5 Diwali Traditions Your Family Can Adopt

Deep rooted in customs and traditions, India is the mecca of celebrating the holiday of Diwali. It is celebrated every autumn and is a major Hindu holiday. The festival, which lasts for five days, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. It is also known as “The Festival of Lights.”

Throughout India, Diwali is celebrated for different reasons. In North India, it is celebrated to commemorate victory of Lord Rama over the demon King Ravana, whereas in the South, people celebrate the day to mark the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura.

Though the reasons of celebrations are different, the underlying theme and traditions remain the same. Diwali is considered the happiest holiday in Hinduism and it is given significant preparations. Your family can celebrate this beautiful holiday by participating in these exciting customs and embracing the vibrancy of Diwali.

Lighting Up Fireworks and Lamps

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As per Diwali traditions, illumination of the houses is a must to invite the goddess of good fortune into one’s home. The traditional way to do so is by lighting handmade eastern lamps. Once the prayer ceremonies dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are completed, these lamps are lit. The lamps are placed on window sills, doorways and in the darkest corners of the house.

Fireworks are the main attraction of Diwali for people of all ages. Choti Diwali is exclusive for small children to express their happiness and enjoyment, by bursting crackers. Crackers are traditionally burst to ward off the evil spirits, as it is believed that the sound scares them away. The night sky glitters with numerous sparkles of firecrackers and their sound resonates throughout the night.

Exchanging of Gifts

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With each passing year, the tradition of presenting gifts to one’s friend, relatives and acquaintances during Diwali has become more and more important. Traditionally, boxes of sweets were gifted and it was a golden opportunity for people to revive and strengthen their personal relationships. During the festival season, almost every kitchen would be filled with the aroma of baked goods and sweets such as Gulab Jamun, and Gajar Ka Halwa. While sweets are still gifted today, there are many new options with the growing market. Everything from electronic appliances to food baskets are presented to loved ones. Business associates, employees and neighbors all receive gifts.

Shopping

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The festive season is considered highly auspicious for making financial investments. The day of Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day festival, is the best day for buying gold and silver coins as well as jewelry. People also shop for various kitchenware, especially utensils made of silver and copper. The business of gold, silver and other metals peaks during this time. Throughout the five days of Diwali festivities, markets are beautifully decorated and filled to brim with latest gadgets, furniture, clothes, and the like which people buy for themselves or for gifting purposes. Other than this, people also simply prefer to buy new property and vehicles during this time of year.