Diwali Festival – Diyas, Sweets and Gifts

Diwali is the most popular and most widely celebrated festival of India. The festival marks the victory of good over evil, and uplifting of spiritual darkness. Symbolically it marks the homecoming of goodwill and faith after an absence, as suggested by the story of Ramayana.
The word Diwali is a modified form of the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’, which means a row of lamps. That is why the lamps are an inherent part of the festival. For Diwali, small oil lamps called Diyas made of clay are lighted and arranged in rows.

Diwali also celebrates the gracious nature of the three goddesses, Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati. Dhan Teras (two days before Diwali) is dedicated to Lakshmi, whose blessings are essential in making our lives prosperous, fruitful as well as peaceful. Lakshmi represents the boundless wealth of nature, health, intelligence, friends, family, long life, fame, fortune etc. we all enjoy. Kali-Chaudash (day before Diwali) is dedicated to Maha Kali whose strength we seek to maintain the wealth we have.

Diwali festival is a special occasion when every family will be cleaning their home thoroughly; preparing for their elaborate Rangolis, planning special dish and visiting to temple, friends and relatives. Torans and Wall Hangings with the images of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are another popular Diwali decorative item. These Torans and Hangings with the artistic and cultural touch are favored by people.

The celebration of the festival is invariably accompanied by the exchange of Sweets and various gifts. Diwali Gifts & Diwali Gift Ideas are all useful, economical and easily available. You don't have to search heaven and earth to find them.

From a businessperson's point of view, Diwali is the best time to increase sales as people love to buy things for them and their houses in this festival only. From a customer’s standpoint, you can get the best deal in everything you want to purchase.

To add to the festival of Diwali, fairs (or 'Melas') are held throughout India. Melas are to be found in many towns and villages. A mela generally becomes a market day in the countryside when farmers buy and sell produce. Girls and women dress attractively during the festival. They wear colorful clothing and new jewelry, and their hands are decorated with henna designs.

Diwali is celebrated not only in India, but also in many other countries. With more and more Indians migrating to other countries, Diwali is being celebrated as a major festival across the globe.

Gift giving seems to be of utmost importance on the occasion of Diwali as it is a way of communicating respect, friendship, and appreciation. Gifts need not be extravagant; downplaying the importance of your gift actually conveys the message that the relationship is more important than the gift.

Wishing you all Happy Diwali and a Happy New Year!!

By Rujuta Vasani
Published: 9/22/2008
 
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