Diwali 2022: How Diwali is Celebrated in India

 

One of the most important holidays in India is Deepavali, often known as Diwali. With much fanfare and enthusiasm, it is observed throughout the whole country. Diwali, also referred to as the "Festival of Lights," is a five-day event during which friends and families gather, light "Diyas" or earthen lamps in their homes, indulge in sweet treats, exchange gifts, play games, and set off fireworks. 

According to the Hindu calendar, the event marks the beginning of a new year and is observed on "Amavasya," or the night of a full moon. As it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits devotees' homes in the middle of the night and bestows them with money and happiness, it is a sign of new beginnings. It is called the festival of lights because it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and hope over despair.

Why is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali has a long history that dates back to ancient India. The origin of this festival is the subject of numerous legends. Some people think it's a celebration of the union of the goddess of riches Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Others think Lakshmi's birthday is being celebrated. The most popular myth surrounding Diwali is that it marks the occasion when Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lakshman return to the kingdom of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. The Ayodhya people lit up the entire kingdom with earthen diyas to show off their happiness at their king's return, which is how the festival of lights got its start.

 

The Significance of 5 Days of Diwali

5 days of Diwali serve different occasions according to Hindu mythology.

●     Dhanteras, which falls on the first day of Diwali, marks the start of the new fiscal year for Hindus.

●     Chhoti Diwali, which is observed on the second day of Diwali, commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the devil king Naraka. This day is known as Naraka Chaturdasi in South India.

●     The primary Diwali day is the third day, when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in celebration of her birth from Samudra Manthan. This day is also known as Kali Puja in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam.

●     The Govardhan Puja, observed on the fourth day of Diwali, honours both Lord Krishna's victory over God Indra and Lord Vishnu's victory over the demon king Bali. In Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, people celebrate this day Bali Pratipada or Bali Padyami.

●     The fifth day of Diwali is known as Bhai Dooj which celebrates the love and bond of brothers and sisters.

 

Diwali Rituals: How is Diwali Celebrated in India?

Decorating the home is the first step in the Diwali celebrations. To make their homes more aesthetically pleasant and appealing, people frequently hire deep cleaners. There are lights, diyas, and flowers as decorations. These represent success and lightness since they brighten the entire room and make you feel better. Making Rangolis, which are colourful paintings placed at front entrances and courtyards of homes to welcome Goddess Laxmi, is a significant component of this event.

 

Fireworks: Since the beginning of time, one of the most important customs of Diwali has been to light fireworks! A variety of fireworks, from basic Phooljhadis to patatakas and chaklis, will light up the night sky. However, it's crucial to consider the surroundings, so be careful not to

 

One of the main Diwali traditions is the Laxmi Puja, during which prayers are made to the goddess Laxmi for a better year that is rich in wealth, peace, and prosperity. An oil lamp (diya) is lit in front of the idol, and then prayers (aarti) are offered that feature chants and songs honouring Lord Laxmi. To obtain the goddess' blessings, they also clean the idol with gangajal or milk and water, use haldi and kumkum, and present the goddess with flowers, sweets, and coconut.

 

Shopping and gifts: Dhanteras, when people shop for their family and friends, is arguably the most exciting part of Diwali.

 

Feasts: Feasts are always an essential part of any Hindu festival. Having said that, it definitely is a major ritual on Diwali. Families often share sweets such as jalebis, laddus, Gujia, Kaju-kathli, kheer, halwas and barfis. Along with that, savoury snacks, cauliflower pakora or fritters, paneer makhani, samosa, puri and idli are served.

 

Best Places to Experience Diwali Celebrations in India

A lengthy holiday time is also included in the five days of Diwali. Diwali occurs on a Thursday this year, extending the weekend. The event gives you the chance to see Diwali celebrations in a different Indian city. There are a few locations that are particularly well-known for their lavish Diwali celebrations, despite the fact that the festival of lights is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm all across the nation.

Varanasi

Diwali is a lavish event celebrated in Varanasi. In the evening, a special Ganga Aarti is performed. The river is illuminated by the thousands of floating dias. The air is filled with the priests' chants as they pay praises to the goddesses Ganga and Lakshmi. The Ghats reflect the splendour of a fantastical world, and the fireworks seldom ever stop. One of the best Diwali experiences in India, it is a sight to behold.

 

Jaipur

Jaipur itself is a regal city. On the occasion of Diwali, the city exudes an extraordinarily gorgeous and regal appearance. The pink metropolis is transformed into a shimmering kaleidoscope of colours by the brilliant lights that illuminate the streets, residences, and markets. Jaipur's sky is filled with bright fireworks, and the local marketplaces provide mouthwatering traditional foods.

 

New Delhi

When it comes to celebrating Diwali, New Delhi, the capital of India, does not fall behind. The city's marketplaces and important structures are magnificently decorated, and the streets are lined with numerous dazzling lights and smiling people. The weather turns a little cool, which is the ideal accompaniment to the pleasant festivities.

 

The nostalgic lanes of Kolkata surpass Diwali in every way. Around the same time, Goddess Kali is honoured in Kolkata, when the streets are illuminated by lamps, diyas, and candles. People enjoy feasting, drinking, and good times as they celebrate Diwali with family and friends. You should keep an eye out for desserts over this holiday season.

 

Chennai

Diwali is observed throughout the day in the southern region of India. To take a customary oil bath, people get up at the crack of dawn. The Puja is held in the morning, and cracker-bursting continues all day. Here, parties typically end by evening.

 

Diwali in Various Religions

One of the Indian holidays that bridges various cultures, geographies, and religions is Diwali. Along with Hinduism, the holiday has significance in Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. The Hindu holiday of Diwali commemorates Lord Rama's return to his hometown of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the Rakshasa King of Lanka, following a 14-year exile in the jungles. The event is regarded by Jains as commemorating the day that Mahavira, their last Tirthankara, reached Nirvana, or enlightenment. On Diwali, Buddhists commemorate the day that Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism. The Sikhs commemorate the occasion to mark the release of their Guru Har Gobind Ji and other Hindu gurus from the jail of Emperor Jahangir.

 

Not only in India but also in many other countries around the world, people celebrate Diwali. The significance of this event, sometimes known as the "Indian's Christmas," is recognised by the White House each year. The event is celebrated in Australia and New Zealand with a carnival that features fairs, extravagant performances, and cultural displays. Other parts of the world, including Malaysia, Fiji, Singapore, and Europe, also observe the holiday.

Celebrate an Eco-Friendly Diwali

Even while everyone enjoys Diwali and it is a significant event, there are rising worries about the safety of the celebration and environmental pollution. The excessive rise in particulate matter caused by burst firecrackers has been linked to major health problems in people. Following are some suggestions and ideas for an eco-friendly Diwali celebration.

●     Avoid breaking open crackers. Choose eco-friendly crackers manufactured from recycled paper as an alternative.

●     Choose earthen diyas (lamps) to radiate light and optimism instead of electrified lamps and plastic lights.

●     For making rangolis, use fresh flowers and natural, organic colours.

●     Traditionally, distributing presents helps to spread the joy of Diwali. Go organic this year by giving your loved ones plastic-free, organic gifts.

Safety Tips for Diwali

●     Keep a fire extinguisher or a pail of water and sand handy while popping crackers.

●     On Diwali, avoid wearing synthetic textiles because they readily catch fire. It is advised to wear cotton clothing that fits well.

●     Purchase crackers from reputable, authorized vendors.

●     When popping crackers, stay away from matches and lighters.

●     Never start a cracker on fire in your hand.

●     Keep your cars in a garage and away from the area where the crackers are being exploded.

●     Burning firecrackers is not recommended since they are bad for the environment.

●     Apply aloe vera gel and pour water if you have a slight burn. Remove the burned fabric right away and cover in a fresh bedsheet in the event of severe burns. Send the patient right away to the hospital.

Experience the various cultural festivals taking place throughout India to make this Diwali one to remember. May everyone experience great peace, prosperity, success, health, and joy during this festival of lights. A happy Diwali to you all!