Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is celebrated all over India with elaborate and spiritual ceremonies. It’s a big deal, so of course people celebrate it with lots of energy. The origin of this solemn celebration is rooted in the Holy Scriptures. Diwali commemorates Shri Ram, his wife Sita, and his brother Laxman’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years in the wilderness. All of Ayodhya rejoiced greatly at the news of Shri Ram’s arrival. Diwali is the most-anticipated festival of lights, and it is characterized by the widespread use of firecrackers by children.
The people of India celebrate almost anything! And the reason we celebrate each holiday is different. And the Festival of Lights, Diwali, is not something to be forgotten. The entire country of India becomes really excited about the festival of Diwali. Although the festival is celebrated in a variety of ways across India, depending on local customs and beliefs, its significance and fervor are universal.
History of Diwali
Diwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the coming of a new era of prosperity. Diwali is a Hindu celebration whose roots can be traced back through time. The four-day Diwali festival begins on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. And they all have their own special significance and background. The devil king Naraka was killed by the Hindu god Krishna and his spouse Satyabhama on the first day of the month, which is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdasi.
Amavasya occurs on the new moon of the Kartik month, and it is on this day that Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, is said to have taken human form.
we celebrate “Kartika Shudda Padyami.” As per the promise made to him by Vishnu, on this day Bali would emerge from Pathala Loka to rule over Bhuloka. Because of this, “Bali Padyami” is another name for it.
The name for the fourth day is “Yama Dvitiya.” On this particular day, sisters extend dinner invitations to their brothers. Whereas it is also believed that after a fourteen-year period of exile, Lord Rama return to Ayodhya.
About Diwali Puja
Diwali is celebrated by worshiping the goddess Lakshmi, lighting fireworks, exchanging sweets and presents, and wearing new clothes. However, creative craft projects are a staple of the traditional Diwali celebration. People enjoy making handmade gifts for the joyous celebration of Diwali because the spirit of the holiday inspires them to do so.
Diwali decorations one such lovely concept that enriches the spiritual significance of Diwali is the Puja Thali. There are numerous religious and mythical stories associated with Diwali. The lighting of candles and diyas symbolizes the extinguishment of evil and the revelation of wisdom. During Diwali, loved ones get together to feast, celebrate, give and receive presents, and perform the ritual of Pooja. Important figures in this celebration include the goddess Laxmi as well as Ram and Sita. All in all each of the five consecutive days of this autumn celebration has its own meaning.
Puja Thali
Diwali, whose central tenet is the adoration of the goddess Lakshmi, is especially associated with the use of the puja thali. The Roli for tilak, Akshat, Ghanti (bell), small Kalash filled with water, and Kalava to tie around the hand, gold or silver coins, Aarti-diya, and some colorful flowers are just some of the items that can be found on a Puja thali, the plate used for worshiping the Gods and Goddesses.
Puja Accessories
Diwali Puja Utensils The following Puja utensils are necessary for worship during Diwali: Aarti-diya, dhoop, agarbatti, camphor, coconut, betel, betel leaves, sandalwood paste, candles, flowers, seasonal fruits and sweets as prasad, and silver or gold coins bearing the image of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Om, Swastika, and a rosary for tilak.
Diwali Rangoli
Rangolis are one of India’s oldest and most beautiful art forms. Rangolis are designs created by sprinkling powdered color made from natural vegetable dyes onto the floor or a wall to make a pattern or motif. The Sanskrit word ‘rang,’ meaning color, and the word ‘aavalli,’ meaning rows or creepers, together form the root of the name Rangoli. A Rangoli, then, is just a colorful line that’s been woven into a design.
The earliest Indian treatise on painting, the Chitralakshana, states that the king was deeply saddened by the death of the high priest’s son. Lord of the universe Brahma agreed to aid the monarch and requested that he paint a portrait of the boy on the wall so that Brahma might give the boy new life. Basically, it was thought, was the first Rangoli ever created. Another myth claims that when God was feeling particularly artistic. At that time he squeezed the juice from a mango and used it to paint a picture of a lady so stunningly lovely that it embarrassed all the angelic virgins.
Conclusion
The shops are decked out for the holiday and provide a wide selection of presents for loved ones. Although there are several essentials that can’t be skipped, and the “Laxmi Pooja” is one of them. At the spectacular festival of Diwali, everyone pays homage to Laxmi, the goddess of riches for money and prosperity. The primary goal of this form of devotion is to appease the goddess of money and success. Seeking and receiving the “Laxmi” blessing is essential to achieving all of life’s material goals. Diwali encourages people to let go of their inner wickedness and fosters a sense of community among them.