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Diwali festival is one of the biggest celebrations in India. Such, that it unites every desi around the globe to celebrate in joy, love, and laughter.
Diwali festival is known as the festival of light, India and every Indian household everywhere in the world glows like a shining star all through this festival.
Everywhere you go, you’ll see millions of lanterns, small oil lamps, colorful decorations, sweets, delicious flavors, and a smile on everyone’s face. This beautiful festival manages to light up even the gloomiest of nights and brighten everyone’s moods. But there is a lot more to Diwali than we see on the surface.
The significance of Diwali festival comes from its association with and celebration of one of the greatest epics in Indian history. So, let’s discuss every aspect of Diwali and why it’s so important in the Hindu tradition.
What is Diwali and why is it celebrated?
The history of Diwali dates back to 5th century BC when Lord Rama came back home to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
During his time away, he managed to fight the most epic battle in the history of Hindu mythology and defeat the evil Ravana. His return was considered the most auspicious event in Ayodhya and he was honored with the crown to rule the holy region.
Indians consider this as a very auspicious occasion and that’s why, to this day, this holy moment is celebrated as the festival of Diwali.
Diwali Tradition-
As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of traditions that are religiously followed during the Diwali festival. Apart from lighting fireworks, which is the main attraction of Diwali, there are several other activities that you can find common in most households across the country. Let’s discuss them.
The ritual of designing a beautiful rangoli with colored powder or chalk just outside your home is one of the most common Indian traditions. A rangoli signifies strength, generosity, and it also brings good luck.
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Diwali Decorations:
Apart from the beautiful rangoli, it’s also common for people to decorate their homes with kandeels (lantern), and lights. It is believed that this ritual is practiced to guide the lost souls of their ancestors to their home and celebrate Diwali with them.
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Diwali Sweets:
With a general atmosphere of celebration and happiness, people also follow the tradition of preparing or getting special Diwali mithai (Indian sweets) to their homes.
They are then offered to anyone who visits them during this auspicious time and are also exchanged with family and loved ones. This signifies the importance of sharing the love and happiness of Diwali with everyone as the community celebrates it together.
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Diwali Food:
There’s also a tradition of preparing delicious and mouth-watering Diwali recipes during this period. This includes various Indian recipes like Samosas, Murukku (chakli), Namakpare, Rice Kheer, Gajar Halwa, Besan Halwa, Jalebi, Kaju Katli and many more.
Diwali Facts-
- In Sanskrit, Diwali means ‘row of lights’.
- Diwali is actually celebrated for five days.
- Diwali marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Hindu calendar.
- Some parts of India also consider this festival as a celebration for the Goddess of Wealth, Goddess Laxmi. It’s said that she brings prosperity and good fortune to your home during Diwali.
- The city of Leicester, in the United Kingdom, is known to hold the largest celebration of Diwali outside of India every year.
- Just like how in the western culture everyone celebrates Christmas holidays, in India, students and employees are given Diwali holidays so they can stay with their families and celebrate this festival together.
Diwali 2020-
The Diwali celebration may not be as glorious and prosperous this year, but there are still many different ways you can celebrate this festival while staying safe. Decorate your homes, light diyas (oil lamps) and place them at your doorway, draw a rangoli, put up kandeels and lights, light small fireworks like sparklers, fountains, and ground spinners in a safe place with your family. Do not forget to treat your family with delicious Diwali delicacies. You can refer to our recipes And with organic herbs, spices, flours, oils, pulses from Dwaraka Organic at your disposal, you can always explore your options and make something that you and your family loves.
There’s a lot more to learn about Diwali out there. But at the end of the day, it’s always going to be about spreading light, happiness, and love. So even if the conditions might not be as favorable as they were in the past, stay safe by trying to limit it within your household and have a glorious family Diwali of your own.
