Wishing all our readers, friends and family around the world, ‘Shubh Deepawali’ or an ‘Auspicious Deepawali’.
Deepawali or Diwali meaning ‘row of lighted lamps’ is the festival of lights celebrated by every Indian. It marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Oil lamps light up every household to remember the return of Rama and Sita after 14 years of exile. To their hometown in Ayodhya, where 1.2 million lamps would be lit up this year to celebrate the occasion.
‘शुभ दीपावली‘
Deepawali is celebration time and the entire country is soaked up in the festive spirit. Hence whether it is lighting colorful earthen lamps, candles, lanterns, bulbs or decorating the home with Rangolis ( Indian floor Art), the innovative enthusiasm touches many fingers and every heart.
‘Shubh Deepawali’ – The Festival
Diwali is celebrated over 5 consecutive days as per Hindu rituals. And hence if you are wondering what goes on during this period, here is all the fun.
Dhanteras
On Dhanteras people worship Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi in their home. Moreover it is considered very auspicious to buy gold, silver, utensils and clothes which is thought to bestow good fortune on the family.
Naraka Chaturdasi
Also known as ‘Choti Diwali’, it is believed that Lord Krishna fought the demon Narakasura and killed him on this day. Therefore the spirit of victory of good over evil sets off the initial Diwali celebrations.
Diwali
On Diwali day people welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who is believed to bless people with luck and prosperity. Lord Ganesha is also worshiped on this day. Also Lord Rama & Sita’s homecoming is celebrated through lighting lamps and bursting of green crackers. Delicious sweets are made or purchased and gifts are exchanged between friends and family amidst joy, laughter and prayers.
Govardhan Puja
People worship Lord Krishna on this day. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Krishna saved the residents of Mathura from Lord Indra by lifting a mountain named ‘Govardhan’. Therefore the deity is served with 56 varieties of vegetarian food and drinks as a gesture of gratitude.
Bhai Dooj
On ‘Bhai Dooj’ sisters apply a Tilak (a colored spot on forehead) and pray for their brother’s long & happy life. Moreover gifts and sweets are exchanged on the occasion followed by a sumptuous meal specially prepared for the brother. This ceremony ends the five day Deepawali festival.
‘Shubh Deepawali’ – Some more fun
Kali Puja
In Eastern part of India in Bengal, the Sharodotsab or the autumn festival ends with Kali Puja. And on most occasions it falls on the same day or a day before Deepawali. Therefore for us Bengalis or Bongs, it’s a double celebration.
Artist- Avanish Trivedi
Kali is considered as the first incarnation of Goddess Durga and is her more fierce and aggressive form. And it is believed that Kali embodies Shakti – feminine energy, creativity and fertility.
‘Shubh Deepawali’ – Let’s Celebrate with Caution
Wear A Mask & Frequently Use Sanitizers
Maintain Safe Social Distance
Get Vaccinated if you haven’t yet
Avoid Sound & Air Pollution
‘Shubh Deepawali’
May the spirit of Deepawali bring lots of happiness and good health for you & your family. Let the celebrations begin, but for all of us here in India, let’s exercise caution. Wishing you ‘Shubh Deepawali’ and safe travels thereafter. Come let’s enjoy life.
Deepawali a great happy occasion. PIN it for later!
Now I understand that there are 5 days of Shubh Derpawali and that Diwali is just one of the 5. And that in the eastern part a plus festival is Kali Pula!
Very Well explained article. Every small events you mentioned here . Happy Diwali to you too.
Thanks Pamela. Happy you liked reading.
Thanks Pamela.
I have never seen a Kali puja during Diwali. I guess I have to experience that, maybe for 2022 now! But I love the lamps and the joy the festival brings. However, I feel we can do without the firecrackers as the smog makes life difficult after the festivities.
You must come over to Calcutta during Durga & Kali Puja time.
I enjoyed reading more about this custom and tradition of India. 5 days of celebrating with food, lights, and family sounds wonderful. Happy Diwali 🪔 to you.
Thanks Renee.
Deepavali is not just a festival but it has so many ongoing traditions and culture behind it. There are so many stories associated and religious significance. I love lighting the diyas and lights. But I do not like bursting crackers.
Even I never liked bursting crackers.
Wishing you and your family a very Shubh Deepawali. As a kid, Deepawali was the day I used to look forward to most. Thought of eating so many delicacies, wearing new clothes, playing with cousins and bursting firecrackers excites me to no end!
Same here Saurabh. Childhood days were brilliant.
Shubh Deepawali to you! Happy Diwali! It’s beautiful culture and tradition, so significant for the history of Hindu. I would love to participate and observe all those rituals as it’s so important festival. Good to know that it takes five days to celebrate.
Thank you Agnes. Do come over to India during Deepawali.
I believe this is one of the most beautiful celebrations that we have in the world. Seeing the festival of lights/ maps is just fascinating but I never really understood the significance of the celebration. Thank you for sharing more about it. I learned something new today.
Thanks Clarice. Happy you found it useful.