Diwali Celebrations in India

Diwali Celebrations in India

Amidst the sound of firecrackers and giggling of people and jillions of lamps illuminating the surroundings, Hindus across the world celebrate the festival of Diwali with full zeal and zest. It falls on the fifteenth day of Karthika month, which is a no moon night. But you wouldn't know if you happen to be in India during the Diwali season. The sky looks like a kaleidoscope filled with hues of colors coming from the firecrackers. In the year 2009, the auspicious Diwali day is going to be 9th November, Thursday.

preparations for Diwali

The preparations for the festivities of Diwali start way before the D-day. From homes to marketplaces everything looks as exquisite just as a bride beautified for her would be husband. People get their homes white washed and make them all the more attractive by decorating it with religious and traditional items, usually. Lights are placed skillfully at the exterior of the homes, which lend a festive feel to the entire surroundings. It is customary to visit the houses of friends and relatives during Diwali to present them with gifts. The tradition of exchanging gifts on the occasion of Diwali is very old. The jollifications of Diwali are not confined to a day or two, but continue for five consecutive days. The reason behind these stretched celebrations lies in the fact that the time period of the year on which Diwali is celebrated holds a special place in the hearts of followers of Sikhism, Jainism, Arya Samaj and others. While people in urban areas are involved in lots of shopping, exchanging gifts etc, people living in the rural belts of India jubilate with the welcoming spirit of the harvest season. They offer prayers to God asking for healthy productivity from their farmland.

Diwali Melas
It is not that only people of rural regions perform prayers, but performing pujas by urbanites is done with equal devotion. Temple celebrations of Diwali have their own charm. They follow standard customs and rituals of Ganesha Pujan, Lakshmi Pujan, Padwa Puja and Dhanteras Puja. After people are with Puja, they indulge in activities like bursting firecrackers, feasting and going to fests. Popularly called as 'Diwali Melas', they adorn every nook and corner of the cities in India. People participate in different programs and have a great time amidst the colorful and jolly emanations.

Significant of Diwali festival for Hindus
Not just in India, but the festival is quite loved by people outside India. People of Indian origin as well as the natives of the country are engrossed in mirth and gaiety of Diwali. Diwali might be a significant festival for Hindus only, but the message it imparts is that for the whole mankind. It encourages all to adopt the richer form of living, which will make your life heaven like.