Diwali, often known as the festival of lights, is extensively observed. Millions of Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs celebrate it for five days and have done it for generations. The Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which means “rows of lit lamps,” is where the word “Diwali” comes from. So that you know, the word used to describe the festival of lights may be applied in various ways. There are two possible variations: “Divali” and “Dipawali.” Diwali, one of the most important festivals in Hindu culture, is widely observed by Indian diaspora populations worldwide. Commonly referred to as the “festival of lights,” it is a five-day event where the family gathers and gets engaged in online Diwali shopping, friends enjoy themselves, lamps and diyas are lit, and sweet treats are devoured thanks to online diwali gift delivery options available in India.
According to the Hindu calendar, this festival, observed on Amavasya, or “no moon” day, marks the start of a new year. As we open new checkbooks and diaries and clean our homes, it also heralds new beginnings. Whoever stated that a new day arrives after every night was on the money, for sure. People light candles and diyas in their homes and businesses to greet the goddess Lakshmi. On this occasion, individuals wear new clothing and welcome their loved ones and friends by exchanging gifts, treats, and pleasantries. Toy and candy stores are adorned to draw customers in. Markets experience a significant influx during festival days. Giving meals to people in need is another common idea.
Diwali’s Cultural Importance in India
Diwali, a five-day celebration, commemorates Lord Rama’s return to his home after a lengthy 14-year exile with Sita and Laxmana. Diwali, which translates literally from Sanskrit as “row of lights,” originated when the people of Ayodhya lit diyas to greet their King, Rama, after he had defeated Ravana. Additionally, some Indians think it commemorates Lord Vishnu’s and Lakshmi’s union. On the day of Diwali, Lord Ganesha, the god of knowledge and fortune, is worshipped in most places. In Jainism, Nirvana, or the emancipation of Mahavira’s soul, is commemorated on Diwali. Diwali is observed in West Bengal as a time to honor the goddess Kali, the embodiment of Shakti, or power.
Do You Know Where and When Diwali is Celebrated?
Diwali is observed on the full moon day, which falls between the end of October and November. Diwali is the third and most significant day of the five-day festival. This Hindu festival is observed in the majority of the nation’s regions. The Diwali celebrations in North and Central India are very dissimilar from those in South India. Each state has a different take on Diwali’s religious importance. The Ramayana mythology continues to form the basis for the most often accepted meaning. However, in South India, Diwali is a holiday honoring Lord Krishna and commemorating the victory over the demon Naraka. In North India, celebrations are carried out fervently with colors, lights, mayhem, pyrotechnics, loud gatherings, and noise. People generally do online Diwali shopping to send gifts to their families, as nowadays, the trend of online gift delivery makes shopping for everyone easy and convenient.
Read more: Best ways to celebrate Diwali with family
Safety Advice For the Indian Diwali Experience
Be cautious about your clothing catching fire because firecrackers and diyas are everywhere, especially if you are a girl wearing a dupatta or an Indian scarf. We advise bringing earplugs if you have sensitive ears because certain firecrackers can be loud and sound more like explosions. Additionally, there may be a lot of smoke in the air. When lighting fireworks, avoid getting too close and run to a safe distance as soon as they start. To prevent accidents, we strongly advise you to watch over kids.
Air pollution during the event, especially in large cities like Delhi, might result from burning firecrackers. It is essential to wear a mask to prevent breathing this air to avoid contracting any ailment. An authentic cultural experience can be had by celebrating Diwali in India in smaller places like Rishikesh and Jaipur. Smaller communities still celebrate Diwali according to old customs. We highly advocate enjoying this festival in such locations as it is the ideal approach to comprehending India’s rich history and culture. Please let us know in advance if you have a respiratory issue so we can ensure you stay away from places with a lot of air pollution.
Final Words
Diwali is an inspiring festival. There are so many events and traditions to look forward to. For Indians, this may be the most anticipated season because there are so many celebrations at this time of year. We hope to be able to introduce you to India and the festival of Diwali. Diwali is much more than just a time to appreciate the people in our lives and the religious heritage that has shaped our current spirituality, from the pleasant aroma of handcrafted traditional treats to the happiness of seeing your entire family again. India’s celebration of Diwali will live long in the memory. Make travel arrangements for an Indian place where you may enjoy the festival of lights.
