Diwali Traditions and customs

As India is a land of diversities, celebrations of Diwali has a variety of manifestations. The traditions and customs of Diwali in various regions of India are different. However, in all places the festive spirit can be seen way before the auspicious occasion. Yet the intensity of the spirit varies on particular days in particular regions.

The hoopla of Diwali commences with Dhanteras., a day completely devoted to offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. The occasion of Dhanteras is considered to be auspicious for buying gold, silver and even household items like utensils. People all across the India celebrate the day with equal enthusiasm.

• Traditions Of Diwali Lightings
• Traditions Of Diwali Rangoli
• Traditions Of Diwali Fireworks
• Traditions Of Exchanging Gifts
• Traditions Of Playing Cards
• Money games at diwali
  

The second day of Diwali, Goddess Kali is worshiped to drive away the deadly sins like laziness and evil thoughts. It is also the Naraka Chaturdasi, which commemorates the killing of Narakasura at the hands of Lord Krishna. In South India it is the actual day of Diwali merrymaking. For Gujaratis, it is the day to perform Kali Puja.

On the third day, people are engrossed in decorating their homes with lights, flowers, ribbons and Rangolis. Every house is shining bright. It is the day when people of Hindu community are rejoicing and celebrating Diwali. People of Hindu community across the globe are immersed in jollification on this day.

Celebrations and merrymaking does not stop with the festival of Diwali gone. The fourth day is the day dedicated to great Lord Krishna. Govardhan Puja is performed, which is also known as Annakut. Mythologically, on this day in Dwaapar Yuga, Lord Krishna defeated Indra and lifted Govardhan Mountain on his little finger. It is a special event for the ardent devotees of Lord krishna.

The Diwali celebrations end with the pious occasion of Bhaidooj. A day equivalent to Raksha Bandhan, it commemorates the brother-sister relationship. Girls perform their Brother's Arti and anoint a Tika on their forehead. This festival is of great importance for the people belonging to North Indian region.

Coming back to Diwali, we find that lamps constitute an integral part of the festival. The glowing diyas are the epitome of knowledge and encourages concentration towards our goal in life. Diwali also signifies the end of the old financial year for the Businesspersons. They open new ledger books and worship Goddess Lakshmi to bless them with prosperity and luck that will boost their business.

During the festival of Diwali every person is in a jolly spirit. On the community level people organize fests and fairs. Be it a child or an adult, everyone wears new clothes, people exchange gifts with their loved ones. After Diwali Puja performed within the fixed Muhurat, all indulge in bursting firecrackers. There is an aura of happiness all over and no place is left unlit. Keeping aside the differences in terms of caste, creed, religion all Indians and people of Indian origin enjoy it.