Rituals and Gifts of Diwali
Diwali is the festival of lights and India’s biggest and most important festival of the year. This festival is celebrated for 5 days, each day having its own significance. People from different places in India celebrate Diwali in different ways. In North India, it is celebrated in the joy of the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya city after defeating the 10-headed demon king Ravana.
In South India, the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura is celebrated by lighting up candles for days in a row. In some other places, Diwali is considered a celebration of the marriage of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laksmi.
First Day - Dhanteras
Dhanteras, which is known as Dhanatrayodashi, is celebrated on the very first day of Diwali. On this day of Diwali, everyone stays busy with cleaning of the house and decorating it. On this day, people buy gold as it is believed that buying items of gold on Dhanteras brings fortune to the house.
Also, everyone in the family is busy shopping for their own clothes and accessories. Dhanteras is known to be very auspicious and hence is also a great day to start any business. In the evening, people light diyas and see that the diya keeps burning all throughout the night, in honor of Goddess Lakshmi. On this auspicious day, one can gift their loved ones and family any gold jewelry, silver articles, spiritual articles, or Shagun coins.
Second Day – Naraka Chaturdashi:
The second day of this bright festival is known as Choti Diwali. On this day, everyone celebrates the victory of light over dark, similar to the destruction of Narakasura by Lord Krishna.
Also, in some other parts of the country, it is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Kali who has killed the demon Narakasura. People also offer their prayers for the souls of their ancestors. In the evening, people light diyas and enjoy by firing the crackers.
It is observed that on this day, people intend to keep themselves clean both inside and out. So, they perform abhyanga snan early in the morning. It is done by applying ubtan(a mixture of Besan, Rosewater, and other elements) all over the body.
Third-Day – Lakshmi Puja:
On the day of Lakshmi Puja, everyone from the family seeks blessings from Goddess Lakshmi to ensure their prosperity. This is the main day of Diwali and it is on this day, when people light diyas, and candles, and visit temples. In the modern era, Diwali is celebrated with fireworks, however considering the phenomenon of global warming, all of us must go towards an eco-friendly way of celebrating the festival.
On this day, people generally offer Goddess Lakshmi turmeric, kumkum, and some beautiful red flowers. Later they light up a special Diya in front of Goddess Lakshmi and worship her. It would be great to gift a Tulasi plant or an idol of Goddess Lakshmi on this day.
Fourth Day – Govardhan Puja:
On the fourth day of Diwali, known as Balipratipada, or Annakut, we celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over Lord Indra, the king of the gods. On this day, Lord Krishna lifts the Govardhan(a hillock) to save the villagers from the heavy rain. The hillock served as a shelter for the villagers and it is said that Lord Krishna lifted the hillock with the little finger of his right hand, signifying his strength. Hence, he gets the name – Giridhari.
This is also the start of the new year in the Vikrama or Hindu calendar and the first day of Karthika. People worship the Govardhan Hillock on this day and offer Lord Krishna vegetarian food to show gratitude.
Fifth Day – Bhai Dooj
On this day of Bhai Dooj, we celebrate the most beautiful and powerful bond between brothers and sisters. We know that a brother and sister share a great, unique bond. They take care, protect and fight for each other. It is believed that on this day, Lord Krishna meets his beloved sister Subadhra after he kills the demon Narakusur.
On this day sisters pray for the victory and well-being of their brothers. Sisters sweeten the mouth of their brothers and give them gifts and pray for their well-being. On this day, you can give anything that your sister/brother loves. It could be a simple pen, chocolate combo, personalized gift, or a packet of sweets.
Diwali celebrations in the White House:
In the United States, minority groups demand recognition in the public sphere through cultural and religious festivals. Diwali celebrations in the US showcase bhangra dance troupes, classical Indian dance and music, vendors, and elaborate feasts. Also, large-scale Diwali cultural exhibitions educate outsiders about South Asian cultures and appreciate them. This develops respectful relations. On a whole, Diwali is a time for celebrating, visiting, exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes, feasting, feeding the poor, and setting off diyas or lights.
Content Specific Keywords: fashion,photography,festiveseason,art,deepavali,indianfestival,navratri,festivevibes,celebration,diya,diwalihampers,diwalicelebration,indian,festive.
