Diwali is a 5 day festival, celebrated
to mark the triumph of good over evil. It is observed each year at some point
during mid-October to mid-November in many countries such as India, Singapore,
Malaysia, and Nepal, or where there are large Indian communities living such as
in Canada, Britain, South Africa and New Zealand.
Just as Christians regard Christmas as
a special and important holiday, Diwali is a festival that has as much meaning
for Hindus. Aside from Hinduism, other religions that celebrate this festival
are Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Whatever your faith, you can join in the
festivity that is "The Festival of Lights".
1) Learn what Diwali is:
The thirteenth day from Poornima (Dhanatrayodashi or
Dhanteras). This is the first day of Diwali. "Dhan" means
"wealth" and teras means thirteenth day. This is the day for
celebrating the goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. For some places in
India, the lamps are kept burning for Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death.
2) Go
shopping:
It is customary to
buy utensils and ornaments on the first day of Diwali.
3) Clean the house
and business premises thoroughly before the first Diwali day, or the Dhanteras.
Do the laundry, clean all the rooms and sort out your papers in both your home
and business. It's like a spring cleaning of sorts, a "cleansing"
ritual to rid yourself of any unnecessary elements in your environment. Draw
small footprints using rice flour and vermillion powder over your house; this
is a way of indicating that you're awaiting the arrival of the Goddess.
1) Burn
lamps every night during the festival:
In the evening, light small oil
lamps (called "diyas") and place them around the home. Turn all the
lights on and light some candles. The lamps symbolize knowledge or one's inner
light, which brings about inner peace and fights off any traces of darkness and
ignorance.
2) Light
some firecrackers and fireworks.
These are a common part of Diwali,
used to symbolize warding off evil from your surroundings.
3)
Bake sweets, snacks, and savouries.
These
are traditional offerings for Diwali and are given as gifts. Some ideas
include: Make Burfi, Kulfi, Pongal,
Rasgullas, Jalebi
etc.
