Diwali  Happy Diwali
From 101lifeStyle.com
Traditions, Customs And Rituals Of Diwali: The festival of Diwali brings with it many rituals and customs which have been followed for years by all families. Each of these rituals have a mythological aspect and a significance to the Festival. These traditions continue for five days and the customs form an integral part of the whole experience of Diwali. The most popular festival among the Hindus, Diwali is celebrated with pomp and gaiety traditionally in all parts of India. Each part of India have their own customs and rituals which are unique to that state and have a mythological tale to support it. However some common traditions such as Tradition of lighting diyas (lamps), fireworks and bursting crackers, Lakshmi puja, Diwali meal, Tradition of giving gifts remain the same in all parts of India and abroad. Everybody greet each other with "Happy Diwali" and younger people take blessings of elders and all relatives visit each other or wish each other on this Festival of Unity and Lights. General Diwali Traditions: 1. Diwali Cleaning: The preparations of the festival takes place days before the first day of the Festival which is Dhanteras. Weeks before a thorough cleaning of homes take place. Those who have been wanting to paint and renovate their homes do so before Diwali. It is a popular belief that the cleaner the house is, the more likely it is to attract the attention of Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess Of Wealth and Prosperity. Every member of the household take part in this spring cleaning activity, where floors are scrubbed, walls are whitewashed, attics and store-rooms are thoroughly cleaned, every spare utensil, crockery washed and sparkled, and the rubbish and unwanted clutter thrown out. Every family, whether rich or poor perform this activity with religious fervor till the houses shine spotlessly to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
2. Diwali Shopping: After the hectic work of Spring - Cleaning, it is time for the much awaited Diwali Shopping. Some people shop in advance to avail of discounts and end - of - stock sales, for others it is this time when they buy new dresses for Diwali, Diwali gifts for friends and relatives, Diwali house decoration items. One or two days before Dhanteras people buy new idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha if they do not have permanent silver deities. Torans (to decorate entrances), Puja samagris, diyas, artificial electric lightings, candles, fire crackers, incense sticks, puja thaalis, Khoi, batasa. makhana, ghats, Rui ki batis, oil for lighting the diyas, asanas (also red and white cloths to place the idols on), new dresses for the Deities, artificial fancy garlands for the deities are also bought at this time to avoid last minute rush.
On the day of Dhanteras which is the first day of Diwali, people buy gold and silver jewellery and gold / silver coins. Utensils are also bought on this day, as people believe that shopping for these things on this day pleases Goddess Lakshmi and brings in luck, wealth and prosperity in the coming year.  Diwali Celebrations Worldwide
Traditions / Rituals Of Diwali |
