Do you remember the satellite picture of India on Diwali that went viral on the Internet a few years back? Wasn’t the image mesmerizing? It certainly was! Who can deny that India gets ready in its best self on Deepavali nights? We promise no one can! It’s a festival for which Indians all over the globe wait a year.
As Diwali is again right around the corner, let’s get to know what is Diwali, why we celebrate it, what its significance is, and many more amazing facts and information. Let’s jump right into it:
What is Diwali?
Diwali or Deepavali is one of the biggest celebrations in India. It is a festival of lights, joy, and togetherness that has immense cultural and religious significance to Hindus. The symbols of Diwali include decorating homes, offices, and shops with diyas, candles, and fairy lights to welcome the good and get rid of darkness. It’s not just a festival that ends with performing rituals. It’s also a celebration to share love and good fortune with dear ones, friends, and family. This grand festival is more than just lighting lamps and bursting fireworks; it is a reflection of India's rich heritage and diverse traditions.
Significance of Deepavali
You might be celebrating Diwali with family and friends for ages but do you know how significant this festival is? Let’s find it out: The significance of Diwali transcends mere festivities. Deepavali is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The story behind the importance of Deepavali traces back to thousands of years. However, the most popular story behind Diwali is the return of Lord Rama from his 14-year exile and his triumph over the demon king Ravana. The streets of Ayodhya were decorated with diyas (earthen lamps) to welcome Him. This is why Diwali is also called the festival of Lights.
image Credit:- Outlook India
Diwali is also celebrated to honor the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Marked as her birthday, Indians worship Maa Laxmi to seek her blessings for prosperity and abundance. Observed with great devotion, people engage in rituals of Diwali Puja for the blessings of deities.
In Eastern India, Bengalis worship Goddess Kali on Diwali. It’s believed that she saves the Trilok - Earth, Hell, and Heaven from demons. But as she lost control over her anger and slaughtered whoever she came across, Lord Shiva laid down in front of her and she stepped on him. At this very moment, Maa Kali cooled down and stuck her tongue out in remorse.
When is Diwali 2023?
Diwali is on 12th November, 2023.
Rituals of Diwali Puja
As the story behind Diwali varies across different regions of India, Diwali rituals also differ from state to state. But it’s the common practices that unite the country during this festival of light. Let’s find out what they are:
1. Cleaning and Decorating
Two days before Diwali, Indians clean their homes on Dhanteras, buy new gold or silver coins, utensils, or gold jewellery, and decorate every corner to welcome the goddess Laxmi and Lord Kuber.
2. Rangoli
Diwali feels incomplete without colourful rangoli designs drawn at the entrances of homes. Women take a bath on the day of Diwali and start making rangoli.
3. Lighting Lamps and Diyas
The festival gets its name from the rows of lamps or diyas that dispel darkness. Lights welcome well in homes and admonish darkness.
4. Diwali Puja
The concept of Diwali festival may not be the same for every Indian but its charm and devotion are no less than any other festivals in India. From Laxmi puja to Kali puja, Govardhan puja to burning effigy of Narkasur, marriage of crops to pathar ka mela, the celebrations all over India are one-of-a-kind.
Image Credit:- Book Pooja Online
5. Fireworks
The colourful fireworks across the night sky complete Diwali celebrations. Fireworks are a visual spectacle that adds to the festive spirit of Indians.
Image Credit:- Phantom firework
Diwali Celebrations in India
No matter how unique Diwali celebrations are in each region of India, you will find a unique touch to the festivities. While North India reenacts the legend of Lord Rama (Ramlila) through plays and processions, Naraka Chaturdashi is the day to celebrate the Diwali festival for Southern India.
In East India, while West Bengal celebrates Kali Puja, Odisha starts the day by remembering their forefathers.
No matter what the significance of Deepavali is, one thing remains the same for every Indian - we believe it is a time for unity and shared joy. People visit friends and family, exchange gifts, and share delicious Diwali sweets and delicacies. People return home to India for Diwali celebrations. It’s the time for a fiesta, a time to get all glammed up in sarees, festive kurti , and Kaftans to look your best.
Scouring through the Internet for thoughtful Diwali gifts might be tiring, iTokri is here with its amazing collection of Diwali gifts such as Diwali gift hampers, traditional puja thali and more.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time for reflection, celebration, and the triumph of good over evil. Its significance and rituals bring people together and strengthen the bonds of love and togetherness. People believe performing Diwali rituals brings peace, wealth, and prosperity to home. It’s the time when everyone spreads love and unity. No matter how hard life is, a joyful smile remains on everyone’s face during this time. From the day festivals of light, Dhanteras begin until Bhai Dooj, families come together and bond over Diwali celebrations, Diwali gifts, scrumptious meals, home decorations, fireworks, and laughter. As we eagerly await Diwali 2023, let us prepare for the Diwali festival, and remember to celebrate the light within ourselves and spread the joy.
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