One of the most significant festivals in Indian culture, Diwali, the festival of lights, sees millions attend firework displays, prayers, and celebratory events across the world every autumn. The festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains for a variety of reasons, although the central theme which runs throughout is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. To celebrate, houses are decorated with candles, and colourful lights and huge firework displays are held while families feast and share gifts. How Diwali is celebrated in India depends mainly on the region where it is observed. It is not only celebrated within India but in most countries where Hindus celebrate the world over, especially in Asia. The significance of the Diwali Celebrations in India is different based on the region. However, the celebrations of fireworks at night, lighting Diya in and outside houses, drawing and decorating outside the gate, puja, and rituals, are most common.
There are vast preparation for Diwali, shopping for Diwali, exchanging sweets or gifts, wishing each other and sharing love, etc. Homes are illumined with Diya, deepam, or earthen lamps. The smell of sweets getting prepared and fresh flowers come from almost all homes during Diwali. People clean their houses thoroughly before decorations. These are the first celebrations at the homes of people in India, which you can see if you visit any of these destinations in India.
The streets are filled with children and families playing with fireworks – bursting crackers, ladies, special candles, etc. As the evening comes, the streets are filled with the noise of the loud crackers burst by kids in the neighborhood. When it gets dark, the entire family or the members of the family come out and light various types of fireworks, some which make sound and some which do not. It is a sight that nobody can describe. You have to come to see and experience this Diwali celebration in India.
Five Days Of Diwali celebrate:
- The First Day :(Dhanteras) marks the beginning of the end of a 14-day dark period. On this day, the Lord Dhanvantari’s rises from the Ocean with Ayurvedic (medicine) for humankind. This day starts the festival of lights.
- The Second Day: ( Narak Chaturdasi) celebrates Lord Krishna’s defeat of a demon named Narakasura. The devil asks Lord Krishna for forgiveness, and Krishna grants it. This day has been dedicated to the belief that even the worst of us can change and deserve sympathy. It is also celebrated as the day Lord Krishna freed the world from fear.
- The Third Day: (Lakshmi Puja) is the primary celebration day of Diwali. On this day, the Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean bringing with her wealth and prosperity for the world. People responded by honoring and praising Lakshmi, and this practice continues today.
- The Fourth Day (Padwa and Goverdhan Puja ) is a day for the prayer known as Goverdhan Puja (pooja) – an extensive offering of food. Some celebrate this day in honor of Lord Krishna’s protection of the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rain caused by Indra (the god of rain and storms).
- The Fifth Day (Bhai Duj) celebrates the love and affection between brothers and sisters. It reinstates the bother’s duty to protect and value his sister and the sister’s reciprocated affection. On this day, a great feast is shared between brothers and sisters