Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is just around to come, and India is getting ready for a huge celebration like no other. Many people are excited to celebrate this wonderful occasion with sparkling celebrations and vibrant traditions.
As the festival time nears, it’s time to put on your best outfit, travel to busy markets, and enjoy charming home decor deals. Diwali, one of India’s most renowned festivals, is approaching and everybody is ready to celebrate with excitement, grandeur, and plenty of enthralling rituals, and pujas. Here you will know about the rituals of Diwali and celebrations.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, as mentioned in Vedic scriptures such as Padma Purana, is a five-day extravaganza celebrated after the harvest season, aligning with the Hindu calendar. The celebration begins with Dhanteras, a day believed to bring prosperity through the purchase of gold or silver jewelry. Narak Chaturdasi, on the second day, sees the illumination of 14 days to ward off evil. The third day is the main Diwali celebration with 21 diyas symbolizing light’s victory. On the fourth day, Govardhan Pooja honors Lord Krishna’s legendary act of lifting Govardhan Hill to shelter the people from heavy rain. The festivities conclude with Bhai Dooj on the fifth day.
Here are some of the places where Diwali is celebrated in different ways.
Kolkata
The new moon day in the Hindu calendar is an important occasion in Kolkata. The city honors Goddess Kali with clay statues that are made and honored all night. Food and flowers are offered to the goddess while performing prayers. If you are planning a trip to India, book Indian Eagle flights and make sure to include this place on your itinerary. So that you can make your vacation even more wonderful.
Gujarat
Diwali signifies the beginning of a new year in Gujarat, a time for new business projects and wise investment choices. The event begins two days before Dhanteras with cattle worship and meal sharing with family & friends. Goddesses Lakshmi and Kali are honored as symbols of good triumphing over evil. Govardhan Pooja, New Year, and Bhai Duj follow, all are some of the rituals of Diwali which celebrate the bond between siblings.
Varanasi
Varanasi welcomes hundreds of visitors during Dev Deepavali, which is celebrated 15 days before Diwali. On Kartik Poornima, people light diyas and put them into the river, believing that the gods bathe in the holy waters on this day. The event ends in the evening with a wonderful Ganga aarti.
Also Read: Explore Top Diwali Dishes That Brighten Up Your Celebration
Odisha
Odisha defines Diwali celebrations with colorful rangolis, sweet treats, and fireworks exhibits. Bada Badua Daka is held on the eve of this festival, during which elders are honored and prayers are offered to Goddess Kali for win over evil. Kali visarjan, or the immersion of Kali’s idol, is an outstanding ritual that ends Kali puja in Cuttack.
Punjab
Diwali is a festival that is celebrated extensively in Punjab. While Punjabi Hindus celebrate Goddess Lakshmi, the Sikh community observes it a day after Bandi Chhor Diwas, to honor Guru Hargobind’s release from prison. Traditional diyas illuminate homes, flowers, and rangoli adorn walls, and gift exchanges fill the space around them with joy. Are you looking for cheap flights to India? Search for the top travel booking websites to get the best deals and have a memorable trip.
Tamil Nadu
In South India, people celebrate Diwali a day ahead of the rest of the country. Many families choose to skip crackers and instead enjoy delicious feasts in the company of loved ones. They adorn their homes with colorful rangolis, fragrant betel leaves, sandalwood, and fresh flowers, which grace the temples.
Goa
Diwali in Goa celebrates Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura, a festival known as Naraka Chaturdashi. People set fire to Narakasura effigies made of paper and cardboard, which contain fireworks that burst in a triumphant display.
These are some of the rituals of Diwali. It highlights the unity in diversity that lies at the heart of this amazing nation, from the grandeur of Kolkata’s devotion to Goddess Kali to the joy of Gujarat’s New Year celebrations, among many others.
So plan your trip smartly and take time to enjoy the brightness of the lights as you prepare to celebrate this wonderful occasion. If you want to visit India, book cheap flights to India today. So that you can enjoy a memorable yet affordable trip.
| Disclaimer: City Village News claims no credit for the images featured on its blog site. All the visual content is copyrighted to its respective owners only. We mention the source name of the picture whenever possible and found. However, please get in touch with us if we miss acknowledging the owner’s source. In case the owners don’t want us to use their images, we will remove them promptly. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist, and photographer. |
