Lighting up joy: Embracing the spirit of Diwali

The Festival of Lights, or Diwali also known as Deepavali, is a joyful and important occasion that is deeply rooted in the customs of many Indian and global communities. The festival with origins in Hindu mythology, embraces a spirit of harmony and cooperation that cuts across religious lines. This colourful festival, which is observed according to a number of traditions and rituals, represents the victory of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and light over darkness. It's a time when families and communities gather to celebrate the spirit of optimism?and prosperity. They also light up their homes with colourful lights and diyas and exchange warm wishes

Story behind the festival of lights

Diwali has a mythological origin that can be found in old Hindu texts and stories. It is thought to honour Lord Rama's return to?of Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, after a 14-year exile and their victory over the evil ruler Ravana. To welcome them?and celebrate heir return, the people of Ayodhya greeted them with happiness by lighting oil lamps, or diyas.

The Hindu goddess of riches and prosperity, Lakshmi, is also connected with this festival. It is thought that Lakshmi makes her way to every home on this auspicious day, showering upon them the blessings of wealth and happiness. Houses are?decorated out?to welcome the goddess, and lamps are set to light her way.

Diwali is significant in Jainism as it commemorates the nirvana, or spiritual awakening, of Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth and final Tirthankara (teaching god). Jains observe Lord Mahavira's teachings on compassion, truth, and nonviolence during Diwali. In addition, Sikhs celebrate the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, from prison on Diwali. His reappearance was hailed as a victory for liberty and a representation of resistance against injustice.

The customs and traditions of the five days of Diwali

Diwali is a five-day occasion that is large and colourful. For those who take part, it is an incredibly deep and joyful experience because each day has its own importance and customs. People celebrate Diwali usually in October or November, symbolising the start of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Kartika and the end of the harvest season.

Day 1: Dhanteras: Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, is devoted to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. To greet the goddess, people clean their homes and decorate them with lovely rangoli patterns on this day. Buying new things is also customary, particularly gold and silver as symbols of good fortune. It is also a day to worship the god of health, Lord Dhanvantari.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, falls on the second day. It honours Lord Krishna's victory over the evil Narakasura. People bathe in oil when they wake up early, signifying the purification of the body and spirit. In addition, diyas—small clay lamps—are lit on this day to ward against evil and darkness.

Day 3: Diwali: On this day, families worship Lakshmi and light?rows of oil lamps, known as diyas, to welcome her into their houses. To honour Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, people assemble with loved ones and friends while dressed in their best. Families celebrate Diwali by exchanging gifts and sweets. A beautiful fireworks display lights up the night sky, while houses are adorned with many diyas and?lights.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakut): On this day, people celebrate the lifting of Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect them from the pouring rain. It's a day of gratitude for the harvest, marked with food, cows, and bulls being worshipped.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj: This day honours the sister-brother relationship. In exchange, brothers give gifts to their sisters, who pray for their brothers' well-being.

In order to seek blessings for wealth, joy, and wellbeing, temples and other places of worship are decorated with lights and prayers and ceremonies are held to mark the event. A sense of community and cultural harmony are fostered by the celebrations, which usually last five days and produce an atmosphere of joy, unity, and spiritual rebirth.

Highlights of Diwali

Diwali is a time for families and friend to get together. It is a happy, vibrant festival that unites people to make priceless memories. Here are some common ways families celebrate Diwali

• Decorating homes and Rangoli art- Rangoli art is a type of decorative art in which rice, coloured powders, or flower petals are used to create elaborate patterns and designs on the ground. They are thought to welcome the gods with open arms and shower wealth and luck upon the family. It's a lovely way to highlight cultural history, encourage artistic expression, and strengthen community ties.
• Lighting oil lamps -The custom of lighting diyas and letting off fireworks is one of this festival's best features. They are said to be a way of protecting one's home from darkness and evil and allowing the divine inside.
• Exchanging gifts-Families and friends give?wrapped gifts as a show of affection and gratitude during Diwali. It is a means to share joy and blessings during this auspicious season, as well as to express love and gratitude to dear ones.
• Fireworks- Bursting crackers has been an integral part of Diwali since ages. But the effects of explosions on the environment have been a source of increasing concern in recent years. To reduce air and noise pollution, many people and towns are now choosing environmentally friendly substitutes, such as laser light shows or lantern releases. This environmentally friendly approach still evoke the same feeling of magic and celebration.
• Indulging in festive meals -Preparing festive dishes and exchanging them are essential part of the Diwali festival. Traditional Indian cuisine is the main attraction during Diwali, with each region exhibiting its own delectable treats. The meal is an absolute culinary joy, with everything from savoury appetisers like samosas, pakoras, and chaats to sumptuous main meals like biryanis, curries, and lentil dishes.

There is a lot of zeal and excitement surrounding the celebration. People use oil lamps, called diyas, and vibrant rangoli designs to clean and beautify their homes as a symbol of light triumphing over darkness. Excitement and astonishment are evoked by the sound of crackers bursting and the sight of fireworks lighting up the night.

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We truly hope you liked reading our blog post about Diwali. It is a colourful, happy festival with a rich cultural and historical background. We have tried to explore the festival's customs, rituals, and traditions while emphasising how important it is to promote love, light, and positivity. Whether you are interested in learning more about Diwali or you celebrate it yourself, we hope our post has given you some insightful and inspiring ideas. As we light up our homes and hearts, let us remember to spread kindness, love, and happiness to everyone. Wishing you all a happy and prosperous Diwali!