Happy Diwali in India 2014

Diwali or Deepawali is an Indian festival which is not only celebrated in Indian but also many countries do celebrate this. Mainly Diwali is an Hindu festival but these people of all religions celebrate this grand festival. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. Diawli is also named as “festival of lights”, Deepawali.

Diwali Wishes

Deepawali or Diwali is certainly the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartik. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a different tradition, but what remains true and constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment and goodness.

The Origin of Diwali

There is always a reason or story behind every festival. On different times Indians do celebrate festivals and follow the traditions and rituals. Festivals are the ways to remember the god or special people for their contribution in prosperity and wellness for each and every single person over the earth. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali. Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal; the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen year long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.

How to Celebrate?

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals of India. People start preparation for diwali celebration before 15 to 20 days of Diwali. Houses and shops are cleaned properly, it is believed that after removing all dust or cleaning goddess lakshmi come to your home and shops on Diwali night. People decorates their houses and commercial buildings too. They do floor decorations near entrances and corridors to welcome goddess Lakshmi and guests.

Diwali 2020

On the main diwali people wear new clothes or their best outfits as the evening approaches. Then diyas are lit, pujas are offered to Lakshmi, and to one or more additional deities depending on the region of India; typically Ganesha, Saraswati, and Kubera. Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead.

Lakshmi is believed to roam the earth on Diwali night. On the evening of Diwali, people open their doors and windows to welcome Lakshmi, and place diya lights on their windowsills and balcony ledges to invite her in Small earthenware lamps filled with oil are lighted and placed in rows by some Hindus along the parapets of temples and houses. Some set diyas adrift on rivers and streams.

After puja, all family members go outside and celebrate the night with lighting and fireworks. The fireworks signify celebration of Diwali as well a way to chase away evil spirits. After fireworks, people have their meals and special sweets or deserts with relatives and friends. People exchange many gifts and sweets with each other and hug each other with love and wish for the best.