchanged. Kids derive pleasure in
Diwali is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya - the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin, (October/November) every year. It symbolizes that age-old culture of India which teaches to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights even to-day in this modern world projects the rich and glorious past of India.
The ancient story of how Diwali evolved into such a widely celebrated festival is different in various regions and states of India. In the north, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and the surrounding areas, Diwali is the day when King Rama's coronation was celebrated in Ayodhya after his epic war with Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. By order of the royal families of Ayodhya and Mithila, the kingdom of which Sita was princess, the cities and far-flung boundaries of these kingdoms were lit up with rows of lamps, glittering on dark nights to welcome home the divine king Rama and his queen Sita after 14 years of exile, ending with an across-the-seas war in which the whole of the kingdom of Lanka was destroyed.
On the day of Diwali festival, doorways are hung with torans of mango leaves and marigolds. Rangolis are drawn with different colored powders to welcome guests. The traditional motifs are often linked with auspicious symbols of good luck. Oil diyas are arranged in and around the house. Because of these flickering lamps, the festival has acquired its name: Dipawali or Diwali meaning 'rows of lamps'. On this day, people buy something for the house or some jewelry for the women of the house. It is auspicious to be buy something metallic, such as silver.
Burning firecrackers, Card playing also takes place as a part of festivity celebration.
