Diwali in India

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, marked by a wide array of vibrant customs and traditions. Here’s a glimpse into how Diwali is celebrated across India:

Cleaning and Decorating the Home

• People start preparing days in advance by thoroughly cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes. It’s believed that a clean and well-lit home invites the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
• Homes are adorned with colorful rangoli (artistic designs made with colored powders or flower petals) at the entrance, and beautiful torans (decorative garlands) are hung on doors.

Lighting Lamps and Candles

• Diwali is also called the “Festival of Lights.” People light up their homes with diyas (oil lamps), candles, and fairy lights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Worship (Puja) of Deities

• Lakshmi Puja is central to Diwali celebrations. Families gather to pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, seeking blessings for wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
• After the puja, it’s common to distribute offerings as prasad (food blessed in the ritual) among family and friends.

Fireworks and Sparklers

• Fireworks and sparklers are a hallmark of Diwali, and people celebrate by setting off firecrackers, enjoying the sound and lights that add to the festive cheer.
• Recently, there’s an emphasis on eco-friendly celebrations to reduce pollution, with many people opting for green crackers or skipping fireworks altogether.

Exchanging Sweets and Gifts

• Diwali is a time for exchanging gifts and sweets with loved ones. Boxes of traditional sweets like laddus, barfis, and jalebis are shared among friends, family, and neighbors.
• People often buy gifts like clothes, jewelry, and home decor, and it’s common to share gifts with employees and business associates.

Feasting and Gathering

• Diwali is celebrated with delicious meals and snacks unique to each region. Families prepare special dishes, such as gujiya, samosas, chakli, and other traditional items.
• It’s a time for family reunions, gatherings, and sharing meals together.

Different Days of Diwali

• Diwali typically spans five days, each with its significance:
  • Dhanteras: First day, dedicated to wealth and prosperity; people buy precious metals and items.
  • Naraka Chaturdashi: Also called Choti Diwali, a day for cleaning and early morning oil baths.
  • Lakshmi Puja: Main day of Diwali, where the worship of Goddess Lakshmi takes place.
  • Govardhan Puja: Celebrated mainly in the North, marking Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill.
  • Bhai Dooj: Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

Across different states, these traditions may vary in flavor, but the spirit of unity, joy, and hope is universal.