Diwali or Deepawali is round the corner, and this 5 day `Festival of Lights’ has a different kind of joy pervading the air. An important festival of India that is celebrated with great pomp and splendor. it mostly falls in the months of October/ November. The date is decided as per the Indian lunar calendar. Diwali is a five-day festival, each day having its own religious significance, though the preparations begin days in advance.
Deeply reminisces of our childhood days, that was marked by gorging on loads of delicious food and sweets, lighting crackers with friends in the neighbourhood, and indulging in the custom of making a doll’s house at home amongst other things.
Pre-festive Arrangements/ Planning
The onset of the festive season involves a lot of cleaning and organizing the home. A good reason to remove the clutter, clean, paint, and decorate the house. Also, shopping and cooking are top on everyone’s agenda. It is customary to light your homes and surroundings with clay lamps or diyas and oil.
Signifying the victory of good over evil, Diwali marks the return of Lord Ram to his kingdom after living in exile for fourteen years. People light their homes and surroundings with `diyas’ to welcome him. In the olden days, clay lamps were lit, nowadays along with that beautifully painted or handcrafted diyas, scented candles, and artistic, streamer lights are available giving a festive aura. The doorsteps of houses are embellished with rangoli (an Indian art form made on the floor with colors).
An assortment of delicious sweets, savories, and dishes marks the celebrations of Diwali.
People meet and greet each other, exchange gifts, and sweets. Love and togetherness abounds. Some of the must-cook dishes are dahi vada (lentil dumplings in curd), kachauri (fried, stuffed bread), and barfi (an Indian milk sweet).
Dressing up in the traditional Indian attire is the norm!! Women and girls in either sari, lehenga or salwar-kurta with matching jewelry. Men in kurta, achkan or similar ethnic wear.
The highlight of the festival of lights is the bursting of firecrackers in the night, which everyone looks forward to, and enjoyed by all age groups. The skies are lit up with sparkling lights. It seems like a spectacular fireworks show. Similarly, our hearts are illuminated with joy, love, and abundance.
Utmost caution should be adhered to when indulging in this fire activity. To avoid any mishaps, especially younger children must always be accompanied by an adult.
Additionally, it is best to buy eco-friendly crackers, that produce least amount of smoke and impurities. This will prevent environmental hazards !
Ushering into positivity, well-being and burning away the darkness from our lives is the essence of Deepawali !!
