One of the Hindu culture’s most auspicious days, Diwali is celebrated with great zeal by numerous communities throughout the Indian diaspora. It is commonly referred to as the “festival of lights,” It is a five-day celebration during which families gather, friends make merry, lamps and diyas are lit, and sweet delicacies are devoured. This event is held on Amavasya, or ‘no moon day’, and marks the start of the Hindu calendar’s New Year. It also signals the beginning of a new year as we open new finances and diaries and cleanse our homes. Whoever claimed that a new dawn follows every dark night was correct!
Diwali honors the Hindu goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi, and is celebrated by Hindus and people of other faiths worldwide. The lights, candles, and lanterns used to mark the festivities are thought to aid the goddess’s entry into people’s homes, bringing prosperity for the coming year.
A Brief History Of The Festival Of Lights
Diwali is the day Lord Rama, his wife Sita Devi, and brother Lakshmana return to their hometown after 14 years of exile, according to Hindu mythology. Rama had conquered the demon king Ravana, and the villagers lit a path for him. In certain areas, reenactments of this narrative are part of the festivities.
In Hindu mythology, Diwali commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura and the liberation of his kingdom’s inhabitants. Lord Krishna called it a festival day after slaying the demon. People in some parts of India celebrate by burning effigies of the demon kings from both myths.
During Diwali, people also honor the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. The romantic Diwali story claims that as the goddess of prosperity, wealth, and fertility, she picked Lord Vishnu, one of Hinduism’s most significant deities, to be her spouse on Diwali night.
How is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which means “rows of lit lamps.” Households all around India decorate their spaces with little lamps known as diyas and other bright lights to commemorate the occasion.
There is festive illumination on the streets and buildings, as well as vibrant music and dance. Fireworks explode in a spectacular display of sound and light. This serves to ward off evil spirits while also commemorating the triumph of good over evil.
Diwali in 2021 is also a time for debt forgiveness and peacemaking. People frequently contact loved ones who have fallen out of touch and organize family reunions. Soldiers from India and Pakistan have previously swapped sweets at the disputed border as a Diwali gesture of goodwill.
The floor is generally decorated with rangoli, which are pictures composed of colorful powder and sand. Candles and clay lamps are used to light both the interior and outside of the houses.
The celebration is marked by prayers, rituals, gift-giving, and fireworks. And, of course, there is food.
There are a variety of foods that can be eaten during Diwali in 2021, but sweets are the most popular.
The celebrations continue for the next two days, with the fourth day honoring husband-and-wife relationships and the fifth-day honoring brother-and-sister relationships.
What can you do this Diwali to include your children in the festivities?
The first thing that comes to mind is firecrackers. Children love fireworks. Honestly, who doesn’t? But it is essential to put our environment first. Parents need to instill the seriousness of the harm firecrackers cause and that there are plenty of other alternatives to enjoy Diwali in 2021 as much. Some of them are listed below.
Decorate your Home
Given that many of us are spending more time at home than ever before, one option to commemorate Diwali in 2021 is to decorate your home with your children. Consider colored craft materials like paper, fairy lights, tea light candles, mason jars, and other simple, economical, and environmentally friendly items.
Prepare some Diwali sweets
Why not try your hand at crafting some Diwali-inspired sweet treats? You may find a range of wonderful recipes online, as well as some great recipes to follow.
Offer gratitude and send your prayers
A holiday serves as an excellent reminder to be thankful for what we have. And no religious holiday would be complete without rites and ceremonies to seek the Gods’ blessings. Gather the family for puja at home or a pilgrimage to a temple to offer your prayers this Diwali in 2021.
Pay a visit to your loved ones.
To have a good experience with your family in a social atmosphere, get together with neighbors, relatives, and other acquaintances. The festive spirit is genuinely best enjoyed when shared with others.
Brighten up the house with your children
The decoration and lighting up of the house is one of the most typical activities that bring families together to celebrate Diwali in 2021. It’s not only an excuse to clean and beautify your home while having a good time, but it’s also an opportunity to spend quality time with your family and work on something worthwhile with them.
Make rangoli patterns and place candles, lamps, and lights throughout your home to provide some color. When others come to your house and witness the results of your hard work, they are likely to be impressed.
Customized or handmade gifts
Rather than buying crackers, why not buy gifts for your friends and family this Diwali in 2021? Sure, distributing gifts was a part of the custom before, but now that you have more time and money on your hand’s thanks to the lack of crackers, why not give your loved ones something truly unique? Perhaps a one-of-a-kind or personalized gift?
Family time is precious, so festivals like Diwali should always be celebrated with families and friends. It is a time that reminds us no matter how strong the evil is, the good will always win. So we must try to keep our smiles on and face the world. The festival of Diwali brings happiness into our lives, and it is the celebration of togetherness. It is also an opportunity for you to strengthen your bond with your family by spending time together doing activities throughout Diwali in 2021.
Though Diwali comes once a year, it can be enjoyed throughout 365 days by making memories with your loved ones. So what are you waiting for? Celebrate Diwali in 2021 with the people who matter the most!
HAPPY DIWALI, EVERYONE!