How to celebrate Diwali in India?
Diwali is the perfect celebration with earthen lamps, candles, sweets surrounded by family and friends. Diwali is known as the “Festival of Lights” which is the biggest festival in India celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains all over the world. This festival is celebrated with an opportunity for people to let go of all the grudges and enjoy the festivities.
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When is Diwali Festival in 2020
Diwali Festival 2020: Important Dates
Diwali festival is celebrated five days across the country. In 2020, Diwali falls on 14 November.
Day 1 Diwali festival celebrated as Dhanteras
Day 2 Diwali festival celebrated as Choti Diwali
Day 3 Diwali festival celebrated as Lakshmi Puja (Main day)
Day 4 Diwali festival celebrated as Govardhan Puja
Day 5 Diwali festival celebrated as Bhai Dooj
Importance of Diwali in India
Diwali is a five-day-long festival in India celebrating the return of Sita and Lord Ram after defeating Laxmana and completing their 14 years of exile. Diwali means rows of lights in which diyas are lit by the people of Ayodhya. Some people also believe it to the festival of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi. In many parts of India, Lord Ganesha is also worshipped because of its wisdom. In West Bengal, Diwali is the worship of Kali who is the Goddess of Shakti.
How is Diwali celebrated in different parts of India?
Diwali is celebrated on day three of the festival. Diwali falls on October 27th but it keeps changing along with calendars. It is celebrated with excitement and grandeur which unites entire India. People wear new clothes on Diwali and share gifts with close ones. One buys gold and silver jewelry on the day of Dhanteras.
North India
In North India, Diwali is a celebration with sweets, fireworks, and lights. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped in many Hindu homes on this day. If you are in Delhi, do not miss out on the Diwali Mela to buy exotic home décor and items for Diwali. Many food items are made in the Diwali Mela.
Read Also: Popular Festivals in India in November
West India
Rangoli is an important part of Diwali in West India. Gujratis draw Ganesh’s footprints in their homes and light their homes with diyas, candles, rice lights on the day of Diwali. Lakshmi Puja is celebrated on Diwali and a feast named Faral is made for friends and families. Karanji, Ladoos, and chakli are made for Diwali.
East India
Diwali celebration in East India is made by lighting earthen pots and is lit on poles to guide souls for the departed souls in Odisha. The people of West Bengal and Assam worship Kali on the day of Diwali. Rangolis are made in verandas of homes and temples.
South India
In South India, Tamilians and Andhrites worship Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama’s victory over Narkasura while Kannadis take oil baths and build cow dung forts in their homes.
Food delights across India
One of the things that come in mind during Diwali is the preparation of sweets. Delicious snacks and sweets add to the flavors of Diwali. Each state of India has its unique sweets for Diwali which are as under:
Samosa
Samosas don’t need any kind of introduction. Whether it’s Diwali or any festivals, samosas have to there. This is the best-puffed pastry that you will have in your life. From paneer to peas, chicken, mutton, all types of fillings are used in samosas. There are many ways to prepare the fillings. It is served with ketchup and green chutney.
Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamuns are one of the main sweets prepared on Diwali. It is made using condensed milk, butter, and flour and Diwali in North India is not complete without the preparation of Gulab Jamuns. One dumpling is enough as it is prepared large. North India also sees SoanPapdi as a flaky sweet which is garnished with pistachios and nuts. If you a candy floss lover, Patrisha are also prepared.
Ukkarai
It is a special Diwali treat made by Tamilian brahmins. It is prepared using gram flour and jaggery. It is really tasty and special.
Cholafali
It is a spicy and flaky Gujarati dish prepared on the occasion of Diwali and it is prepared using mixed flours and lots of spices to give in the required crunch.
Murukku
Celebrations in Tamil Nadu and Kerala are incomplete without the preparation of Murukku. It is a deep-fried snack made from flour and lentils.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Kerala with Kids
Tips for safety during Diwali
- Wear cotton clothes during the bursting of crackers and you should stay away from synthetic clothes.
- Burn crackers only in open areas.
- Do not let children burn crackers or rockets alone and there should always be assistance and guidance for the same.
- Do not light crackers holding it in your hands.
