Diwali

Diwali

The festival of Navratri promises that Diwali the festival of lights is just round the corner. This is a great time to be with to be with family and friends as it’s the mandatory vacation at schools and institutes. The Diwali festival is almost a week long and one feels great to partake in the tiny details.

The first day of Dhana trayodashi marks the first day of Diwali. Many families acknowledge this as a sign of prosperity and also do the diya puja which is meant to light to the lamps that are to be lighted during the Diwali. Time to deck up and go in for a makeover, urban Diwali carries the same mystic and aura that is about splendor. Mythological tales are narrated and grandparents lovingly chant holy shlokas and teach the kids in the household about the stories of Rama and Sita.

Diwali is associated with the returning of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years. The earlier Dushera also marked the death of Ravana which is noted with setting afire the ten headed effigy of Ravana. Lord Rama returns with his wife Sita on the Amavasya and hence the entire kingdom lights lamps to adequately keep the area lighted on a no moon day. This tradition is carried forward from centuries and the beauty of mud lamps has a certain mystic in it.

Laxmi Pujan is another religious festival where the household gather around with the finest adorning in silks, new clothes and gold ornaments. The jewelry and cash is placed before the idol of Goddess Laxmi and a customary puja is done by all the family members. The sign of prosperity has to be respected by providence and all Hindus generally partake in the spirit of devotion.

Whether sweets are exchanged between families or with business associates, the feeling is pure and unconditional. Children love bursting crackers and also abide by noise pollution and safety rules. Bhai dhuj, bhaav bheej is also celebrated along with Diwali which is also a New Year for Gujratis.