Diwali has always been the most glamorized festival of India. The celebrations of Diwali year by year grow in a more grand way than the last one. As per mentioned in Ramayana, at the time of Lord Rama’s return, the entire kingdom of Ayodhya danced with mirth. This happiness was flaunted with the gala decorations all around.
People, dedicatedly, adorned their houses as well as pathways with various auspicious items like Swastika, Torans, flowers, idols of Gods & Goddesses, Diyas and many more things. These decorations were in order to give a warm welcome to Lord Rama, Sita & Lakshmana as they were returning back to their kingdom after a grueling period of fourteen years of the exile.
There is one more reason of Diwali decorations being an integral part of Diwali celebrations is that it is a strong belief of Hindus that on the auspicious day of Diwali Goddess Lakshmi visits every house. Thus, all decorate their house according to their financial status.
Diwali decorations are three dimensional. With this, I mean that there is a lot to do during the festive season of Diwali that one can get confuse of where to start from. Usually, people renovate their house by white washing it. This is also the best time to decorate one's house in a new style altogether. You can also give your interior a new look. Traditional decorations go well with the mood of Diwali. Placing the idols of Lord Ganesha & Goddess Lakshmi will not only set the theme of the festivity but will bring positive vibes to your dwelling place.
Floral decorations also provides a very soothing effect to the aura. Market offers flora torans and long floral strings that you can hang decoratively outside as well as inside the house. Original flowers may not survive for long but the same adorning material comes in artificial version too.
Diwali decarations seem to have no meaning without lights. Lights of myriad shapes and sizes highlight the other decorations. The charisma of lights can be seen all over around Diwali. No street could be found unlit. Even the backyards are also full of Diyas to drive away any kind of darkness. Blinking bulbs and scintillating candles look magnificent & absolutely bewitching.
Rangolis again are an integral part of Diwali Decorations. These are either drawn with dry colors or painted on the floor, usually on the entry of the house. You can make Rangoli on your own. It is a Diwali activity loved specially by women & children.
These decorations are not limited to houses only, but marketplaces too are beautified with prismatic colored ribbons, flashy hanging stripes, lightings etc. Diwali Mela too are decorated the same way, where beautiful stalls add to the festivity.
After all decorations are over and done, it is the time to adorn yourself with new cloths and accessories. This gives feeling of happiness and put everyone into a celebration mode. So, decorate yourself as well as the surroundings to make Diwali a memorable and mesmerizing one.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Diwali Home Decorations
Everyone is very particular about one's dwelling place. It is actually an extension of one's own self. When its the festival of Diwali family members get extra keen to decorate their home with beautiful items that would add charm to their celebrations. Home decorative items are in great demand when the festival of Diwali is round the corner.
Usually, people choose the time around the season of Diwali to get their homes white washed. The houses are graced up with gorgeous decorative items. It can be anything from religious decorative items, traditional ones to contemporary Antics. So that amidst so much of gaiety and fervor, you do not miss out anything important, we provide with the tips that you should keep in mind while beautifying your house. Diwali Home Decoration ideas
Usually, people choose the time around the season of Diwali to get their homes white washed. The houses are graced up with gorgeous decorative items. It can be anything from religious decorative items, traditional ones to contemporary Antics. So that amidst so much of gaiety and fervor, you do not miss out anything important, we provide with the tips that you should keep in mind while beautifying your house. Diwali Home Decoration ideas
- After your house gets a new look by white wash, you should decorate the surroundings with things that give a festive feel to it. Place idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi and use lot of flowers in your decorations.
- Using vibrant colors like yellow, red, maroon, blue, orange, green give the aura more ethnic look. Use a lot of them with wall hangings, curtains and carpets. Your guests would find it warm and welcoming too.
- Light up your temple with diyas and candles. Incensed sticks or aromatic candles with different fragrance will enliven the atmosphere with divinity.
- Adorn your entrance with Rangoli on the floor and toran on the door. There are torans of original flowers as well as those made of artificial ones. You can take your pick.
- In a large open mouth vessel of brass, copper or even that of any other metal, fill water and put flower and let the small light weighted candles float in them. This will add a touch of serenity to your festivities.
- Make use of traditional decorative items as much as possible. This will not only set mood for the upcoming festival but would bring you more close to your culture. Hang wooden jharokhas, wall carpets with pastoral scenery, ethnic glass paintings etc.
Diwali Outdoor Decorations
During the festival of Diwali the surroundings are decorated from every nook and corner. It becomes as important to decorate the outside of the house as it is to beautify the interior of it. After all, it is the outside that attracts initially. We provide you with some great tips to adorn the exterior of your house that people are awestruck. The most important part of outdoor decoration is lighting. Candles and Diyas stop glowing after a certain period of time and it is expensive as well as difficult to replace them again and again.
Thus, it is better to brighten up the outside of your house with electric lights. Moreover, you won't have to stick to same old string of big and bulky bulbs. Lights too have been glamorized. They come in sundry patterns and designs. In order to cover the entire house you can use out of rope lights, string lights, net of lights etc. In the middle you can also stick an lighted star, Aum or Swastika. These lights come in affordable prices and are very convenient to use.
Rangoli is another important activity during Diwali. People give warm welcome to their guests by either painting a Rangoli or making it with dry colors. At times, people use household items like rice, pulses etc to make Rangoli. Otherwise, abir of different colors is used to make exquisite designs. Rangolis can be made in various geometrical designs, religious themes, ornamental designs etc. Invoke your creative muses and make innovative Rangoli designs. Torans are a must to be placed outside the door of any house, especially during the festival of Diwali. They are auspicious and add elegance to the entry point of the house. The door is accentuated with a toran on the top a Rangoli design on the floor.
If you have a garden at the front of your home, you can decorate it by tying string lights around the trees and plants. Make use of the space to organize a small get together for your loved ones. Place idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, which would append a divine vibes to your celebrations. So, decorate the outdoor of your house and celebrate Diwali among the glittering and beautiful surroundings
Thus, it is better to brighten up the outside of your house with electric lights. Moreover, you won't have to stick to same old string of big and bulky bulbs. Lights too have been glamorized. They come in sundry patterns and designs. In order to cover the entire house you can use out of rope lights, string lights, net of lights etc. In the middle you can also stick an lighted star, Aum or Swastika. These lights come in affordable prices and are very convenient to use.
Rangoli is another important activity during Diwali. People give warm welcome to their guests by either painting a Rangoli or making it with dry colors. At times, people use household items like rice, pulses etc to make Rangoli. Otherwise, abir of different colors is used to make exquisite designs. Rangolis can be made in various geometrical designs, religious themes, ornamental designs etc. Invoke your creative muses and make innovative Rangoli designs. Torans are a must to be placed outside the door of any house, especially during the festival of Diwali. They are auspicious and add elegance to the entry point of the house. The door is accentuated with a toran on the top a Rangoli design on the floor.
If you have a garden at the front of your home, you can decorate it by tying string lights around the trees and plants. Make use of the space to organize a small get together for your loved ones. Place idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, which would append a divine vibes to your celebrations. So, decorate the outdoor of your house and celebrate Diwali among the glittering and beautiful surroundings
Diwali Light Decorations
Diwali is known as "the festival of lights" since thousands of lamps and candles adorn the Amavasya, the fifteenth night of Karthika. The other name for Diwali is Deepavali,which means the row of lighted lamps. So, the element of light exist in the very essence of this beautiful festival. Burning of these diyas in houses indicates towards the happiness & prosperity the occasion of Diwali bring along.
The custom of lighting diyas can be heard in Hindi folklores. Traditionally, clay lamps with cotton strands imbued in it are lit around the fencing of the house as well as inside it. Also, clay made handis were also used to give a nice effect to the diyas. Earlier, these were the only sources for making the nights on and around Diwali all the mesmerizing.
Contemporary time offer a lot many sources than Diyas only. There are electric lights used to decorate the exterior of your house. For the interiors, you can go for flashy chandeliers that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For Diwali, specially, you can choose electric lamps with images of deities on it or look for lights entirely in the shape of a deity or a religious symbol. These would lend a religious air to your house. You can also lit your rooms with floating candles. Diwali lanterns or lamps is another amazing decorative item that you can hang in your room.
Coming back to the decorations of the exterior of your house. One can choose from a wide variety of lights available in the market. You can decorate the fencing as well as the plants and trees outside your house with rope lights, string lights, net etc render a fascinating look to the outdoor of your house.
Candles are yet another beautiful part of Diwali light decorations. These come in various shapes, colors and in sizes. You can have aromatic candles that would make the aura heavenly with their bewitching smell. Floating candles, big candles, flower shaped candles etc can be used to make your Diwali extraordinary.
Make the atmosphere scintillating as you decorate your surroundings with exquisite lights. After all the festival of Diwali is all about glittering lights in the darkness just as it brings the light of knowledge and purity to our soul.
The custom of lighting diyas can be heard in Hindi folklores. Traditionally, clay lamps with cotton strands imbued in it are lit around the fencing of the house as well as inside it. Also, clay made handis were also used to give a nice effect to the diyas. Earlier, these were the only sources for making the nights on and around Diwali all the mesmerizing.
Contemporary time offer a lot many sources than Diyas only. There are electric lights used to decorate the exterior of your house. For the interiors, you can go for flashy chandeliers that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For Diwali, specially, you can choose electric lamps with images of deities on it or look for lights entirely in the shape of a deity or a religious symbol. These would lend a religious air to your house. You can also lit your rooms with floating candles. Diwali lanterns or lamps is another amazing decorative item that you can hang in your room.
Coming back to the decorations of the exterior of your house. One can choose from a wide variety of lights available in the market. You can decorate the fencing as well as the plants and trees outside your house with rope lights, string lights, net etc render a fascinating look to the outdoor of your house.
Candles are yet another beautiful part of Diwali light decorations. These come in various shapes, colors and in sizes. You can have aromatic candles that would make the aura heavenly with their bewitching smell. Floating candles, big candles, flower shaped candles etc can be used to make your Diwali extraordinary.
Make the atmosphere scintillating as you decorate your surroundings with exquisite lights. After all the festival of Diwali is all about glittering lights in the darkness just as it brings the light of knowledge and purity to our soul.
Diwali Diyas and Candle Decorations
Diya represent the light of God. The diya is a traditional clay made lamp. A light is the symbol of many things like purity, truth, peace, a guide impersonified etc and all of them are the manifestations of goodness and virtue. Thus, candles are a part of every celebration. But, since Diwali is called as the festival of lights, the significance of candles is greater and becomes all the more important.
Lighting Diyas and candles is certainly a comparatively new age phenomenon than diyas, which were lit to commemorate the homecoming of Lord Rama from his fourteen years of exile. When it comes to decorating your surroundings with beautiful lights, candles make one of the attractive options. Markets offer myriad variety of candles to beautify your house with. There are Pillar Candles, clay made diyas, Gel Candles etc. We have come up with the latest trends in candle decorations that you can opt for this Diwali.
Aromatic Candles
Candles lends to the atmosphere an enticing beauty that has a very serene effect on us. Imagine the aura of a candle burning and releasing heavenly fragrance to soothe both your eyes and nose. This Diwali bring home these aromatic candles to make your celebrations savory. The aromatic candles would cost you around US $5 to US $30 depending up on the size and odor of the candle.
Designer candle
If you are a designer freak, then this is for you. Designer candles come in shapes of deities as well as religious symbols, which are best to look for while you go shopping for Diwali decorations. Jazz up your Diwali decorations for the interior of your house with these candles. You will get designer candles in any price range you want.
Floating Candles
Floating candles are small & light weighted. Place them in a big bowl along with flower petals, lit them and let then create a magical aura for you. A set of Floating candles would cost you between US $5 to US $12 approximately.
Candle Holders
Candle holders adds to the elegance of candles. You can opt from brass, copper and other metal candle holders. Glass candle holders are mostly preferred as glass spreads the glow of candle as beautifully as a prism spreads Sun rays. If your house has little naughty kids, then you should go for safety candle holders. These are Polly Resin Lamp kits, which lit up your home without any kind of fire danger.
Candles and Diwali diyas are the best you can use to decorate the inside of your home as well as the outside. So, this Diwali make your home scintillating with magical candles. Because they are one of the most loved and preferred decorative items, makes it the best gift you can present to your loved ones.
Lighting Diyas and candles is certainly a comparatively new age phenomenon than diyas, which were lit to commemorate the homecoming of Lord Rama from his fourteen years of exile. When it comes to decorating your surroundings with beautiful lights, candles make one of the attractive options. Markets offer myriad variety of candles to beautify your house with. There are Pillar Candles, clay made diyas, Gel Candles etc. We have come up with the latest trends in candle decorations that you can opt for this Diwali.
Aromatic Candles
Candles lends to the atmosphere an enticing beauty that has a very serene effect on us. Imagine the aura of a candle burning and releasing heavenly fragrance to soothe both your eyes and nose. This Diwali bring home these aromatic candles to make your celebrations savory. The aromatic candles would cost you around US $5 to US $30 depending up on the size and odor of the candle.
Designer candle
If you are a designer freak, then this is for you. Designer candles come in shapes of deities as well as religious symbols, which are best to look for while you go shopping for Diwali decorations. Jazz up your Diwali decorations for the interior of your house with these candles. You will get designer candles in any price range you want.
Floating Candles
Floating candles are small & light weighted. Place them in a big bowl along with flower petals, lit them and let then create a magical aura for you. A set of Floating candles would cost you between US $5 to US $12 approximately.
Candle Holders
Candle holders adds to the elegance of candles. You can opt from brass, copper and other metal candle holders. Glass candle holders are mostly preferred as glass spreads the glow of candle as beautifully as a prism spreads Sun rays. If your house has little naughty kids, then you should go for safety candle holders. These are Polly Resin Lamp kits, which lit up your home without any kind of fire danger.
Candles and Diwali diyas are the best you can use to decorate the inside of your home as well as the outside. So, this Diwali make your home scintillating with magical candles. Because they are one of the most loved and preferred decorative items, makes it the best gift you can present to your loved ones.
Diwali Shopping in Market
Shopping at Diwali time
Diwali is celebrated since time immemorial with equal fervor and mirth. But, contemporary times has shown a drastic change in the manner of celebrations of the festival of Diwali. As we all know that Diwali brings along wealth and prosperity for all. People pray to Goddess Lakshmi (The Goddess of wealth & prosperity) as well as Lord Ganesha to bestow their grace upon them.
This is not just a myth or a sheer belief, specially for the business community. Diwali is the booming time for the entire business community, be it a small shopkeeper or an industrialist. This is the time to end their financial year. Thus, they open new ledger books and offer prayers to them as well. They perform special prayers as per followed by the rest of the people of their community in a grand manner. They invoke blessings from the Goddess of wealth to flourish their business all the more.
Any festival in India is a good excuse to shop for sweets, gift items and even stuff for yourself and family. Thus, it gives a good economic hike to the Indian market. And when it comes to a festival like Diwali, shopping spree is on it's sway. A month before the occasion, people start buying new clothes, gifts, decorative items for their house, ingredients required for performing Puja rituals, firecrackers and many other things to make their Diwali a memorable event that they can cherish all their lives.
Companies too offer various kinds of discount on their products. This attracts a lot more people to buy stuff. Marketplaces are decorated with colorful and flashy ribbons and lights. Every shopkeeper welcomes his or her customer by decorating their shops as beautifully as possible individually. Marketplaces are flooding with people to buy one or the other item, which becomes the biggest source of income. Special fairs are being organized at a grand level, where people can enjoy with their loved ones. Not only, shopkeepers, but Film-makers too wait for Diwali to release their movies. Thus, major films of the year are generally released at this time of the year adding charm to the festivities.
Not only in India, you can find similar kinds of fairs in other countries too, which are organized by Indian residing abroad, generally. Such is the enthusiasm among people around the occasion of Diwali.
Diwali is celebrated since time immemorial with equal fervor and mirth. But, contemporary times has shown a drastic change in the manner of celebrations of the festival of Diwali. As we all know that Diwali brings along wealth and prosperity for all. People pray to Goddess Lakshmi (The Goddess of wealth & prosperity) as well as Lord Ganesha to bestow their grace upon them.
This is not just a myth or a sheer belief, specially for the business community. Diwali is the booming time for the entire business community, be it a small shopkeeper or an industrialist. This is the time to end their financial year. Thus, they open new ledger books and offer prayers to them as well. They perform special prayers as per followed by the rest of the people of their community in a grand manner. They invoke blessings from the Goddess of wealth to flourish their business all the more.
Any festival in India is a good excuse to shop for sweets, gift items and even stuff for yourself and family. Thus, it gives a good economic hike to the Indian market. And when it comes to a festival like Diwali, shopping spree is on it's sway. A month before the occasion, people start buying new clothes, gifts, decorative items for their house, ingredients required for performing Puja rituals, firecrackers and many other things to make their Diwali a memorable event that they can cherish all their lives.
Companies too offer various kinds of discount on their products. This attracts a lot more people to buy stuff. Marketplaces are decorated with colorful and flashy ribbons and lights. Every shopkeeper welcomes his or her customer by decorating their shops as beautifully as possible individually. Marketplaces are flooding with people to buy one or the other item, which becomes the biggest source of income. Special fairs are being organized at a grand level, where people can enjoy with their loved ones. Not only, shopkeepers, but Film-makers too wait for Diwali to release their movies. Thus, major films of the year are generally released at this time of the year adding charm to the festivities.
Not only in India, you can find similar kinds of fairs in other countries too, which are organized by Indian residing abroad, generally. Such is the enthusiasm among people around the occasion of Diwali.
Prayer on Diwali, Diwali Prayer, Traditional Diwali Prayers
Diwali is also considered to be the Hindu New Year. It is the occasion when the whole Hindu community is drenched in the mood of celebrations & happiness. The reason is not one but many. It is mentioned in the Pauranik Granthas that Diwali brings along a very auspicious time period of the year.
Offering prayers to Deities relevant to the festival is common to almost all Indian festivals. On the festival of Diwali, Hindus offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi & Lord Ganesha with great devotion. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits every home on Diwali and brings along peace and prosperity to all. After the Sun sets, Lakshmi Pujan is performed in all homes. The appropriate Muhurat is calculated by Pandits following Astrological rules.
Items required for performing Diwali Puja include, uncooked rice, paan leaves, camphor, kumkum, sweets, dry fruits, gold or silver coins etc. Naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the deities and then songs in praise of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are sung with great fervor. Panchamitra made up of five ingredients milk, curd, ghee, sugar & honey is also an essential item in Puja. Five Diyas are placed before the idols of the deities.
Lord Ganesha is worshiped before commencing for any kind of work. As Diwali is the New Year for Hindus, offering prayers to Lord Ganesha becomes obvious. For Ganesha Puja, Ganesha Arti is sung. The deity is offered Motichoor Laddoos and the same laddoos become prasad for the puja.
Lakshmi Pujan is another important activity of the festive day of Diwali. Petals of various freshly picked flowers, especially Lotus are placed in the feet of the Goddess. Placing silver or gold coin soaked in Panchamitra is one of the important Lakshmi Puja rituals. Again as in Ganesha Puja, Lakshmi Arti is performed while showering flowers on the idol of Lakshmi. Lakshmi Puja holds a lot of importance for the Business community in India.
All these puja ritual are then followed by exchange of gifts ceremony. The religious aura changes into a fun & frolic one. Everyone fire crackers and enjoy good food. An atmosphere of jubilation is all around. Loved ones spend moments of happiness together and create fond memories to cherish life long.
Offering prayers to Deities relevant to the festival is common to almost all Indian festivals. On the festival of Diwali, Hindus offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi & Lord Ganesha with great devotion. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits every home on Diwali and brings along peace and prosperity to all. After the Sun sets, Lakshmi Pujan is performed in all homes. The appropriate Muhurat is calculated by Pandits following Astrological rules.
Items required for performing Diwali Puja include, uncooked rice, paan leaves, camphor, kumkum, sweets, dry fruits, gold or silver coins etc. Naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the deities and then songs in praise of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are sung with great fervor. Panchamitra made up of five ingredients milk, curd, ghee, sugar & honey is also an essential item in Puja. Five Diyas are placed before the idols of the deities.
Lord Ganesha is worshiped before commencing for any kind of work. As Diwali is the New Year for Hindus, offering prayers to Lord Ganesha becomes obvious. For Ganesha Puja, Ganesha Arti is sung. The deity is offered Motichoor Laddoos and the same laddoos become prasad for the puja.
Lakshmi Pujan is another important activity of the festive day of Diwali. Petals of various freshly picked flowers, especially Lotus are placed in the feet of the Goddess. Placing silver or gold coin soaked in Panchamitra is one of the important Lakshmi Puja rituals. Again as in Ganesha Puja, Lakshmi Arti is performed while showering flowers on the idol of Lakshmi. Lakshmi Puja holds a lot of importance for the Business community in India.
All these puja ritual are then followed by exchange of gifts ceremony. The religious aura changes into a fun & frolic one. Everyone fire crackers and enjoy good food. An atmosphere of jubilation is all around. Loved ones spend moments of happiness together and create fond memories to cherish life long.
Process of Diwali Puja
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that in order to please the gods and goddess, the exact process of Diwali puja be followed. Therefore, for performing the vital and significant Diwali puja, people learn about the Diwali puja process and then go for it. Otherwise, they ask the pujariji or the Brahmin to perform the Diwali puja with correct rites and rituals. On the contrary, it is also said that if the puja process is somehow incorrect, it can cause negative effects. Hence, people are very careful regarding the worship of gods and goddesses and while performing puja.
Diwali is the most loved festivals of Hindus. It is the bringer of prosperity, wealth and good luck. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh are worshiped with great devotion and care. Generally, it is at night that the puja is performed. People assemble all the puja items and lit up rows of diyas and candles for the puja. The puja is done to remove darkness and to usher in light of hope, knowledge and devotion. So, let us learn the perfect Diwali puja process:
Diwali is the most loved festivals of Hindus. It is the bringer of prosperity, wealth and good luck. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh are worshiped with great devotion and care. Generally, it is at night that the puja is performed. People assemble all the puja items and lit up rows of diyas and candles for the puja. The puja is done to remove darkness and to usher in light of hope, knowledge and devotion. So, let us learn the perfect Diwali puja process:
- Initially, the puja room is cleaned. Then the idols of lord Ganesh and Lakshmiji is washed with water. Then, the idols are washed finally with the water of River Ganga for ultimate purification.
- Both the gods are dressed in new bejeweled clothes and placed on their 'asana'. Lord Ganesha is placed on the right side and Lakshmiji on the left.
- Then, they are offered flowers and garlands are out over them.
- The diyas are lighted and put in front of the deities. Essentially, people light five diyas and five candles also. They light incense sticks
- too. 'Panchamrit' is made from honey, milk, curd, sugar and ghee.
- Then, 'mithais' or Diwali sweets are offered coupled with some other delicacies. With this, abir, sindhoor and haldi are also poured over the deities.
- Finally, fruits and 'dakshina' or cash money is offered too.
- After this, Ganesh aarti is sung accompanied with Diwali aarti for Laskmiji. And the plate of the diyas is circled around the deities.
- Thereafter, the general Aarti called 'Om Jai Jagdish' is also sung.
- After the aarti is over, prasada is distributed among all the devotees present.
Diwali Arti and Puja Thali
Puja Thali is an integral part of performing prayer rituals among Hindus. Offering prayers is done with great dedication and devotion in all religions. Usually, this puja thali is made up of copper, brass gold, silver, or steel and consists of scared puja ingredients like rice, roli, sweets for prasad, incense sticks and sandalwood paste.
Diwali Arti is not different from usual Puja Thali. Decorating Puja Thali is one of the most interestring activities to be done on the festive day of Diwali. In the market, you will find exquisitely decorated Puja Thalis. But, making one on your own adds that extra enchantment while you invoke divine blessings for yourself and your kith and kin.
There are numerous ways in which you can decorate your Diwali Puja Thali. As we know, in all Indian festivals vibrancy of colors hold a special place in one or the other way. So, make full use of colors. Cover the Thali with cotton cloth with traditional print filled with brilliant colors . Glue tactfully, gold or silver zari (suitable to the color of the cloth you have chosen) over the edges of the Thali. Instead of a zari, you can go for ethnic designer laces, sparkles and even glitter paste. Other than cloth, you also have the option of using gift wrap paper.
Cover the same way you covered the cloth. Cloth pieces with traditional Rajasthani print look marvelous on Puja Thalis. You can also give a flashy look to your Puja Thali by embelling it with sequins. Use oil paint to make designs on a clay thali. You can make images of deities or religious symbols like swastika, aum etc too. There are endless methods of decorating Puja Thali. You just have to awaken your creative spirits to do it. Beautifully decorated Thali would make the aura more and more mirthful. Add to your festivities the colors of joy by indulging yourself into Diwali crafts.
Diwali Arti is not different from usual Puja Thali. Decorating Puja Thali is one of the most interestring activities to be done on the festive day of Diwali. In the market, you will find exquisitely decorated Puja Thalis. But, making one on your own adds that extra enchantment while you invoke divine blessings for yourself and your kith and kin.
There are numerous ways in which you can decorate your Diwali Puja Thali. As we know, in all Indian festivals vibrancy of colors hold a special place in one or the other way. So, make full use of colors. Cover the Thali with cotton cloth with traditional print filled with brilliant colors . Glue tactfully, gold or silver zari (suitable to the color of the cloth you have chosen) over the edges of the Thali. Instead of a zari, you can go for ethnic designer laces, sparkles and even glitter paste. Other than cloth, you also have the option of using gift wrap paper.
Cover the same way you covered the cloth. Cloth pieces with traditional Rajasthani print look marvelous on Puja Thalis. You can also give a flashy look to your Puja Thali by embelling it with sequins. Use oil paint to make designs on a clay thali. You can make images of deities or religious symbols like swastika, aum etc too. There are endless methods of decorating Puja Thali. You just have to awaken your creative spirits to do it. Beautifully decorated Thali would make the aura more and more mirthful. Add to your festivities the colors of joy by indulging yourself into Diwali crafts.
Lakshmi Pujan - Godess Laxmi prayer
Diwali Lakshmi puja is the major event of Diwali celebrations. Indeed, Diwali means worshiping Goddess Lakshmi. Particularly in the Northern and Western India, Lakshmi puja is performed on a large scale and with numerous rites and rituals. On the third day of the festivity i.e. on the day of Diwali Lakshmi Puja is performed in a grandeur way. Goddess Lakshmi is earnestly worshiped in every household and business establishments after sunset to increase the flush of cash in the family.
Lakshmi puja on Diwali holds a great significance. People perform the puja of the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity to earn wealth and riches of the world. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits every house during the dark night of Diwali and gives blessings of peace and prosperity only to those who light lamps and keep their house illuminated the whole night. Therefore, people light up lamps in the house in order to light the path of Goddess Lakshmi and welcome the 'Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity'.
n fact, people also keep their main doors open the whole night to get the blessings of the Lakshmi on Diwali. Cleaning and whitewashing is also an essential element of the Diwali celebrations or to perform Diwali Lakshmi puja. People believe that Goddess Lakshmi loves cleanliness and visits the cleanest house. Hence, on the day of Diwali, in some places broomstick is worshipped with haldi and kumkum i.e. turmeric and vermillion respectively.
Diwali Lakshmi puja is a combined puja of five deities:
Lord Ganesha,
Mahalakshmi-the Goddess of Wealth and Money,
Mahasaraswati-the Goddess of Books and Learning
Mahakali (Goddess of Strength, goddess of Destroyer and Preserver)
Kuber-the Treasurer of the Gods) is yet another part of Lakshmi puja on Diwali.
The history of the Diwali Lakshmi puja dates back to the event of churning of the milk ocean by gods and demons. It was believed that the Wealth goddess took refuge in this ocean and was reborn due to churning of the ocean. Thus, Diwali is a celebration to commemorate the rebirth of Goddess Lakshmi. i is regarded as the goddess of beauty, light, cleanliness, wealth and good luck. She is the daughter of Bhrigu hermit.
Lakshmi puja on Diwali holds a great significance. People perform the puja of the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity to earn wealth and riches of the world. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits every house during the dark night of Diwali and gives blessings of peace and prosperity only to those who light lamps and keep their house illuminated the whole night. Therefore, people light up lamps in the house in order to light the path of Goddess Lakshmi and welcome the 'Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity'.
n fact, people also keep their main doors open the whole night to get the blessings of the Lakshmi on Diwali. Cleaning and whitewashing is also an essential element of the Diwali celebrations or to perform Diwali Lakshmi puja. People believe that Goddess Lakshmi loves cleanliness and visits the cleanest house. Hence, on the day of Diwali, in some places broomstick is worshipped with haldi and kumkum i.e. turmeric and vermillion respectively.
Diwali Lakshmi puja is a combined puja of five deities:
Lord Ganesha,
Mahalakshmi-the Goddess of Wealth and Money,
Mahasaraswati-the Goddess of Books and Learning
Mahakali (Goddess of Strength, goddess of Destroyer and Preserver)
Kuber-the Treasurer of the Gods) is yet another part of Lakshmi puja on Diwali.
The history of the Diwali Lakshmi puja dates back to the event of churning of the milk ocean by gods and demons. It was believed that the Wealth goddess took refuge in this ocean and was reborn due to churning of the ocean. Thus, Diwali is a celebration to commemorate the rebirth of Goddess Lakshmi. i is regarded as the goddess of beauty, light, cleanliness, wealth and good luck. She is the daughter of Bhrigu hermit.
Ganesh Pujan - Prayer of Lord Ganesha
Diwali celebration calls for Diwali Ganesh puja as well as Lakshmi puja (link to Diwali Lakshmi puja). In fact, worshipping Lord Ganesh, the God of wisdom is mandatory before worshipping any other gods and goddesses. Therefore, for Diwali puja, people purchase the idol of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. Diwali Ganesh puja is a vital part of the Diwali celebrations. In fact, Diwali is essentially the festival of worshipping both Ganesh and Lakshmi. Traditionally, it has come down from Hindu mythology that Lord Ganesh shares the puja space with Goddess Lakshmi. In fact, Lord Ganesha is the most revered Indian god.
Since time immemorial we have seen that any puja or auspicious work begins with the name of Ganeshji. And it is considered auspicious The son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (God of Destruction and Restoration; Goddess of Plenty, respectively), Lord Ganesha is the elephant headed God. He is worshipped on almost all the occasions. People call Him by varied names like Ganpati, Mangal Murti, Ek Dant etc. He is the God of good luck and fortune. People believe that this God helps us overcoming our obstacles or hurdles and lead us to the path of success. Thereby, He is also known as 'Vighneswara' i.e. the end of obstacles.
On the dark night of Deepavali (link to the index page of Diwali), Ganesh puja is performed with different Diwali puja traditions and customs for success, good luck and to overcome the problems and to pray that upcoming year should be filled with happiness. For the Diwali Ganesh puja, He is placed on the right and Goddess Lakshmi is kept at the left side. Hindus believe that Ganesha should always be kept happy in order to ensure smooth accomplishments. Since, Lakshmi is the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, both are worshipped together that while Lakshmiji brings fortune, Ganeshji helps removing the obstruction. He is also the Lord of Wisdom.
Since time immemorial we have seen that any puja or auspicious work begins with the name of Ganeshji. And it is considered auspicious The son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (God of Destruction and Restoration; Goddess of Plenty, respectively), Lord Ganesha is the elephant headed God. He is worshipped on almost all the occasions. People call Him by varied names like Ganpati, Mangal Murti, Ek Dant etc. He is the God of good luck and fortune. People believe that this God helps us overcoming our obstacles or hurdles and lead us to the path of success. Thereby, He is also known as 'Vighneswara' i.e. the end of obstacles.
On the dark night of Deepavali (link to the index page of Diwali), Ganesh puja is performed with different Diwali puja traditions and customs for success, good luck and to overcome the problems and to pray that upcoming year should be filled with happiness. For the Diwali Ganesh puja, He is placed on the right and Goddess Lakshmi is kept at the left side. Hindus believe that Ganesha should always be kept happy in order to ensure smooth accomplishments. Since, Lakshmi is the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, both are worshipped together that while Lakshmiji brings fortune, Ganeshji helps removing the obstruction. He is also the Lord of Wisdom.
Govardhan - Padwa Puja
Diwali brings along the auspicious time of the year when many other festivals are celebrated too. Among the five consecutive days of Diwali celebrations, Govardhan Puja or Padwa Puja is celebrated on the fourth day. It is a day devoted to the great Lord Krishna. People sing in praise of the deity and dance in order to rejoice as Lord Krishna saved the natives of Gokul from the wrath of God Indra.
The story behind Govardhan Puja is very interesting and is full of preposterous events. In the Dwapar Yuga, Lord Krishna, who was known in Gokul to have a divine origin asked the natives to stop offering prayers to Lord Indra and present the offerings to Govardhan Parwat.
People, although reluctantly offered all food to Govardhan Parwat, which was actually eaten by little Krishna. God Indra got furious and his rage came to Gokul natives in the form of a dreadful storm. Everybody got scared for their life and asked Shri Krishna to help. He lifted the gigantic Govardhan Parwat on the tip of his tiny fingers. And the complete population of Gokul took refuge in it.
This story is one of the most amazing tales of Krishna “Bal Leela”. Watching the kid Krishna performing such a divine act, all were convinced that he is the Avatar of a God and therefore himself is a deity. Ultimately, Indra had to apologize for his deed.
On the auspicious occasion of Govardhan/Padwa Puja, the idol of Lord Krishna dressed in flashy attire and adorned with gorgeous jewelry is given milk bath. In Northern regions of India, like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, people make cow dung hillocks and worship them. A huge bhog ( food offerings to the deity ) of fifty six delicious dishes . This may contain, pulav, pickles, cooked vegetables, sweet dishes and many more. The assortment of these delicacies are called 'Annakoot'. All these are initially presented to the idol of Lord Krishna and then served among the devotees after the end of all the rituals.
After all the puja ceremonies are done people sing bhajanas in praise of Lord Krishna and dance along. The sounds of dholak, harmonium & chimta make the aura ethereal. And the worshipers are lost in it.
The story behind Govardhan Puja is very interesting and is full of preposterous events. In the Dwapar Yuga, Lord Krishna, who was known in Gokul to have a divine origin asked the natives to stop offering prayers to Lord Indra and present the offerings to Govardhan Parwat.
People, although reluctantly offered all food to Govardhan Parwat, which was actually eaten by little Krishna. God Indra got furious and his rage came to Gokul natives in the form of a dreadful storm. Everybody got scared for their life and asked Shri Krishna to help. He lifted the gigantic Govardhan Parwat on the tip of his tiny fingers. And the complete population of Gokul took refuge in it.
This story is one of the most amazing tales of Krishna “Bal Leela”. Watching the kid Krishna performing such a divine act, all were convinced that he is the Avatar of a God and therefore himself is a deity. Ultimately, Indra had to apologize for his deed.
On the auspicious occasion of Govardhan/Padwa Puja, the idol of Lord Krishna dressed in flashy attire and adorned with gorgeous jewelry is given milk bath. In Northern regions of India, like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, people make cow dung hillocks and worship them. A huge bhog ( food offerings to the deity ) of fifty six delicious dishes . This may contain, pulav, pickles, cooked vegetables, sweet dishes and many more. The assortment of these delicacies are called 'Annakoot'. All these are initially presented to the idol of Lord Krishna and then served among the devotees after the end of all the rituals.
After all the puja ceremonies are done people sing bhajanas in praise of Lord Krishna and dance along. The sounds of dholak, harmonium & chimta make the aura ethereal. And the worshipers are lost in it.
Maa Lakshmi and Ganesha Arti
Diwali aarti is the devotional song that people sing in praise of Lords and Goddesses. There are many religious songs but for Diwali celebration, special Diwali aartis are sung for in favor of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Generally, these prayers are sung after the pooja is over. There are different Diwali aartis for Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi that people sing across the nation.
In fact, there are other devotional songs too that can be sung on this religious festive occasion. These are most commonly and popularly known as 'bhajans'. While sung together by elders and children, it creates a spiritual and divine atmosphere. It fills the heart with divine spiritually. It is a traditional custom to sing Lord Ganesha's aarti before any other devotional song, as Lord Shiva blessed him that every person would name and remember him before any other God.
The most significant part of 'aartis' or 'bhajans' is that they are printed in different regional languages for people to understand and sing. There are even various CDs and cassettes on Diwali aartis that people can play or can gift. Through these prayers, we admire and praise the Almighty for His benevolence. In fact, these aartis are sung in melodious tunes during the puja and aarti. People believe that the Diwali aarti pleases the Lord and he bestows us with good fortune and good luck.
Diwali Aarti for Goddess Lakshmi
Maa Lakshmi Aarti
Jai lakshmi maataa, Maiyaa jaya lakshmi maataa
Tumako nishadina dhyaavata, Hara vishnu vidhaataa
Brahmaanii, rudraanii, kamalaa, Tuuhii hai jaga maataa
Suurya chandramaa dhyaavata, Naarada rishi gaataa
Durgaa ruupa nirantara, sukha sampati daataa
Jo koi tumako dhyaavata, riddhi siddhi dhana paataa
Tuuhii hai paataala basantii, Tuuhii shubha daataa
Karma prabhaava prakaashaka, Jaganidhi ke traataa
Jisa ghara mein tuma rahatii, saba sadaguna aataa
Kara sake koii kara le, mana nahin ghabaraataa
Tuma bina yagya na hove, Vastra na koii paataa
Khaana paana kaa vaibhava, Saba tumase hii aataa
Shubha guna mandira sundara, Kshirodadhi jaataa
Ratana chaturdasha tuma hii, Koii nahiin paataa
Aartii lakshmii jii kii, Jo koii nara gaataa
Ura aananda umanga ati, Paapa utara jaataa
Diwali Aarti for Lord Ganesha
Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Deva
Maata Jaaki Parvati Pitaa Mahadeva
Ladoowan Ka Bhog Lage Sant Karen Sevaa
Jai Ganesh Deva
Eka Dant Dayavant Chaar Bhujadhari
Maathe Par Tilak Sohe Muse Ki Sawaari
Paan Chadhe Phool Chadhe Aur Chadhe Mevaa
Jai Ganesh Deva
Andhe Ko Aankh Det Kodhin Ko Kaaya
Banjhan Ko Putra Det Nirdhan Ko Maaya
Surya Shama Sharan Aaye Safal Kijye Sevaa
Jai Ganesh Deva
In fact, there are other devotional songs too that can be sung on this religious festive occasion. These are most commonly and popularly known as 'bhajans'. While sung together by elders and children, it creates a spiritual and divine atmosphere. It fills the heart with divine spiritually. It is a traditional custom to sing Lord Ganesha's aarti before any other devotional song, as Lord Shiva blessed him that every person would name and remember him before any other God.
The most significant part of 'aartis' or 'bhajans' is that they are printed in different regional languages for people to understand and sing. There are even various CDs and cassettes on Diwali aartis that people can play or can gift. Through these prayers, we admire and praise the Almighty for His benevolence. In fact, these aartis are sung in melodious tunes during the puja and aarti. People believe that the Diwali aarti pleases the Lord and he bestows us with good fortune and good luck.
Maa Lakshmi Aarti
Jai lakshmi maataa, Maiyaa jaya lakshmi maataa
Tumako nishadina dhyaavata, Hara vishnu vidhaataa
Brahmaanii, rudraanii, kamalaa, Tuuhii hai jaga maataa
Suurya chandramaa dhyaavata, Naarada rishi gaataa
Durgaa ruupa nirantara, sukha sampati daataa
Jo koi tumako dhyaavata, riddhi siddhi dhana paataa
Tuuhii hai paataala basantii, Tuuhii shubha daataa
Karma prabhaava prakaashaka, Jaganidhi ke traataa
Jisa ghara mein tuma rahatii, saba sadaguna aataa
Kara sake koii kara le, mana nahin ghabaraataa
Tuma bina yagya na hove, Vastra na koii paataa
Khaana paana kaa vaibhava, Saba tumase hii aataa
Shubha guna mandira sundara, Kshirodadhi jaataa
Ratana chaturdasha tuma hii, Koii nahiin paataa
Aartii lakshmii jii kii, Jo koii nara gaataa
Ura aananda umanga ati, Paapa utara jaataa
Diwali Aarti for Lord Ganesha
Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Deva
Maata Jaaki Parvati Pitaa Mahadeva
Ladoowan Ka Bhog Lage Sant Karen Sevaa
Jai Ganesh Deva
Eka Dant Dayavant Chaar Bhujadhari
Maathe Par Tilak Sohe Muse Ki Sawaari
Paan Chadhe Phool Chadhe Aur Chadhe Mevaa
Jai Ganesh Deva
Andhe Ko Aankh Det Kodhin Ko Kaaya
Banjhan Ko Putra Det Nirdhan Ko Maaya
Surya Shama Sharan Aaye Safal Kijye Sevaa
Jai Ganesh Deva
Diwali Kali puja in West Bengal
Diwali Kali puja is essentially performed in the state of West Bengal in India. Performing Kali puja on Diwali is the vital part of the Diwali celebration. The significance of performing the puja of Goddess Kali on Diwali is to destroy everything evil. According to Hindu mythology, goddess Kali is known to kill demons and evil things. Indeed, she is the fearful form of Goddess Durga.
Kali puja is essentially performed on the 'Kartik Amavasya' night that's falls in October or November. Primarily Kali pooja is performed to remove all negative energies and its ego that blocks the path of divine progress. Moreover, the Goddess is also worshiped to destroy the evil in the world as well as within us. Kali puja is the powerful invocation to the ferocious goddess to ask for Her help.
According to the Hindu mythology, there is a legend behind Diwali Kali puja. The Gods and the King of God were suffering under the tyranny of two demons called Shambhu and Nishambhu. There were many wars between them and the Gods but gods failed to destroy them. As a result of which, Lord Indra had to take refuge under Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the Himalayan Mountains. They continuously invoked Goddess Durga to help them against the cruelty of these two demons. It was at this time that the Goddess of Shakti or Goddess Durga gave birth to Goddess Kali called 'Kal Bhoi Nashini' from her head. Ultimately, Goddess Kali was instrumental in killing the two monstrous demons.
Since then, many people perform Diwali Kali puja. The worship or puja of Shyama Kali ends all evils and gives new hope in life. It is believed that the Kali pujan also protects against natural catastrophes like flood, war and drought. It bestows us with ultimate happiness, health, wealth and prosperity. Indeed, Kali puja is symbol of ultimate power. Hence, many 'sadhus' and 'tantrics' perform pujas to gain supernatural powers in order to help mankind.
Kali puja is essentially performed on the 'Kartik Amavasya' night that's falls in October or November. Primarily Kali pooja is performed to remove all negative energies and its ego that blocks the path of divine progress. Moreover, the Goddess is also worshiped to destroy the evil in the world as well as within us. Kali puja is the powerful invocation to the ferocious goddess to ask for Her help.
According to the Hindu mythology, there is a legend behind Diwali Kali puja. The Gods and the King of God were suffering under the tyranny of two demons called Shambhu and Nishambhu. There were many wars between them and the Gods but gods failed to destroy them. As a result of which, Lord Indra had to take refuge under Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the Himalayan Mountains. They continuously invoked Goddess Durga to help them against the cruelty of these two demons. It was at this time that the Goddess of Shakti or Goddess Durga gave birth to Goddess Kali called 'Kal Bhoi Nashini' from her head. Ultimately, Goddess Kali was instrumental in killing the two monstrous demons.
Since then, many people perform Diwali Kali puja. The worship or puja of Shyama Kali ends all evils and gives new hope in life. It is believed that the Kali pujan also protects against natural catastrophes like flood, war and drought. It bestows us with ultimate happiness, health, wealth and prosperity. Indeed, Kali puja is symbol of ultimate power. Hence, many 'sadhus' and 'tantrics' perform pujas to gain supernatural powers in order to help mankind.
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