Diwali is an important occasion for Indians all over the world. The festival of lights is a celebration to mark the victory of good over evil. If you are searching for information about the Diwali festival, this is your lucky day as I have discussed everything you need to know so keep on reading.

What is Diwali

Diwali festival also known as “Festival of Lights” is a festivity celebrated in Nepal and India. The annual Hindu festivity is a major event and celebrated on different days since the timing is based on the lunar calendar of the Hindu, but usually the festival falls on the month of October or November.

Indians celebrate the occasion to mark the significance of lights, which symbolizes goodness, which is why the festival is the celebration of good over evil. So, don’t be surprised to see rows of lights as Indians commemorate the heroes of Indian mythology that defeated the forces of darkness by lighting candles and diyas in their homes and temples.

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By the way, part of the Diwali festival preparation is the cleaning of homes and opening of windows, and doors to invite good fortune. People also exchange gifts and have parties to celebrate the holiday.

The 5-day event is a joyous occasion as there are also fireworks, colorful lights, and diyas to welcome good luck for the coming year. If you plan to visit India, it is best to schedule your trip during Diwali to experience Indian hospitality and merry making. Plus! a lot of people would be happy to share Indian culture and religious tradition to visitors looking to experience the real India.

History of Diwali

Diwali is an occasion celebrated with joy and enthusiasm by Indians all over the world. The festivity is a much-awaited event in India because of the colorful diyas, fireworks, exchange gifts, rangoli and sweet treats. Keep in mind that each day of the festival has its own significance, making the festival even more a joyous occasion for both locals and foreign tourists.

You see, the first day of Diwali begins with Dhanteras or Dhan Trayodashi wherein Indians worship and celebrate the day in honor of Goddess Lakshmi. The first day is considered as auspicious day, so they also renovate homes as well as purchase silver utensils to bring luck. The second day is called Narak Chaturdashi, and on this, day people take a bath before sunrise. The second day is also the time when homes filled with diyas, and there were fireworks to set the mood for the Diwali festival.

The third day is called the Badi Diwali, the main day, and wherein much of the Diwali tradition is held like the Lakshmi Puja worship. In fact, even the Jains consider the day important because they believe Lord Mahavir attained eternal bliss on the third day. So, people who can afford to celebrate in style would wear new clothes, share sweets and gifts with relatives and friends. There are also crackers and fireworks on this day while homes still illuminated with candles and diyas.

The fourth day of Diwali is in honor of Lord Govardhan Pooja, on this day the deities adorned with precious ornaments and clothes after bathed in milk. The people also offer a variety of delicacies made specially for them the deities. The fifth day is the time of honoring brother and sister relationship, this day is called the Bhai Dooj wherein brothers visit their sisters bringing sweet treats and gifts while their sister served variety of delicacies. Take note, brothers visit their sisters on the last day of the Diwali festival to be blessed with wealth and health.

During the 5 day festival, most Hindus offer prayers to their favorite deity such as Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Mother Kali, Govardhan Parvat, etc, so the festivity is not just about exchange of gifts, greetings, sweets and firecrackers but also offering prayers and thanksgiving.

In case you are wondering if Hindus are the only ones celebrating Diwali, the answer is no. You see, the Sikh and Jain religion also celebrate Diwali, but for them the festival is in honor of a certain prophet and guru. In the Sikh community, the Diwali festival is special because they honor and welcome the return of Guru Har Govind ji from captivity while the Jain community celebrates the festival of lights to remember Lord Mahavira.

Diwali Rangoli Designs

Rangoli is an art, a drawing on the floor usually at the doorstep. Rangoli is one of the beautiful arts in India as the combination of colors, lights and designs can create a masterpiece. Most Indians decorate their homes with rangoli to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi.

For more rangoli design ideas, please check out my post Rangoli designs .

Diwali Games

Diwali can be more fun and memorable for the kids when you include cool Diwali games to your planned activity. Games such as Diwali crackers competition, musical choirs, Diya lighting competition and many more can make your celebration fun and unforgettable for everyone.

Diwali Crackers

In India, crackers are used to ward off evil as lights symbolizes honesty or purity, so firecrackers can certainly keep the bad or evil off and welcome luck, probably why they are major items in Indian houses during Diwali festival. Come to think of it! Children and adults wait the time when the sky fills with lights, thanks to the beautiful display of fireworks.

Diwali Decoration Ideas

Decorating the homes during Diwali is another custom practiced by Indians after cleaning their homes. The most popular Diwali decorations are diyas, rangoli, lanterns, and newly painted idols.

Diwali Diyas

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Diya is an oil lamp, made of clay. You can buy a clay diyas, temporarily used as special lighting for the occasion or the brass type. The brass diya used when you want to make diya a permanent fixture in the temple or home. The diya has wicks dipped in oil, so the light stays longer.

Diwali Lanterns

Colorful paper lanterns or kandils are popular Diwali decoration for homes and business establishment. You can make your own Diwali lanterns or buy readymade lanterns, the choice is yours, but whatever you decide make sure you pick one that could make your home beautiful.

When Is Diwali

This year, Diwali falls on the third day of November. So, you can start planning your trip to India as early as now.

Diwali is a much awaited festival by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, even christians visiting India because of the colorful celebration of Indians. And if you are planning to visit India this year, it is best to go during the month of Diwali festival, to better appreciate the Indians culture and religions.

I hope my article about Diwali festival has helped you get a clearer understanding of  this Hindu festival. Anyway, thanks for dropping by and reading my post.