All About Diwali

By: Manvi Panchal 

Colloquially known as the “festival of lights”, it is generally a five-day celebration wherein families get together, friends indulge in merry-making, light lamps and diyas as well as gorge on sweet delicacies.  This festival is celebrated on Amavasya or ‘no moon’ day and heralds the dawn of a New Year according to the Hindu calendar. It also foretells of fresh beginnings as we open new check books and diaries as well as clean our homes. Whoever said that after every dark night, comes a new dawn was surely right on the money!

As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies different things to people of different religions, across the country and is celebrated in a unique manner. opt for taking an expedition to the charming lands of North India or egregious locales of the South, as they welcome this divine festival. North India celebrates Diwali as Lord Rama’s homecoming to Ayodhya after defeating the Rakshasa King of Lanka, Ravana. To experience an extraordinary Diwali, A Bhopali is well aware to go find themselves in Chowk and eat the tasteful Diwali Sweets and witness the colourful decorations found there.

On the other hand, Western India celebrates this festival for over a fortnight and honours Goddess Lakshmi, harbinger of wealth. States like Maharashtra and Gujarat welcome tourists with their authentic traditional flavour and legendary spirit.  Bengal and East India go a different way, as Diwali is associated with Goddess Kali and diyas are lit to commemorate the souls of departed ancestors. Typically, Southern India celebrates the festival of lights for three days with festive exuberance, eclectic garbs and a mellifluous tone.

However, Diwali is not just about burning candles, fireworks and gambling but also rediscovering your inner peace. Hang lanterns this Diwali keeping in mind that they signify God’s grace and bathe your home in such luminescence that there is no place for any darkness. Make this holiday truly momentous and savor the differing tastes and cultures of India. May this festival of lights bring you peace, prosperity, success, health and great happiness! Happy Diwali