One of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India is Diwali which is also called Deepavali. This is five day celebration denoting the triumph of illumination over gloominess, enlightenment over senselessness, and kindness over foulness. It was mainly a Hindu religion affair.

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Origin and Significance

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Deepavali is a shortened form for Diwali, meaning “row of lights”. The festival is observed on a new moon day in a Hindu month known as Kartika, during October half or November half. This celebrates the time when Lord Rama with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana came back from Ayodhya after spending fourteen years in the wilderness where He successfully defeated the Demon King Ravana. It’s named because, in ancient times, people of Ayodhya lit up oil lamps to meet their king, and that’s why the festival relates light.

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Rituals and Celebrations

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Each of the five days of Diwali has its own meaning and corresponding rituals.

1. Dhanteras: A festival that commences with Dhanteras, the worship of wealth and prosperity. To show that they are fortunate, people clean their homes and buy gold or silver, apparatus or new furniture.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali: Naraka Chaturdashi is the second day in which the killing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna was remembered.

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1. Lakshmi Puja or Diwali: Third day is the most crucial for the celebration. They also use diyas (lamps) and rangoli on floors and perform the worship of goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity in their houses.
2. Govardhan Puja or Annakut: Fourth day of festivities is Govardhan Puja celebrating an event wherein Lord Krishna created a shelter for residents of Vrindavan village by lifting high a Govardhan hill.
3. Bhai Dooj: Bhai Dooj marks the closing of the festival whereby brothers meet their sisters for one final celebration.

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Food and Sweets

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There is also the aspect of feasting during Diwali and many sweets are consumed throughout the country in this case. Families make, or purchase traditional desserts and sweets such as Laddoos, Barfis, Halwa, Peda, Mysore Pak, Chaklis and Gulab Jamun.

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These sweets enhance both the appeal and joy of the event. They also give out these treats to neighbours or friends as a sign of good will and celebration.

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Other Celebrations

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Yes, of course, the firecrackers. It is, however, important that the traditional use of firecrackers, which are a normal part of Diwali celebrations, does not put lives at risk. Nevertheless, the accurate figure for number of crackers used at Diwali cannot readily be obtained. With regard to fireworks, they are central to Diwali rituals, but have over time become associated with higher levels of air and noise pollution. Indeed, there are several locations which prohibit crackers use due to its environmental effect. During Diwali people prefer to use environment-friendly lighting and refrain from using crackers for the sake of safety.

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Finally, As a Keralite, Our Celebrations?

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It also celebrated in our place Kerala, but on a smaller scale than found elsewhere in India. It normally has a very quiet and brief nature. During the celebration of Narkachaturdashi, people celebrate the victory of Lord Krishna over the wicked King Narakasura. Despite the magnitude, people light diyas (clay or earthen lamps), decorate their houses and pray to goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh, consume of firecrackers, just as other parts of India do so.

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After-all, Diwali is a festival of light, fun, and warmth. It is a season whereby families reunite through merrymaking of victory over vanquishers, daylight over nightness and intelligence over deficiency of comprehension.