🪔 Deepavali : The Festival of Lights 🪔

Diwali is an occasion to let the light of diyas & candles illuminate not just your home, but your life too.

Diwali or Deepavali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance“.

Etymology :

Diwali is from the Sanskrit dīpāvali meaning “row or series of lights“. The term is derived from the Sanskrit words dīpa, “lamp, light, lantern, candle, that which glows, shines, illuminates or knowledge” and āvali, “a row, range, continuous line, series”.

History :

The festival is widely associated with Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity. Also, in some regions, it is a celebration of the day Lord Ram returned to his kingdom Ayodhya with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman after defeating Ravan in Lanka and serving 14 years of exile.

Traditions :

1. Cleaning the House

It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits those homes which are absolutely clean. Hence, days before Diwali, all devotees start cleaning and decorating their homes, to welcome Devi Maa to shower her blessings.

2. Shopping

It is a custom to buy gold and silver coins as well as jewellery, on the first auspicious day – Dhanteras. Kitchenware like utensils too are considered a good buy on this occasion.

3. Rangoli

Decorating the entrance of your house with rangoli is utmost important, as that’s the place from where the Goddess of Wealth will enter. Devotees make colourful rangoli to welcome her. You can use stensils to make your rangoli. Some even make rangoli with flowers.

4. Illuminating the House

As it the festival of lights, lighting diyas is customary essential. Handmade earthen lamps (diyas) with oil, are placed on window sills, doorways, and every corner of the house. Now people even use LED string lights to decorate their homes.

5. Mithai

Preparing and/or distributing sweets to family and friends is also another diwali tradition. Yummy mithai like kaju katli, gulab jamun, besan ladoo, jalebi, rasgulla, pede, etc. are exchanged.

6. Gifts

Another diwali tradition is exchanging presents. Sweets, chocolates, dry fruits, food baskets, eletronic gadgets, etc. are some common gifts given.

7. Family Get Togethers

Festivals are an opportunity to spend quality time with family & friends. Many people host parties & family get togethers to celebrate diwali.

Tell me your diwali memories & traditions in the comments below. Support & share this blog with your friends & family, and make sure to follow for more.

Bon Voyage! Abby