Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most famous and loved festivals in India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. This festival signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and it’s marked by the illumination of homes with oil lamps and colorful candles. Diwali is a time for families and communities to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional sweets.

The festival also holds religious significance for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, each celebrating it for different reasons. From lighting fireworks to creating intricate rangoli designs and decorating homes, Diwali 2023 is a vibrant and joyous occasion that brings people closer, fostering a sense of unity and festivity.

How many days is Diwali Celebrated in India?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is typically celebrated over the course of five days in India. The festival starts on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Ashwin in the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls in October or November on the Gregorian calendar. The five days of Diwali are:

1. Day 1 – Dhanteras: This day marks the beginning of Diwali. It is dedicated to wealth and prosperity, and people often buy gold or silver items.

Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): The second day is celebrated with the lighting of oil lamps and the bursting of firecrackers to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.

Day 3 – Diwali: The main day of the festival, it involves elaborate rituals, the worship of deities, and the exchange of gifts and sweets. Homes are decorated with oil lamps and candles.

Day 4 – Govardhan Puja (Annakut): This day is dedicated to Lord Krishna and commemorates the lifting of the Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect the villagers from heavy rains.

Day 5 – Bhai Dooj: The final day of Diwali celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers and apply a tika on their foreheads.

Why is Diwali Celebrated – Mythological Reason :

Diwali is celebrated for several mythological reasons, and one of the most prominent stories is associated with the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. According to this legend, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, his brother Lakshmana, and the loyal Hanuman to the kingdom of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. Here’s a summary of the mythological reason for Diwali:

1. The Exile: Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, was exiled to the forest along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. During their exile, Sita was abducted by the demon king Ravana.
2. The Battle: Lord Rama, with the help of the monkey god Hanuman and an army of monkeys, waged a fierce battle against Ravana to rescue Sita. This epic battle culminated in the victory of good over evil when Rama defeated Ravana.
3. The Return: After their victory, Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman returned to Ayodhya. The people of Ayodhya illuminated the city with oil lamps and celebrated their return with immense joy and festivity, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
4. Diwali Celebration: To this day, Diwali is celebrated to honor the return of Lord Rama and his victory, and it’s also a time to seek the blessings of the deities for happiness, prosperity, and the triumph of righteousness.

The Ramayana narrative is just one of the many mythological stories associated with Diwali, and the festival is celebrated in various ways across India and among different communities, each with its unique significance and traditions.

How Diwali is Celebrated in India?

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and a range of traditions across India. While specific customs and rituals may vary from one region or community to another, here is a general overview of how Diwali is celebrated in India:

Best Places to Visit in Diwali in India :

Also Read Top 20 Must Visit Tourist Places In India https://www.yourvacationtrip.com/top-20-must-visit-tourist-places-in-india/

1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh:
2. Amritsar, Punjab:
3. Jaipur, Rajasthan:
4. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh:
5. Kolkata, West Bengal:
6. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh:
7. Amritsar, Punjab:
8. Goa:
9. Udaipur, Rajasthan:
10. Mumbai, Maharashtra:
11. Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh:
12. Delhi:
13. Kolkata, West Bengal:
14. Goa:
15. Udaipur, Rajasthan:

What To Wear During The Diwali Celebration?

During Diwali celebrations, it’s common for people in India to wear traditional and festive clothing. The choice of attire may vary based on regional customs, personal preferences, and the nature of the specific Diwali event. Here are some clothing options for Diwali:

For Women:

1. Sari: The sari is a traditional Indian outfit and a popular choice for Diwali. It comes in various fabrics, colors, and designs, making it a versatile choice for different celebrations.
2. Lehenga Choli: A lehenga choli consists of a skirt, a matching blouse, and a dupatta (stole). It’s a glamorous and traditional option, often chosen for special Diwali gatherings.
3. Anarkali Suit: Anarkali suits are long, flowy dresses with fitted tops and flared bottoms. They are comfortable and elegant, suitable for various Diwali events.
4. Salwar Kameez: This is a comfortable three-piece outfit, consisting of a tunic-style top (kameez), trousers (salwar), and a matching or contrasting scarf (dupatta).
5. Jewelry: Accessories like bangles, necklaces, and earrings complement the outfit. Many women opt for gold or imitation jewelry to enhance their Diwali look.

For Men:

1. Kurta Pajama: A kurta pajama is a traditional outfit comprising a long tunic-style shirt (kurta) paired with straight-cut trousers (pajama). It’s a comfortable and classic choice for Diwali.
2. Sherwani: For more formal Diwali events, men may choose to wear a sherwani, a long, embroidered coat-like garment worn over a kurta and churidar or pajama.
3. Nehru Jacket: A Nehru jacket, a shorter version of the sherwani, can be paired with a kurta and churidar or trousers for a semi-formal look.
4. Jodhpuri Suit: This is a formal outfit featuring a tailored jacket (Jodhpuri) with trousers and a kurta.
5. Turban: In some regions, men may wear a turban, which can vary in style and color depending on cultural and regional preferences.

For Children:

Children often wear colorful and traditional clothing, such as miniature versions of adult outfits. Girls may wear tiny saris or lehenga cholis, while boys can be seen in kurta pajamas or sherwanis.

Remember that colors and designs may vary based on personal style and regional customs. Bright and festive colors like red, orange, pink, and gold are popular choices for Diwali attire. Additionally, wearing new clothes is considered auspicious, so many people purchase new outfits for the occasion. Ultimately, the key is to dress elegantly and in a way that makes you feel joyful and celebratory during Diwali.

Do’s and Don’t during Diwali

During Diwali, it’s essential to be mindful of certain do’s and don’t to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable celebration. Here are some key guidelines:

Do’s:

1. Light Lamps and Candles: Do light oil lamps (diyas) and candles to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
2. Worship and Prayers: Participate in prayers and religious ceremonies, seeking blessings and giving thanks.
3. Share Sweets and Gifts: Exchange sweets and gifts with family, friends, and neighbors to strengthen relationships and spread joy.
4. Decorate Your Home: Decorate your home with colorful rangoli, flowers, and traditional decorations to create a festive atmosphere.
5. Be Charitable: Extend a helping hand to those in need by giving to the less fortunate, donating to charity, or volunteering.
6. Firework Safety: If you choose to celebrate with fireworks, follow safety guidelines and use them responsibly, keeping the environment in mind.
7. Traditional Attire: Wear traditional and festive clothing to enhance the celebratory spirit.
8. Enjoy Traditional Food: Indulge in delicious Diwali sweets and special meals with family and friends.
9. Respect Others: Respect the cultural diversity of Diwali and be considerate of those who may not celebrate the festival.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid Excessive Noise: While fireworks are a part of Diwali, avoid excessive noise pollution. Opt for quieter fireworks and follow local noise ordinances.
2. Eco-friendly Celebrations: Refrain from using firecrackers and fireworks that can harm the environment and contribute to air and noise pollution.
3. Respect Animals: Fireworks can be distressing to pets and animals. Minimize their impact on animals by keeping pets indoors and not using loud fireworks near wildlife areas.
4. Fire Safety: Be cautious with open flames and oil lamps to prevent accidents and fires. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
5. Air Pollution: Limit the use of firecrackers that produce harmful pollutants and contribute to air pollution.
6. Littering: Dispose of waste and debris from fireworks properly, and avoid littering public spaces.
7. Overindulgence: While it’s a time for celebration, don’t overindulge in sweets and fatty foods. Maintain a balance for your well-being.
8. Don’t Drink and Drive: If you’re attending parties with alcohol, ensure you have a designated driver or arrange for alternative transportation to avoid drunk driving.
9. Respect Others’ Privacy: Be mindful of people who may not be celebrating Diwali or may have different traditions. Avoid unwanted intrusion or noise in their spaces.

By following these do’s and don’ts, you can enjoy a safe, respectful, and environmentally conscious Diwali celebration that honors the festival’s significance and traditions.

What We Should do in Diwali

During Diwali, there are several meaningful and enjoyable activities you can participate in to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Here’s what you should consider doing during Diwali:

1. Light Diyas and Candles: Light traditional oil lamps (diyas) and candles in and around your home to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil.
2. Offer Prayers: Take part in religious ceremonies and prayers to seek blessings from deities and express gratitude for the light in your life.
3. Decorate Your Home: Adorn your home with colorful rangoli (decorative patterns), flowers, and traditional decorations to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
4. Exchange Sweets and Gifts: Share traditional Indian sweets and exchange gifts with family, friends, and neighbors as a gesture of love and goodwill.
5. Prepare Special Meals: Indulge in delicious Diwali sweets and special meals with loved ones. Preparing and sharing festive dishes is a cherished tradition.
6. Wear Traditional Attire: Dress in traditional and festive clothing to enhance the celebratory spirit and join in the cultural celebrations.
7. Be Charitable: Extend a helping hand to those in need by donating to charity, volunteering, or engaging in acts of kindness.
8. Spend Time with Family: Diwali is a time for family gatherings, so spend quality time with loved ones, sharing stories and creating cherished memories.
9. Celebrate with Fireworks: If you choose to celebrate with fireworks, do so responsibly and follow safety guidelines. Opt for quieter fireworks and respect noise pollution limits.
10. Show Respect: Respect the cultural diversity of Diwali and be considerate of those who may not celebrate the festival. Avoid excessive noise pollution and air pollution.
11. Reflect and Renew: Use Diwali as an opportunity for introspection and renewal. Set new goals and intentions for the upcoming year.
12. Practice Gratitude: Take a moment to express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life and offer thanks for the abundance and prosperity you’ve received.

Remember that Diwali is not only about external celebrations but also an occasion for inner illumination and reflection. It’s a time to foster love, togetherness, and harmony among family, friends, and the community, while also recognizing the spiritual and cultural significance of the festival.