Diwali is a holiday that brings families together to exchange new clothes, light lamps (diyas), decorate homes with flowers and make rangoli patterns made of rice flour and colored powders, and enjoy traditional sweets such as carrot – gajar ka halwa or semolina – sooji ka halwa.
Diwali celebrates Rama’s return from 14 years in exile and his victory over Ravana of Lanka; however, its celebration is also associated with numerous local legends that differ depending on where one lives.
The Origin of Diwali
Diwali marks the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali first appeared in Katha Upanishad – a Hindu scripture dating back to 1 millennium BCE – while it’s also said to commemorate Lord Rama’s return home after defeating Ravana (depicted in centuries-old Indian epic poem Ramayana).
People welcome back their beloved king by decorating their homes with earthen diyas and setting off firecrackers; this joyful ceremony continues today across India. Additionally, prayers are offered and Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped during this celebration.
Diwali marks an opportunity for exchanges of gifts, particularly sweets known as mithai (delicious Indian sweets made of nuts, vegetables or semolina (sooji), condensed down with sugar and sometimes milk and spices). Many spend the second day cleaning their homes as well as making or purchasing special dishes such as carrots with ghee or besan ladoos (made with chickpeas, ghee and palm sugar) along with praying for their ancestors on this special occasion.
The Significance of Lights and Fire Crackers Online
Diwali celebrates light as its primary symbol – earthen lamps, candles and electric lighting brighten homes and streets alike at this darkest time of the year to remind people that good will ultimately triumph over evil.
Fireworks are an essential part of celebrating any special occasion, believed to drive away negative spirits and bring prosperity, health, and good luck. Everyone prefers to buy crackers online and make their diwali a colorful and pleasing one. Set off during the night to scare away bad spirits; fireworks also serve as an avenue for honoring our ancestors as we send them off into heaven.
At Diwali celebrations are typically family affairs, featuring homemade Indian sweets such as jalebi, karanji and coconut laddoo being prepared and given out as gifts to friends, neighbors and those less fortunate than oneself. Diwali provides an opportunity to give back through volunteerism or social service projects such as building homes for homeless individuals or feeding the needy.
From Darkness Unto Light…
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights and Firecrackers, is also celebrated by visiting and exchanging gifts between family members. Families come together for puja, prayers and food offerings before cleaning and decorating temples, homes and workplaces with festive decor before giving themselves a good bath (ubtan).
On Dhanteras, which marks the start of this festival, Hindus traditionally purchase gold or silver jewellery to mark its auspiciousness. On Bhai Dooj – or husband’s day – spouses exchange gifts and sweets to mark their relationship as it marks another gift-giving opportunity, and many Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi to seek her blessings on this special day.
Bhagawan Dussehra marks Lord Rama’s return from 14 years of exile and is marked with special feasts and offerings to the gods as a reminder of how good triumphed over evil. Additionally, gambling card games like Teen Patti may be played alongside this celebration based on ancient dice games played between Shiva and Parvati on Mount Kailash; charity work and helping the poor are important parts of this festival as are fireworks displays that usually light up the sky (but may be banned due to environmental concerns).