What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in India and many other parts of the world. It is often referred to as the "Festival of Lights" because it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival spans five days, with the main day called "Diwali" or "Deepavali," falling on the darkest night of the lunar month of Kartika (typically between October and November).

When is Diwali?

In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, November 1st.

The five days of Diwali celebrations in 2024 will be as follows:

1. Dhanteras: Tuesday, October 29th
2. Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Wednesday, October 30th
3. Diwali / Lakshmi Puja: Thursday, November 1st (main day)
4. Govardhan Puja: Friday, November 2nd
5. Bhai Dooj: Saturday, November 3rd

Where can I get mithai and diyas?

You can stop by the shop or order online to get fresh mithai, and all kinds of diyas! We've got small diyas, big diyas, plain diyas, colorful diyas, sparklers, battery-operated diyas, brass diyas- and a whole lot more! The store has the full collection, and a select group of items are available online.

What Are the Five Days of Diwali?

Day 1: Dhanteras – Marks the beginning of Diwali, a day for cleaning homes and buying gold or utensils.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) – Signifies the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura.

Day 3: Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali) – The most important day, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Homes are illuminated with oil lamps, and people perform Lakshmi Puja for prosperity.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja – In some regions, it marks the day Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj – Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

Why do we light lamps, or diyas, for Diwali?

Lighting lamps during Diwali holds deep cultural, spiritual, and symbolic significance. The tradition of lighting oil lamps, or diyas, is central to the festival and has various meanings:

1. Symbolism of Light Over Darkness:

• The primary reason for lighting lamps during Diwali is to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. Light represents knowledge, purity, and hope, while darkness represents ignorance, evil, and despair. By lighting lamps, people signify the victory of good (light) over evil (darkness) and the removal of ignorance with knowledge.

2. Welcoming Goddess Lakshmi:

• Diwali is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. It is believed that Lakshmi visits homes that are clean, well-lit, and decorated. Lighting lamps and placing them in every corner of the house is seen as a way to welcome her, attracting wealth and prosperity into the home.

3. Guiding Lord Rama Back to Ayodhya:

• In North India, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to the kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana. According to the legend, the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps to guide their way back home and to celebrate their arrival. This practice has continued as a tradition, where people light lamps to remember this joyous occasion.

4. Spiritual Purification:

• In Hindu philosophy, fire is considered a purifier. Lighting lamps during Diwali is believed to ward off negative energies and purify the surroundings. The glow of the lamps is thought to bring positive vibrations and spiritual warmth into the home, creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

5. Lighting the Path of the Departed Souls:

• In some regions, it is believed that the lights of Diwali help guide the souls of deceased ancestors on their journey. The illuminated homes are a way to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away, helping their spirits find peace.

6. Community and Festive Spirit:

• Lighting lamps also fosters a sense of unity and community. The sight of numerous lit lamps outside homes, in streets, and at temples creates a sense of collective joy and celebration. It is a reminder of the shared cultural heritage and the values that Diwali represents.

Overall, the practice of lighting lamps during Diwali is a rich blend of mythological, religious, and cultural traditions, emphasizing themes of hope, renewal, and the importance of spreading light and positivity in life.

How can I celebrate Diwali?

Celebrating Diwali is a joyous and meaningful experience that involves a combination of traditional rituals, festive decorations, and time spent with loved ones. Here are some ways to celebrate Diwali:

1. Clean and Decorate the Home:

• Deep Cleaning: Before Diwali, it is customary to thoroughly clean the house to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and positive energy. This symbolizes the removal of negativity.
• Decorations: Decorate your home with colorful lights, lanterns, and streamers. Many people put up torans (door hangings made of flowers or leaves) at their entrance.
• Rangoli: Create beautiful designs on the floor using colored powders, flowers, or rice flour at the entrance of your home. This is believed to bring good luck.

2. Light Oil Lamps (Diyas) and Candles:

• Place oil lamps (diyas) around the house, balconies, and courtyards. Light them in the evening as the sun sets to signify the triumph of light over darkness.
• Use candles and string lights to brighten up your home. Some people also create a diya arrangement around their rangoli.

3. Share Sweets and Gifts:

• Make or Buy Sweets: Diwali is known for its sweet treats like ladoos, barfis, jalebi, and gulab jamun. You can either prepare these sweets at home or buy them from a store.
• Gift-Giving: Exchanging gifts is a common practice. This can include sweets, dry fruits, new clothes, or other thoughtful items. It is a way of expressing appreciation and affection towards loved ones.
• Share with Neighbors: Share sweets and homemade treats with neighbors, friends, and community members to foster a sense of unity and joy.

4. Burst Firecrackers:

• Fireworks and Sparklers: Traditionally, people light firecrackers and sparklers as part of the celebration. It is a way to express joy and enthusiasm.
• Eco-friendly Celebrations: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on reducing air and noise pollution by opting for eco-friendly celebrations, such as lighting phooljhadis (sparklers) instead of loud crackers or choosing fireworks with reduced emissions.
• Alternatively, you can attend community fireworks displays that are organized for larger groups, making the experience festive without overdoing individual usage.