One of the main festivals of a country that believes in ‘Unity in Diversity’ is the festival of lights, Diwali. The festival is celebrated with much excitement throughout the country and also across the world. The name ‘Diwali’ or ‘Deepawali’ means an array of lights and is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. This festival is not only about the glitter and lights associated with it, on a spiritual level its purpose is to guide all towards truth, those who have strayed from the path of righteousness, the homecoming towards enlightenment just as Lord Rama had returned home after a long struggle.
Why is Diwali Celebrated?
Read More: Diwali advance wishes
Why we celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs all across the globe. Celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Hindu month of Kartika, there are many popular legends associated with the celebration of this pious festival. For some, it is the celebration when Lord Rama had returned to the city of Ayodhya after fourteen years in Exile with his wife Sita and brother Laxman while some worship Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha for a happy and prosperous life. Some people also worship Goddess Kali and for some, the festival marks the beginning of a new year. Diwali is a festival of high importance in Sikhism as the foundation stone of Golden Temple was laid on the day of Diwali in 1577. For the Jains also Diwali is the day when Lord Mahavira attained ‘Moksha’ or the ‘Enlightenment of God.’ While the reasons for celebration may vary the purpose is to spread peace, happiness, and prosperity. For the believers, the festival holds a very important place in their hearts as it brings a wave of positivity with itself – the positivity of worshipping God, participating with the family in cleaning and decorating the house, ethnic dress ups, and enjoying get-togethers with near and dear ones, brings a break from the daily activities of life. Thus, for people in India, this festival is much more than its philosophical meaning.
How do we celebrate Diwali?
With the Diyas(Diya Images for Whatsapp) lighting the houses, fireworks decorating skies and beautiful Rangolis(Rangolis Design Ideas) at the entrance of the house, this festival brings in a lot more joyousness than what people anticipate every year. Purchasing new things from the market is also considered a good omen. A National holiday is declared on the day of Diwali in India, Nepal, Singapore, and Sri Lanka whereas in Pakistan it is an optional holiday. Almost all businesses have their sales and free gift offers going on at this time. Firms start with their new accounting tracks and farmers end the harvest season and it also marks the beginning of the winter season.
Along with the fun and festivity that the festival brings in, lots of money is wasted on fireworks which cause pollution and should be avoided. We should also prevent children from burning crackers as it can cause physical injuries.
Preparation of Diwali
Preparation of Diwali 2023 starts two weeks early with whitewashing the house, buying new things, replacing some of the old furniture with new ones, gifting family members, friends, and relatives. The decoration is a significant part of the festival where people use diyas, candles and a lot of lights which brings in a lot of positivity, happiness, and prosperity in the house. The main festival is actually a five days long festival, the first day known as Dhanteras, the second day as Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali, third day as main Diwali or Laxmi Puja, fourth as Govardhan Puja and fifth day as Bhaiya Dooj. Each of this day has its own cultural importance and belief.
Food is an integral part of any festival celebration in India. Diwali is incomplete without homemade sweets as well as without distributing them amongst your relatives and friends. Distribution of sweets is generally done after the Laxmi Puja in the house and is probably the most awaited moment not only for the children but also for the Elders. People share their special dishes and sweets as a symbol of friendship and brotherhood. There is a specialty in food for each of the five-day celebration. This is generally the highlight of the evening followed by a rich dinner. There are much gaiety, merrymaking, and fun everywhere.
This festival inculcates the cultural values in the ever-changing generation and guides us to the ultimate truth of life that someday righteousness will be subdued by the evil. In India it is a national festival celebrated by people of all religion, caste, and creed, therefore, promoting brotherhood and living up to the ultimate quality of our country, that is, unity in diversity. Therefore, celebrating this festival is simply happy to which one can connect to a spiritual level for a blissful soul. Here you will get the wishes for all the Diwali days.
- Vagh Baras Wishes
- Dhanteras Wishes in Hindi
- Choti Diwali Wishes
- Deepavali Wishes in Hindi
- Nutan Varshabhinandan 2023
- Govardhan Puja Wishes
- Bhai Dooj Wishes