The Festival of Illumination has always been an awaited festival for the people staying in the most culturally vibrant state of India. Diwali is also known as Deepavali or Dipavali. People around the northern part of the state wait with an enthusiast to celebrate this festival of lights.
The season of autumn brings this festival along with it. Every night on this day, people light their houses with numerous earthen lamps. They decorate their houses and even burn firecrackers to make them more enjoyable. Indian Kitchen has never failed to mark each festival with traditional sweets.
What is Diwali?
This festival has always been believed to mark the end of evil. Deepavali itself has defined the festival in a very elegant way. Deep means light and avail means row. Thus the festival is characterized by the lighting of earthen lamps.
People do believe that on this day Lord Ram returns to his home after a leap of fourteen years. On his return to his kingdom, the people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting earthen lamps. Thus the lighting of lamps starts with this legend. This is the way how it started.
This festival marks the beginning of the New Year for the Hindus. No one wants to stay alone at this festival. A perfect festival which brings family members together for a meal. Some of them do purchase new clothes for themselves. When it is a festive time, the Indian kitchen takes care of each one of us. One can see a gourmet delicacy prepared by Homemakers. Food is something which boosts each one of us with energy. The impact of good delicious food is enormous and undeniable
People burn firecrackers and make a fresh start. The city remains to lighten with colorful variant lights People do lighten with ghee or oil earthen lamps.
When is the Diwali Festival in 2024
List of Diwali Festival 2024 Important Dates
- Day 1 – Dhanteras (Tuesday, 29 October)
- Day 2 – Choti Diwali (Thursday, 31 October)
- Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja (Main day) (Friday, 01 November)Â
- Day 4 – Govardhan Puja (Saturday, 02 November)
- Day 5 – Bhai Dooj (Sunday, 03 November)
Why do people celebrate this festival?
This festival generally falls either in late October or the earliest of November. It generally falls on the 15th day of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar. Thus it falls on different days each year.
The festival is generally celebrated for four days. Each day has its significance and tales it.
The first day of this festival has its story linked with Lord Krishna. On this Naraka Chaturdasi, the demon Naraka was defeated by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.
The second day of this festival falls in Amavasya. This day is special for the devotee to offer their prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that to this day she listens to her devotees and tries to fulfill their wishes.
The third day has its tale. Bali returns to earth and lights lamps removes darkness and spreads love and happiness everywhere.
On the last day, sisters invite their brothers to their place. This is also known as Bhai Dooj.
However, some people do believe that they should include one more day. Dhanteras which means wealth. This day tends to fall two days before the festival of lights. This day has its link to Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati on this day played dice with Shiva.
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Where to celebrate this festival?
At this festive time, if you are in India, you can plan to head to any of the major places. This festival has been celebrated differently across the country. But, some of the places have always been known for their uniqueness these days.
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Jaipur– Explore the streets and markets
Pink city is one of the best places to enjoy this festival. All you will get to see are oil lamps all around the homes. The gorgeous palace is decorated with lamps and as well as the local markets also amaze each one with their spectacular visualization.
The city organizes a competition for the best decorated and glamorous market. Don’t forget to visit Johari Bazar which has been known as the Las Vegas strip.
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Varanasi
The small city is located on the bank of the mighty river Ganga. Diwali makes the city more spectacular to watch. Thousands of Earthen lamps float along the River Ganga. Varanasi organizes a special aarti which is performed at this auspicious festival.
Well, this city is famous for its Dev Diwali which falls immediately after 15 days after Diwali. It is believed that this is the time when God wakes up. People are seen celebrating.
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Amritsar
Sikhs have their reason to celebrate this festival. Amritsar also amazingly celebrates this festival. Guru Hargobind Singh returns on this auspicious day to Amritsar. The sacred Golden Temple was founded on this festival. The entire temple is lit up and the edge of the lake is devoted to visiting from all around light up oil lamps and candles.
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Goa
Diwali marks the defeat of the demon Narakasura. According to history, Narkasur ruled in Goa. During this festival, competitions are organized to watch out for who can make the scariest sculpture of a demon. People in a parade walk through the streets along with the sculpture of a demon. These sculptures are burnt, to mark the celebration of the festival.
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Tips for this Diwali
Each one of us wants to celebrate festivals without any consequences. No one wants their long-awaits to end with sorrow. Here are some of the ways to avoid any accidents.
- Get crackers from a licensed shop. Don’t miss out on your footwear while you burn such crackers.
- Don’t allow the small kids to go alone.
- People these days are very much concerned with their weight and intake of high sugar. Thus eat in a small spoon the dishes which are served to stay healthy and not a single inch of add of the waistline.
- Before burning crackers once check the area.
- People with ear problems should get earplugs for them.
- Exchanging gifts has always been a must. So time to give a small token of gift to your dear one.
- This festival is all about fun and forgiveness. Forget all your problems and rejoice and stay happy
Unique ways to celebrate this festival
This celebration has always been celebrated traditionally. This year let’s go offbeat.
Making Rangoli
To make your Diwali more special let us go with colors. This festive is all about creativity. Add on colors and petals of the discarded flowers and make a design of your own. Well, you can also go for opting for kitchen ingredients. Turmeric or tea can also be used as an alternative for filling up the design made.
Recycle last year‘s left out
Each year buying fresh supplies for your house is just a waste. Make colorful decorations for your home. One can go for old sarees or dupattas stitching them together to put into a pillow. Clean up Agarbati and Diyas stands and candle stands. Do store light bulbs and check them once before you hit the market.
Say No to crackers
Time to think about our environment, which is deteriorating day by day. We can leave out the bombs which produce huge sounds. These sounds affect animals nearby. They shiver each time.
Gift
A gift is a small token of love for each one of us. A perfect day to exchange your token of love for your dear one. Each one, in the present era, wants to stay fit. Replacing things with something organic is what everyone would love. A packet of green tea with a ceramic mug can be a perfect gift. One can also plan to gift a thing of unique handmade craft items for home decor lovers.
Preparing sweets at your home
Diwali is always exciting. Each house is loaded with several dishes. A sweet tooth cannot resist itself without consuming a large number of sweets. As a result after the end of the festive, we get to see that there is an increase in your waistline.
So it is now heavy time to ditch those greasy and oily sweets. This Diwali lets us stay healthy and replace our items.
One can replace sugar with date syrup. One can use coconut flour and soya milk instead of dairy products.
Uniquely celebrate these days so that your years remain exciting. Plan out something interesting and happening. Light music, good food, and some fun making are all about how you can end up at this festival.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. When is Diwali in 2024?
Diwali in 2024 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 1st.
2. Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, as per Hindu mythology.
3. What are the main days of the Diwali festival?
The main days include:
Dhanteras: Celebrating wealth and health.
Naraka Chaturdashi: Symbolizing the removal of evil.
Lakshmi Puja: Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.
Govardhan Puja: Honoring Lord Krishna’s protection.
Bhai Dooj: Celebrating the sibling bond.
4. Where is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated all over India and by Indian communities worldwide, especially in countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and the USA.
5. What is the main attraction of Diwali?
The main attractions are the lighting of lamps and candles, elaborate rangoli designs, fireworks, and special Diwali sweets and treats.
6. How do people decorate their homes for Diwali?
People use oil lamps (diyas), string lights, rangoli designs, flowers, and colorful decorations to brighten their homes.
7. Why do people light lamps on Diwali?
Lighting lamps symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and hope over despair.
8. What are some traditional foods for Diwali?
Popular foods include sweets like ladoos, barfis, jalebis, and savory snacks like samosas and kachoris.
9. What prayers or rituals are performed during Diwali?
On Diwali, people pray to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, along with rituals to honor Lord Ganesha and family deities.
10. Can Diwali be celebrated with eco-friendly practices?
Yes, people can celebrate with eco-friendly decorations, LED lights instead of firecrackers, and natural rangoli colors to reduce environmental impact.
11. What gifts do people exchange on Diwali?
Gifts include sweets, dry fruits, decorations, and clothing. Some people also gift gadgets or home items as symbols of goodwill.
12. How do children celebrate Diwali?
Children enjoy lighting sparklers, creating rangoli, and participating in family prayers and feasts.
13. Are there any major Diwali events in India?
Yes, cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Varanasi host grand Diwali events with fireworks, river ceremonies, and light shows.
14. What’s the significance of rangoli on Diwali?
Rangoli designs at the entrance of homes welcome guests and spread positive energy during the Diwali season.
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