DIWALI...Let's Celebrate!

Diwali is a festival of joy, splendour, brightness and happiness. Also known as  Deepavali or the "Festival of Lights", Diwali marks the beginning of the HIndu new year. It is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartika (October / November) in the Hindu calendar, to mark the triumph of good over evil.

DIWALI

...how to celebrate!

1Learn what Diwali is. Diwali is also known as Deepavali, the "deep" meaning "light" or "lamp", and "avali" meaning "row". This "row of lights" is represented by lighting little clay lamps during Diwali. Diwali consists of three to five days of celebrations (the duration depends on where you come from or derive the celebratory traditions from):

1. The first day of Diwali: Dhanteras
   The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras. It is in fact the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksh, the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik. On this day, Lord Dhanwantari came out of the ocean with Ayurvedic for mankind. This day marks the beginning of deepavali celebrations.
   
   On this day at sunset, Hindus should bathe and offer a lighted diya with Prasad (sweets offered at worship time) to Yama Raj, the Lord of Death and pray for protection from untimely death. This offering should be made near a Tulsi tree, the Holy Basil or any other sacred tree that one might have in their yard. 
   
   
   The second day of Diwali: Choti Diwali
   The second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi. This was the day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear. On this day, one should massage the body with oil to relieve it of tiredness, then bathe and rest so that Diwali can be celebrated with vigour and devotion. 
   
   
   On this night, Yama Deeya should not be lit. The Shastras (Laws of Dharma) declares that Yama Deeya should be offered on Triodasi night with Prasad. 
   
   The third day of Diwali: Lakshmi Puja on Diwali 
   Amavashya, the third day of Diwali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. This is the actual day of Diwali, and the most significant day. Hindus cleanse themselves and join their families to worship the divine Goddess Lakshmi, to achieve the blessings of wealth and prosperity, the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Gifts and sweets are exchanged on this day to strengthen bonds of love between family and friends. Firecrackers are played after dinner .
   
   The fourth day of Diwali: Padwa & Govardhan Puja
   On this day, Govardhan Pooja is performed. Many thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna caused the people of Vraja to perform Govardhan Pooja. From then on, every year Hindus worship Govardhan to honour that first Pooja done by the people of Vraja. 
   
   
   The fifth day of Diwali: Bhai Duj
   The fifth  and final day of the Diwali festival is called Bhai Duj or Bhai teeka. This is the day after Goverdhan Pooja is performed and normally two days after Diwali day. It is a day dedicated to sisters. Many moons ago, in the Vedic era, Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of death) visited his sister Yamuna on this day. He gave his sister a Vardhan (a boon) that whosoever visits her on this day shall be liberated from all sins. They will achieve Moksha or final emancipation. Brothers and sisters renew sibling love, with sisters applying the sacred red tilak on the forehead of their brothers and praying for their long life, while brothers bless their sisters and provide them with gifts of love.

1. 2 Go shopping. It is customary to buy utensils and ornaments on the first day of  Diwali.
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   Clean the house and business premises thoroughly before the first Diwali day, or the Dhanteras. Do the laundry, clean all the rooms and sort out your papers in both your home and business. It's like a spring cleaning of sorts, a "cleansing" ritual to rid yourself of any unnecessary elements in your environment.
   • Draw small footprints using rice flour and vermilion powder all over your house; this is a way of indicating that you're awaiting the arrival of the Goddess.
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   Make the entrance way to your home or business colourful using the traditional motifs of Rangoli designs. These include bells, flower garlands, wall hangings, mirrors, LED lights, etc. This is a joyful way to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. Here are some beautiful Rangoli designs:-
   • Rangoli example #1:
     
   • Rangoli example #2:
     
   • Rangoli example #3:
     
   • Rangoli example #4:
     
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   Try different types of Rangoli. Ready-made sooden Rangolis are beautifully hand crafted and painted on light pieces of wood. There are innumerable ways to arrange them:-
   • Arrangement #1:
     
   • Arrangement #2:
     
   • Arrangement #3:
     
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   Burn lamps during the festival. In the evening, light small oil lamps (called "diyas") and place them around the home. Turn all the lights on and light some candles. The lamps symbolize knowledge or one's inner light, which brings about inner peace and fights off any traces of darkness and ignorance.
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   Light some firecrackers and fireworks. These are a common part of Diwali, used to symbolize warding off evil from your surroundings. They are usually set off in greatest numbers on the actual day of Diwali (the third day).
   • If you're setting off your own firecrackers, be careful and follow all safety precautions associated with using firecrackers.
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   Wear new clothes and jewels on the second and third days. Ladies traditionally wear sarees, whilst men wear kurthas, the traditional attire for Indian men.
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   Bake sweets, snacks, and savouries. These are traditional offerings for Diwali and are given as gifts. Some ideas include:
   • Rangoli
   • 7 cup burfi
   • Kulfi
   • Pongal
   • Rasgullas
   • Jalebi
   • Gajar Ka halvah
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   Go vegetarian. For many Hindus, Diwali is a good occasion to go vegetarian. Choices can be varied but it is important to include sweets, as Diwali is about sweets. 
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    Perform a "Lakshmi pooja". This is a ritual performed on Diwali day (the third day) in order to seek divine blessings from the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, who helps those who strive to achieve wealth. It consists of an elaborate ritual using grains, leaves, coins, and idols to prepare a ceremony. During this ritual, you can invoke the Goddess by reciting the Vedic mantras or by thinking of her being showered with gold coins with two elephants standing on each side of her as you chant her name. Offerings are made and at the end, the aarti is performed quietly and a peaceful atmosphere should accompany the entire ritual.
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    Play games. Games are a part of the Diwali Festival, including card games, Rummy, charades, pass the parcel, musical chairs, scavenger hunt, hide and seek, etc. It's not just for kids but for everyone!
    • It's okay to play for money in card games but don't wager too much.
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    Care for your sibling. Brothers and sisters affirm sibling love and look after one another on the final day of Diwali. Cook for your sibling, give your sister presents, and tell your brother you love him and wish him a long life.
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    Join public space celebrations of Diwali. Even if you don't practice Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, or Sikhism, you can still join in the Diwali celebrations that are held in many public spaces. For example, in New Zealand both the capital Wellington and the city of Auckland, and various towns, hold public Diwali Festivals that welcome all comers. Join in the fun, and celebrate with everyone else.
    • Attend public concerts, parties, celebratory events, and feasts for Diwali.
    • Wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous Diwali.