Diwali is just around the corner and your preparations must be in full swing.Every year, we look forward to the festival of “Lights” and happily spend Diwali. Its always important to know some interesting facts about the festival and celebrations. So here are some quick facts for you. You might already know some of them but am sure there would be few less known facts that can be shared and passed on to the younger generations as information.
- Diwali originates from a festival celebrated by all Hindus to commemorate Lord Rama and his wife, Sita’s return to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile. It was a dark night when they first returned hence his people lit their houses with little lamps (diyas) so that Rama and Sita could find their way.
- In South India, Diwali is referred to as ‘Deepavali’. With the diminishing use of Sanskrit, the word ‘Deepavali’ got contracted to Diwali. Deepavali means “Row of Lights” .
- It is traditionally celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs, although over the years it has been incorporated into many different cultures around the world.
- In celebration people light many small clay lamps called “diyas” around their homes to represent the victory of good over evil and to invite good luck and prosperity from the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi and the God Ganesh, who represents good luck, wealth and enlightenment.
- Just like most major celebrations by other communities, Deepavali is a time for family reunions. Deepavali is an official public holiday in India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and in non-Asian countries like Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname as well as Fiji.
- When it comes to celebrating Diwali, “shopping” and “cooking” are must-dos but are most likely the most fun activities. The women at home are busy preparing delicious sweets. Desserts include rice puddings , murukku, seedai, vadai, gulab jamuns, rasgullas, jelabis, ommapodi, Laddu and Halwa.
- At the dawn of Deepavali, Hindus get up before sunrise and perform a ritual oil bath which signifies the cleansing of the body and soul. It also signifies the cleansing of one’s sins and impurities of the past.
- Firecrackers are also set off to scare evil spirits away. The firecrackers burst on the occasion of Diwali signify the fierce weapons used by Lord Krishna at the time of killing Narakasura.
- Deepavali is a great occasion for people of all races and religions to come together to celebrate culture over tasty food and good companionship. Often people exchange sweets as gifts between family members and close friends.
- Children enjoy the noise and the thrill involved. Today there is more awareness towards celebrating a pollution-less and noiseless Diwali. Do charity, buy eco-friendly crackers, make healthy sweets and most importantly spend quality time with family or friends. That’s the best part of enjoying a festival or a long wanted holiday.
A walk through my mind 