If I EVER get the opportunity to travel to India I want to go for the Festival of Dwali. Here’s why!
“Diwali is one of the biggest festival of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days, Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around their house. They perform Laxmi Puja in the evening and seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. The festival of Diwali is never complete without exchange of gifts. (I like it already!) People present diwali gifts to all near and dear ones.
From A little More Than Ordinary
Stars Shine in Silence
by Ramesh Sood
Ramesh
Stars shine in silence
celebrating joy of Earth;
Festival of lights..
Festival of lights;
rhythmic Earth dances to the
beats of cosmic heart
Beats of cosmic heart;
none struggles to choose joy on
festival of lights..
Festival of lights
illuminated earth turns
a decked-up bride.
The name “Diwali” is a contraction of “Deepavali” (Sanskrit: दीपावली Dīpāvalī), which translates into “row of lamps”.[5] Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas or dīpas) in Sanskrit: दीप) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. (Now that is GOOD )During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes (more good) and share sweets and snacks (Getting even better) with family members and friends.”
Preparing firecrackers
“On the first day of Diwali, housewives consider it auspicious to spring clean the home (not so sure about this one) and shop for gold (Excellent!) or kitchen utensils. (“OR” kitchen utensils? I know what I’d be shopping for)
On the second day, people decorate their homes with clay lamps or diyas and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand.- The third day is the main day of the festival when families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities.
- The fourth day is the first day of the new year when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season.
- On the last day of Diwali, brothers visit their married sisters who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.
Oh, Judy, You fill my heart with light .. your beautiful and happy wishes keep me going.. thanks and regards,
Ramesh
Because of jet lag ONLY I may be a little late for Day ONE. Sounds like a lovely, festive holiday. I especially like the fourth day when friends and family visit each other (with gifts or without) a sense of family and community and love. I like always learning new things from you. Well done! Laurie F/aka Peachy Keen JW Junior
Diwali is fun … lights, crackers and sweet everywhere