celebration of diwali

Celebration of Diwali

Diwali is the biggest of all Hindu festivals. Learn about its origin, significance.
11. The Significance of Lights & Firecrackers
All the simple rituals of Diwali have a significance and a story to tell. The illumination of homes with lights and the skies with firecrackers is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity. According to one belief, the sound of fire crackers are an indication of the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful state. Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis the fumes produced by the crackers kill a lot of insects and mosquitoes, found in plenty after the rains.
12. The Tradition of Gambling
The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva , and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year. Diwali is associated with wealth and prosperity in many ways, and the festival of Dhanteras is celebrated two days before the festival of lights.
13. From Darkness Unto Light
In each legend, myth and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil and it is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness unto light the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire crackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Diwali is celebrated around the globe . Outside India, it is more than a Hindu festival, it s a celebration of South Asian identities. If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a diya , sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, concentrate on this supreme light and illuminate the soul.
14. How to Celebrate Diwali
Diwali is a 5 day festival, celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil. It is observed each year at some point during mid October to mid November in many countries such as India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Nepal, or where there are large Indian communities living such as in Canada, Britain, South Africa and New Zealand.Just as Christians regard Christmas as a special and important holiday, Diwali is a festival that has as much meaning for Hindus. Aside from Hinduism, other religions that celebrate this festival are Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Whatever your faith, you can join in the festivity that is The Festival of Lights .
15. Learn what Diwali is
Diwali is also known as Deepavali, the deep meaning light or lamp , and avali meaning row This row of lights is represented by lighting lamps everywhere during Diwali. The reasons behind celebrating Diwali differ and are outlined under Tips.Diwali consists of three to five days of celebrations (the duration depends on where you come from or derive the celebratory traditions from)
16. Clean the house
Clean the house and business premises thoroughly before the first Diwali day, or the Dhanteras. Do the laundry, clean all the rooms and sort out your papers in both your home and business. It is like a spring cleaning of sorts, a cleansing ritual to rid yourself of any unnecessary elements in your environment.Draw small footprints using rice flour and vermillion powder over your house this is a way of indicating that you are awaiting the arrival of the Goddess.
17. Make the entrance way to your home or business colourful using the traditional motifs of Rangoli designs
These include bells, flower garlands, wall hangings, mirrors, LED lights, etc. This is a joyful way to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. Rangoli designs can be found across the internet. To help get you started, this section provides some examples to inspire your design.
18. Burn lamps every night during the festival
In the evening, light small oil lamps (called diyas ) and place them around the home. Turn all the lights on and light some candles. The lamps symbolize knowledge or one s inner light, which brings about inner peace and fights off any traces of darkness and ignorance.
19. Light some firecrackers and fireworks
These are a common part of Diwali, used to symbolize warding off evil from your surroundings. They are usually set off in greatest numbers on the actual day of Diwali (the third day).Take care to keep pets and small children indoors and away from the excitement and frightening noises. See this article for more information.
20. Wear new clothes and jewels on the second and third days
If you are a woman, try to obtain a sari, the traditional Indian dress for women which is 9 yards of fabric draped elegantly at the waist and across the left shoulder. Women may also wear a salwar kurta (Indian flowing tunic with matching pants or leggings and long shawl or scarf).Men normally wear kurthas, the national clothes for Indian men. This is a knee length (usually embroidered) silk or cotton tunic and matching pants.