Millions of Hindus in India and around the world celebrate the festival of lights, Diwali, with great enthusiasm and exchange gifts, share good food and burn crackers. The atmosphere at the time of this festival is very cool and pleasant as it starts after the monsoon ends. People wear new clothes and clean their houses to prepare for the festive rituals. Whitewashing and decorations are done in the houses. All the buildings are decorated with colorful lights. The rituals continue for five days. The days are namely Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. There are many different and unique traditions that are practiced in specific areas of India.
Here, we have listed the top ways as to how Hindus celebrate Diwali.
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Housekeeping
Housekeeping is done by people from all around the country. It is especially practiced by the people of North India. Deep cleaning of the house is done which also includes those jammed top shelves which have not been cleaned since the last year. Dusting, renovation, and whitewashing, every possible thing is done to clean up the entire house.
Lighting the way for Rama
The citizens of Ayodhya decorated their houses and lit up candles and clay diyas to welcome Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman from their 14 years of exile. This is the story all of us have heard since our childhood. Now these days, people decorate their houses with fairy lights of various colors that cast a warm hue on the streets and keep twinkling in the night. Houses draped in curtains of lights come alive with anticipation and excitement for the upcoming festivities.
Welcoming Goddess Lakshmi
Lakshmi Puja is done to welcome Goddess Lakshmi in eastern, northern and other parts of India. It is also a famous belief that if you keep the door of your house open during the Diwali night, Goddess Lakshmi comes to your house and gives blessings to you. In a glass of milk, a silver coin is placed and then the milk is sprinkled for good luck all around the house.
Making use of the auspicious time
In Gujarat, the day after Diwali is considered as a new year. In order to celebrate, they prepare mouth-watering dishes such as dhoklas, khandvis, khakhras etc. Rangolis are made at the doorstep. This time is considered to be the most auspicious time to invest in business ventures and real estates.
Prosperous rituals of the Diwali night
In the northern parts of India, diyas are lit in and around the house. Also, a diya is left burning for the entire night with ghee covered with another. The black residue of the diya is then collected and applied as kohl by the womenfolk to bring prosperity to their families’ lives.
Prayer offerings to Satyabhama
It is a famous ritual of Goa, Andhra Pradesh and other parts of South India. Lord Hari is offered prayers in Andhra Pradesh along with a Harikatha recitation. It is believed that Satyabhama aided in the death of Narakasura, the demon. In Goa, on Naraka Chaturdashi, people burn elaborate paper dummies of Narakasura preceded by fireworks, dance and music performances.
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Celebrating motherhood
This ritual is practiced in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Southern India. In Maharashtra, a cow and its calves are revered, to begin with, the festive rituals in order to celebrate the motherhood’s pure bond. Bathing in essential oils which are scented and then visiting the temple is a famous ritual of these regions.
Hence, we have concluded the points as to how Diwali is celebrated by Hindus in India. Whatever may be the way and no matter how different it is from one state to another, all the traditions and rituals are performed with a pure heart and extreme devotion for the long-awaited festival. It is truly an unforgettable experience. So, brace yourself for the upcoming festive days. Happy Diwali in advance!
