How to Celebrate Diwali

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By roycowdrey
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Celebrate Diwali

Diwali is the wonderful Festival Of Light. 'Deep' means light or lamp and ‘avali’ means row. Hence Diwali or Deepavali literally signifies a row or cluster of lights. This is why Diwali or Deepavali is also known as the Festival of Lights.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

happy Diwali

The word ‘Diwali’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’ meaning a row of lights. ‘Deep’ means light or lamp and ‘avali’ means row. Hence Diwali or Deepavali literally signifies a row or cluster of lights. This is why Diwali or Deepavali is also known as the festival of lights. On the day of Deepavali, people light clay or oil lamps (called ‘Diyas’) in & around their homes and courtyards, gardens, rooftops and outer walls. This decoration with diyas during Diwali makes every house look amazingly gorgeous and vibrant. Diwali is celebrated with much splendor and enthusiasm throughout India, as also in different parts of the world. India, a land of festivals, is well-known for its celebratory nature and Diwali is one of its most important and spirited festivals. Hindus all over the world celebrate this joyous festival of Deepavali with great jubilation.
Step 2

Diwali Wishes

Some prepare themselves for Diwali sometimes months in advance. From planning Deepavali decorations for their homes to buying firecrackers, preparations for the Diwali include great excitement and festivities. People draw Rangolis in and around their homes. These Rangolis, which are colorful designs made with colored powders, make a very pretty sight ! It is also common to invite near and dear ones on Diwali, to buy new clothes for Diwali, traditional Diwali gifts for friends and family, Diwali greeting cards and lots of other items which are presented as a token of love. People also send formal greetings to their bosses, colleagues and distant acquaintances. Vibrant Diwali greeting cards are all the rage during this entire Diwali season which make their dear ones feel special ! They also gift jewelry, household items, garments and idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi as Deepavali presents.
Step 3

Diwaly Diyas

Apart from adorning houses, buildings and streets on Diwali, people visit their friends and relatives’ places to wish them "Shubh Deepavali" or "A Very Happy Diwali". People even buy Diwali gifts for the newlyweds. It is kind of a tradition for the newlyweds to pay a visit to their in laws during Deepavali.

Diwali celebrations include lighting lamps, dressing up in fine clothes, exchanging Diwali gifts cards and Diwali sweets bursting firecrackers and sparklers, visiting temples, taking part in traditional Diwali ceremonies like cultural shows.
Step 4

Subh Diwali

Diwali or Deepavali is a huge family festival which is celebrated on a new moon in the 15th day of the Hindu calendar month of Kartika (October/ November). As a matter of fact, Diwali or more aptly Deepavali--the festival of lights, is the darkest day of the year. This is specially significant because the darkness of the day is outdone by the plethora of Deepavali lights, fun and enjoyment everywhere ! Thus it symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Step 5

Diwali Fireworks

For those who don’t know, Diwali is both a harvest festival and the beginning of the New Business Year. An occasion of great merriment and fun, the festival of Diwali lasts for five days. All through these five-day long celebration, Diwali or Deepavali is marked by worship of Goddess Lakshmi, exchanging of Diwali gifts, cards and traditional sweets, explosion of fireworks and rejoicing with friends and family. What sets aside Diwali from all the other Hindu festivals is the uniqueness of associating each day for seeking a distinct religious blessings. It’s the festival of joy, energy, brightness and color ! If one celebrates Diwali with the true understanding of its philosophies then it’s sure to inspire the spirit within. Diwali is known throughout the world for its grand and magnificent celebrations. Worshipping, catching up with friends and family, exchanging gifts, sweets, wearing sparkling new dresses and hanging out with your beloved are some of the typical ways of celebrating Diwali, the most vibrant and significant Hindu festival.

Comments

a4gllc said

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on 10/18/2009 Currently I am in Trinidad, I read your article to research the Diwali experience. The experience was great and the food was amazing. Thank you for the article.

rajgift said

on 10/30/2008 Giving idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi as diwali gift is a great idea. Thanks for sharing a such a nice post. Happy Diwali to all of you...