Diwali: The Most-awaited Indian Festival of Sparkling Lights

India is incredible not only because of its geographical and cultural variety but also because of the festivals which are celebrated all through the year. The festival of Diwali, which is usually celebrated for five days in the months of either October or November, is a combination of some of the most beautiful aspects of the Indian festivals—a galore of light, a touch of festivity, a hint of exuberance, the warmth and comfort of family, the glitter of the fireworks and a dash of carnival.

A celebration of the triumph of the light over the forces of darkness, the victory of the good and the truth against the evil, Diwali is celebrated by different religions all over India.

Festivals in India are all about bringing the family together, sharing laughter, good food, and gifts. All the houses, streets, lanes are decked up with colorful lights, fragrant flowers, candles and what have you.

Diwali, Myths, and Legends

Although different religions have differing reasons for celebrating the festival of Diwali, according to mythology, the festival was initially celebrated by the Hindus to mark the return of the valiant King Rama in Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and his brother Laxman, after fourteen prolonged years of exile, which also included a war where Rama defeated the evil King of Lanka, Ravana.

In the olden days, they celebrated the happy and auspicious occasion by lighting up earthen lamps, also known as “diya”. Even now we light up earthen lamps and different modern variations of the earthen lamp echoing the festivities of the bygone days.

According to some legends, it is also believed that during Diwali, specifically on the fourth day of Diwali Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune visits the households of the mortals and blesses them. The houses, therefore, are cleaned thoroughly and decorated really beautifully with numerous flowers and lights. To welcome her, people even decorate the steps with colorful rangolis.

Also Read: A Repository Of Indian Festivals To Be Held On November 2018

The Five Days of Diwali

Diwali is celebrated for five long days and every day has a different significance and meaning. The first day is the day of Dhanteras, which marks the beginning of Diwali. The name “Dhanteras” is quite telling; “Dhan” in Hindi means wealth and “teras” is the thirteenth lunar day.

The second day is also known as Chhoti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi. The day is significant as Narakasura was killed by Krishna, Satyabhama, and Kali.

The third day, that is the day of Diwali, is celebrated by worshipping goddess Laxmi. This day is especially auspicious and is celebrated with extra energy.

On the fourth day, Lord Krishna is worshipped; it is the day of Gowardhan Puja. According to mythology, Lord Krishna protected the peasants of Vrindavana from the wrath of Lord Indra by sheltering them under the Gowardhan mountain under torrential rain.

The final day of Diwali is celebrated as Bhai Dooj. This festival is a celebration of the beautiful bond between a brother and his sister.

Also Read: Enjoy the Feasts And Festivals Of Winter Time In India

The Culinary Specialities of Diwali

The festival of Diwali is especially associated with traditional Indian sweets and snacks. All the savory and sweet dishes are prepared at home and are always shared with the near and dear ones as well as with the neighbours. Some of the popular sweets which are relished during the festival of Diwali are KajuKatli, Gujiya, Moti Pak, and Sohan Papdi.

How to Celebrate This Most Anticipated Festival?

You can either celebrate Diwali the traditional way by munching on delicious snacks and other sweet delicacies, making rangolis and offering your prayers to Goddess Laxmi with your family; or you can give it a twist and celebrate it in a pollution-free way by utilizing the five-day long holiday to travel somewhere.

You can visit the well-known off-beat tourist destinations or spend some quality time with your family in peace and quiet. In case you are confused about where to head out, check out popular tour packages to India, or you can consult any trusted travel agency India to guide you or plan a tour for you.