|
| Dgreetings » Gifts to India » Diwali Gifts » Festivals of Lights |
|
| The delight of Diwali is reflected in the soft glow of the Diwali diyas, the colorful Diwali fireworks and the happy Diwali gifts. Whether you are sending gifts to India or around the world, there is a wide range to select from. So pick from traditional gifts, goddess gifts, and card gifts and make this festival of lights wonderful in each and every way possible. |
|
|
|
Festivals of Lights
Diwali or Deepavali is perhaps the most well known of the Indian festivals: it is celebrated throughout India, as well as in Indian communities throughout the diaspora, in the moths of October/ November on no moon night. It usually takes place eighteen days after Dussehra. It is colloquially known as the "festival of lights", for the common practice is to light small oil lamps (called diyas) |
and place them around the home, in courtyards, verandahs, and gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls. In urban areas, candles are substituted for diyas; and among the nouveau riche, neon lights are made to substitute for candles. The exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks invariably accompany the celebration of the festival. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country. In north India, Diwali celebrates Lord Ram’s homecoming, that is his return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king; in Gujarat, the festival honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; and in Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali. Everywhere, it signifies the renewal of life, and accordingly it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival; similarly, it heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season.
Significance Of Festival of Lights
‘The festival of lights’ is celebrated with much enthusiasm and zeal in all of north India. In fact the festival of Diwali is regarded to bring the supernatural joy and brightness in a person’s life with the hope of discovering light amidst darkness, achieving happiness in place of ignorance and spreading love amidst hatred and violence. The tradition of lighting the diyas on Diwali holds much importance as in Hindu mythology the light signifies goodness and vitality. In cities candles and classy neon lights often substitute these diyas.
The word "Diwali" is the corruption of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali" - Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row. It means a row of lights and indeed illumination forms its main attraction. Every home, the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich is lit with the orange glow of twinkling diyas-small earthen lamps to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Multi-colored Rangoli designs, floral decorations and fireworks lend grandeur to this festival which heralds joy, mirth and happiness in the ensuring year.
Diwali is the festival of Laxmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi visits everyone during Diwali and brings peace and prosperity to all. On the night of Diwali "Lakshmi-Pooja". A traditional Puja is performed after sunset in all the homes. Five pieces of ghee diyas (lamps) are lit in front of the deities, Naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess and devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung.
|
|
|
|
