Diwali Puja

The festival of Diwali is not just about worship of Goddess Lakshmi, firecrackers and sharing sweetmeats. But the traditional way of celebrating Diwali includes decorating your homes and offices with innovative crafts. The people love to prepare various crafts on the auspicious occasion of Diwali as the spirit of this festival encourages them to express their creativity. Decorating the Diwali-Puja thali is one such beautiful idea, which adds some more spiritualism to the festival of Diwali. Diwali has many legends and religious accounts to it. Lights and diyas are lit to signifying the driving away of darkness and ignorance, as well as the awakening of the light within ourselves. Diwali is a time for family gatherings, food, celebration and Pooja. The goddess Laxmi plays a major role in this festival, as do Ram and Sita. This autumn festival is celebrated for five continuous days, of which each one has its own significance.

Houses and Business places are renovated and decorated, entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate her long awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder (kumkum) all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.

Puja Thali:

A Puja thali is the plate in which all those accessories are kept that is required to perform the worship or the Puja of the God and Goddess such as the Roli for tilak, Akshat, Ghanti (bell), a small Kalash filled with water, Kalava to tie around the wrist, gold or silver coins, Aarti-diya and some colorful flowers. Thus the Puja-thali has special significance for the festival of Diwali in which the worship of Goddess Lakshmi is the main theme.

Puja Accessories

The Puja accessories required for worship on Diwali includes the following items: Roli for tilak, Akshat (the rice grains), Ghanti (bell), a small Kalash filled with water, Kalava or mauli to tie around the wrist, Aarti-diya, dhoop, agarbatti, camphor, coconut, betel, betel leaves, sandalwood paste, candles, flowers, seasonal fruits and sweetmeats as prasad and silver or gold coins having image of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Om, Swastika or Shree.

Diwali Diyas

The Indian festival of lights Diwali is traditionally lit up by huge numbers of Diya, small clay lamps. Diya is a contracted form of light given by small earthen pots with wick made of cotton and dipped in ghee. They are also used for praying to the deceased ancestors and are floated on leaves over the holy rivers like the Ganges at Haridwar. They have long been linked with Diwali tradition and are today the most integral of all the Diwali decorations.

Tradition Of Diwali Diyas

It is said that when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, the people were overjoyed to see him along with Sita and Lakshman. Since it was a no moon night, people lit up candles and diyas along Lord Rama’s path. Once he reached his abode, there was also a dazzling display of fireworks. Everybody sang, and danced in celebration and welcomed their king with open arms and hearts. Since then, each year that day came to be celebrated as Diwali, and the Diwali Diya became its most conspicuous feature. Today these small earthen lamps can be found lit in every home, office and temple.

Different Types Of Diyas

There are different types of Diwali Diyas. Traditionally a potter made the diyas but these days they are commercially manufactured. The latest rage this season are the rather enthralling Electrical Diyas. They come in all shapes and sizes - fitted inside the statues of idols, in Puja trays, and inside candles, pencils even rotating diyas. Then there are the designer diyas, made of silver, and embedded with semi precious gems, which have hit the market. Though they are available only at select outlets, there are quite a few takers for them, especially for use as corporate gifts or giving them during the wedding season.

During Diwali, various shops showcase brilliant diyas and lamps crafted by ceramic designers from all over the country. There are also diyas with zari and mirror in exuberant colors. Delightfully, imaginative diyas with sharply cut edges, embellished with cutwork are covered and filled with bright colored wax.

Mirror work and zari embellished deep, traditional diyas as well as those embellished with fragrant dried flowers, Ganesha and Lakshmi diyas with 21 or 11 spouts, diyas shaped like China leaves and shaded roses, tiny Parvati Ganesha lamps and many other design vie for attention. Made out of clay, the diyas in vivid shades of yellow, blue, pink; gold and silver are well crafted.

Diwali Rangolis

Rangolis are one of the oldest and most beautiful art forms of India. Simply put Rangolis are patterns or motifs, usually depicting Nature, drawn on the floor or a wall with powdered color made out of natural vegetable dyes. The term Rangoli is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘rang’ which means color, and ‘aavalli’ which means rows or creepers. So a Rangoli is basically a row of color, weaved into a pattern of sorts.

These beautiful painted Rangolis immediately remind one of the royal Rajput houses where Rangolis were drawn all year round but the grandest and most beautiful one’s were drawn only on Diwali. Even today people follow that custom as they decorate their houses with these Diwali Rangolis in order to appease Goddess Lakshmi and welcome her to their houses.

Origin of Diwali Rangolis

According to the Chitralakshana, the earliest Indian treatise on painting, when the son of a King’s high priest died, the king was most distressed. Brahma, lord of the universe decided to help the king and asked him to paint a likeness of the boy on the wall so that Brahma could breathe life into him again. That was believed to be the first Rangoli. Another legend has it that God, in one of his creative moods, extracted the juice of a mango and painted with it the figure of a woman so beautiful that the painting put all the maidens in heaven at shame!

The Indian Kings and royal families to gave impetus to this art form which it was believed that only the very skilled could attempt. The Chola rulers are notable in their propagation of the art of Rangolis. Like Hindu and Buddhist Mandalas, the reason for using powder or sand as a medium for creating Rangoli (and its resulting fragility) is sometimes thought to be a metaphor for the impermanence of life and Maya.

The Art of Rangolis

The motifs of a traditional Diwali Rangoli usually depict obejects of Nature like peacocks, swans, flowers, a tree or the sea. Generally the colors were made from Natural dyes, from barks of trees, indigo vegetables and so on and so forth. However, today synthetic colors in a range of bright colors seem to be the norm. The designs are symbolic and common to the entire country, and can include geometrical patterns, with lines, dots, squares; the swastika, lotus, footprints (supposed to be of goddess Lakshmi), creepers, and animals. These motifs often are modified to fit in with the local images and rhythms. One important point is that the entire pattern must be an unbroken line, with no gaps to be left anywhere for evil spirits to enter.

These beautiful Rangolis are especially painted at the entrance of all houses during Diwali to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Many decorations are carried out solely for the benefit of this ubiquitous Goddess, however Rangolis are the most regal and essential out of them all. Rangoli also has a religious significance, enhancing the beauty of the surroundings and spreading joy and happiness all around. The Divali festival is widely celebrated with Rangoli, since at this time, people visit each other's homes to exchange greetings and sweets.

Diwali Decorations

Every house glitters like a jewel in the dark night sky during Diwali. People go out of their way to ornament their houses, streets, market places, schools and even slums with glittering decorations. It all starts a few weeks before Diwali when the frantic spring-cleaning gets underway. Every member of the household is expected to play a role in this ritual cleaning affair. Floors are scrubbed, the walls whitewashed and the kitchen immaculately dusted. Every man, rich or poor, young or old, follows this custom. Since Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, it is considered auspicious to make a good start by cleaning all the rubbish of the last year. It symbolizes not only the cleaning of the house but spiritual cleaning as well. It is also said that Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity does not visit houses that haven’t been spotlessly cleaned. Once the cleaning and whitewashing has been done, it is time for the beautiful decorations to be bought out.

Diyas

Diyas are small oil lamps made out of clay. Diwali is Sanskrit for row of lamps; therefore it is but obvious that Diyas are an integral part of Diwali celebrations. They come in different shapes and sizes and patterns ranging from the intricate Rajasthani varieties to the poor man’s Diya made out of simple clay. Rows of Diyas line the entrance to the house and the areas surrounding it. This is done to guide the Goddess Lakshmi when she makes a visit to everyone’s humble abode to bless them with success. The lighting of the Diyas also portrays the victory over light, which is the central premise of the Diwali festival.

Rangolis

Rangolis are one of the oldest and most beautiful Indian art forms. They are patterns, usually depicting Nature, drawn on a floor or wall with powdered color made out of natural vegetable dyes. These Rangolis are drawn at the entrance of the house, again to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. It is also considered auspicious to draw Rangolis in the courtyard of the house or the living room, a place where every member of the family gathers.

Idols of Gods and Goddesses

On this auspicious day, the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped. They are first thoroughly cleaned, then ornamented in jewels, many a times the jewels are real gold and pearls and at other times they are garish cosmetic jewelry. These idols then occupy the pride of the place in the family mandir (temple). Garlands made out of the fragrant jasmine as well as other flowers are placed at the feet of these idols, along with a Puja Thali .

Diwali Lights and Lamps

Many people decorate their houses with rows and rows of electric lights in different colors. These lights cascade from balconies, are coiled around a tree or strung along electrical wires in the market place. They create a mesmerizing atmosphere with their shimmering glow. Since Diwali is celebrated in early November, most people, excluding the markets, leave the lights up till Christmas and New Year.

Diwali Calendar

The Hindu calendar is based on the lunar cycle and the movement of the moon, unlike the conventional Western (or Gregorian) calendar. The result is that Hindu festivals move about the Western calendar from year to year. Diwali, for example, falls on the date of the new moon between the Hindu months of Asvina and Kartika. Usually this is in October or November. Joyous and enchanting festival of Diwali is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety all over India on the 15th day of the dark fortnight in Hindu month of Kartik. This is the month of October - November according to the English Calendar Year. Diwali Festival is celebrated on the Amavasya or the dark no moon night. The darkness of the night, however, is spelled away with the traditional Diwali earthen diyas and candles that are lit in all houses and every street of India.

Here’s a Diwali Calendar which will keep you well informed over the next couple of years. However, the dates are subject to change depending on the lunar activity.

YEAR DATE, MONTH AND DAY
2006 21 October, Saturday
2007 09 November, Friday
2008 28 October, Tuesday
2009 17 October, Saturday
2010 05 November, Friday
2011 26 October, Wednesday
2012 13 November, Tuesday
2013 03 November, Sunday
2014 23 October, Thursday
2015 11 November, Wednesday
2016 30 October, Sunday
2017 19 October, Thursday
2018 07 November, Wednesday
2019 27 October, Sunday

Significance of Diwali

Diwali is a time for great enjoyment, fun and frolic. Everything is lit up very brightly as young and old, rich and poor alike dress up in new clothes and indulges in sweetmeats. It truly a festival of lights as oil lamps and diyas are left burning all night to guide the Goddess Lakshmi when she visits homes. The celebrations of this joyous festival signify the removal of all darkness, jealousy, greed, envy and other negative emotions from the face of this earth. In its place shines the light of wisdom and knowledge. This is also the reason why so many lamps and diyas are left burning on Diwali night.

It signifies the triumph of virtue over vice, of good over evil, of light over darkness and of knowledge over ignorance. Lighting lamps, candles or diyas and the bursting of crackers during Diwali is also geared towards this destruction of all-evil. The festival marks the victory of good over evil. The Sanskrit word Deepavali means array of lights that stands for victory of brightness over darkness. As the knowledge of Sanskrit diminished, the name was popularly modified to Diwali, especially in northern India.

Regional Significance Of Diwali

In Bengal, Goddess Kali or Durga, the goddess of strength, is worshipped. This reverence is called "Kali Chaturdashi". Strength is a positive attribute for one to have but it must be used to protect others from harm and used only in good and pure deeds. Also during Diwali, the goddess of wealth, Lord Lakshmi is worshipped. This practice is called "Dhanteras". It is believed that he or she who worships Lord Lakshmi during Diwali is bestowed wealth and prosperity.

The day of Dipavali has special significance for the business community as they consider this day to be the perfect time to begin their new financial year. Some people also indulge in gambling on the day of Diwali because it is a believed that wife of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati played dice with Him on this day and therefore those, who gamble on this auspicious day, are blessed with prosperity.

Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali. Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen yearlong exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.

In fact so diverse are the rituals and traditions of Diwali in different parts of the country that it is impossible to pin down just one way of celebrating this wonderful festival.

Diwali Customs and Traditions

Not only Diwali is the most significant Hindu festival, but it is also the most enchanting. Right from the mythological tales about the origin of the festival to the quaint tradition followed to this day, the festival has all the elements that make it an enthralling experience. The most beautiful part about the festival is that despite being a predominantly Hindu festival, it captures the secular nature of India perfectly. Everyone is encouraged to take part in the festivities, be they Muslims, Christians or Jews. And it is common to see people from different religions enjoying themselves along with their Hindu counterparts.

Truly, there is great unity in diversity. India is a large country and the people are as different from one another as water and fire and yet Diwali is celebrated by one and all. One of the most common aspects of the festival is the tradition of lighting Diyas (oil-lamps). It is believed that people of Ayodhya illuminated the entire town with diyas upon the return of Lord Rama from 14 years in exile. That tradition is carried on till today and people light hundreds of Diyas to decorate their homes. That is also how Diwali got its name as the Sanskrit word ‘Deepawali’ means rows of lights. It is believed that since it is a no-moon night, the light from the diyas helps Goddess Lakshmi to find her way to people’s houses. Therefore it is tradition to leave the diyas burning all night.

Another tradition, particularly in North India is the making of Rangolis, paintings from powdered color on the floor. These Rangolis have long been a part of Indian culture and there are many stories about their origin. People make these Rangolis to decorate their houses and to welcome guests into their homes. Over the past few years, as the Indian economy has strengthened and the advent of globalization have given rise to a new tradition, the exchange of gifts. It is now very common to see people exchanging gifts and sweets with each other on Diwali. This festival of lights is a testament to the fervent religious nature of the people at the heart of India. It is primarily a religious festival in nature, and is yet open to followers of all religions.

It is a time bound custom to perform a ritual Pooja on this day for Goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity. People invoke her blessing for a prosperous New Year. The most believed of all the Gods in the Hindu pantheon, the elephant headed Ganesha who is believed to be the remover of all obstacles is worshipped as well. In Bengal, Goddess Kali, the destructive avatar of Durga is worshipped.

Dhanteras Special Gifts

Over the last couple of years Dhanteras gifts have created a niche for themselves in the Diwali markets. Earlier, the focus was on buying only Diwali gifts, however there’s a considerable increase in Dhanteras gifts sales, particularly amongst the affluent. The reasons are many, starting out of course with the strengthening economy of India to the superstitions of the mercantile community. The festival Dhanteras marks the official start of the Diwali festivities and is a significant festival amongst the traders, merchants and the mercantile community at large. ‘Dhan’ means wealth, and people celebrate this festival by performing a ritual Puja thanking the gods for bestowing them with so much wealth and prosperity and seeking blessings for the future as well. It is considered extremely auspicious to buy Gold, silver or utensils on this day, as it is believed to be fortuitous to introduce new ‘Dhan’ to the house.

Gold and silver gifts are the most common Dhanteras gifts for obvious reasons. Jewelers all over the country report increased sales, as people get busy buying gold and silver for themselves and others. However, fact remains that not everybody can buy gold, so the nest best option is to buy home décor items like cushion covers, racks and holders etc, and utensils too are a great option. Make this Dhanteras a special one by choosing from one of the many Dhanteras gifts with DiwaliStore.com.

Exclusive Dhanteras Gifts

Dhanteras marks the official start of Diwali festivities in India. It is a significant festival for those belonging to the mercantile community. ‘Dhan’ means wealth and therefore people worship Lord Yama on this day to protect their wealth and pray to Lord Lakshmi to bless them with more of it. These days it is common practice to exchange gifts on Dhanteras, with the onus being on gifts of gold, silver or household appliances and accessories. Take a look of exclusive Dhanteras gifts only at DiwaliStore.com. Framed Ganesha- Siddhipriya.

The beautiful porcelain image of Ganesha framed in a blue pottery panel is apt to hang on the wall of home or office. Bejeweled Ganesha seated on a bull is intricately carved. His trunk reaches for his favorite sweet, a modak in his left lower hand. The panel in blue pottery from Jaipur stands out for its blue and white floral motifs and imperviousness. This ceramic panel is enclosed with a wooden frame to hold the unit intact. Bless your love one’s this Dhanteras by giving them this most auspicious gift.

Dhanteras Silver Coin

The exquisite 10 grams silver medallion with the image of seated Lakshmi and Ganesha is a 99.9% pure silver coin. The coin is embedded in a diary shaped hard glossy paper that carries a printed Ganesha Stuti. Besides this a red colored elegant case with an image of Ganesha is provided to protect the coin from any damage. This is the perfect gift for Dhanteras because it is considered auspicious to gift silver on this special day. Hindus who use them to perform their ritual prayers consider silver coins sacred.

Gold Plated Ganesha Idol

The exquisite lightweight brass Ganesha shown in seated posture is entitled to place in the Puja room, living room or as a lucky charm on the office table. Ganesha is the vanquisher of obstacles. Worshipping Ganesha during Dhanteras brings Siddhi (success and prosperity) and Buddhi (wisdom).

Thali & Silver Utensils

The marble Thali border is beautifully decorated with Rajasthani work in 24-carat gold. The Thali is accompanied with silver images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and accessories. There is a prayer bell, a lota, a holder for incense sticks, two katoris and a diya, all made of silver, to complete your set of prayer items. Silver is considered and auspicious metal to gift on Dhanteras and many people also buy utensils, as it is believed that a new utensil should be bought home on this day. Hence, this gift is perfect for Dhanteras.

Diwali in Karnataka

Diwali is the most significant festival in India and is celebrated with much pomp and pageantry all over the country. Still the gist of the festival remains the same, and it is wonderful to see such unity in diversity. Karnataka has the distinction of being one of the largest states in India and as such is a melting pot of cultures, and come Diwali this pot seems to bubble with the best of all cultures.

Legends of Diwali in Karnataka

The legend followed in Karnataka is that of an emperor named Bali who had become all-powerful and a threat to the peace of the universe. Lord Vishnu, upon witnessing such impetuousness was most disturbed and descended from the heavens to Earth in the guise of a poor Brahmin (the Vamana Avatar). He appeared before the mighty and impulsive Emperor Bali and asked for as much land as three of my footsteps would cover.

Bali, while amused at this strange request, agreed to give the Brahmin what he asked for as it was considered most inauspicious to refuse a Brahmins appeal for Charity. And Bali did not want to face the wrath of the Gods for disobeying such a trifle request. It was then that the diminutive Brahmin resumed his all-pervasive, omnipresent form and covered the heavens with one foot and the world below with another.

He asked the mighty Bali where he should place his foot for the third step. Bali bowed before him and offered his own head for him to place his foot on. In this way Lord Vishnu was able to humble a mighty emperor and make him realize his follies. To this day, this divine intervention on the part of Vishnu is celebrated with much aplomb in Karnataka. This victory is observed on the day of the new moon (Amavasya) when the month of Ashwin (October-November) makes way for the month of Kartik.

Diwali Celebrations in Karnataka

The lighting of innumerable diyas (oil lamps) in every courtyard and the bursting of crackers mark the celebration of Diwali. Sweetmeats, new clothes and spirit are there as in other festivals. The time for rejoicing is mainly early morning and late night. These hours of darkness bordering the waking hours are preferred as lights and crackers are the highlights of the festivities and these need darkness to have their illuminating effect. Hence people rise early and sleep late.

In cities like Bangalore, which are more cosmopolitan in Nature, it is an excellent time for the overall economy as people shop a lot more during the festive season and dining out also takes precedence. Many people use the holiday to catch up on the movies while others still go the traditional way and spend time with the family on this auspicious start to the Hindu New Year.

Diwali in Kerala

Due to the fact that it has a dominant Catholic population, Kerala is the only state in India where Diwali is not a major festival. Traditionally, Diwali celebrations in Kerala are pretty much a low-key affair as there isn’t too much Business or merchant families living here. In fact the natives of Kerala rarely celebrate Diwali.

However, there are places in Kerala which are dominated by prominent Tamil, Gujarati or North Indian communities. In such areas, Diwali is celebrated with much pomp and pageantry, not to mention nostalgia. People of these communities organize grand feasts and put up a colorful display for the benefit of their Kerala neighbors. Many visit temples and then get together with friends and relatives to enjoy the fireworks on Diwali day.

However, it is not to say that people of Kerala are not interested in Diwali at all. As India grows economically strong, people of all races are learning to integrate each other’s customs, and it is common to see Diwali being celebrated with immense joyousness in many town and cities of Kerala.

Diwali in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, once the largest state in India, is one of the most culturally alive states in India today. With a long history of royalty and active participation in the Indian Freedom struggle, the state celebrates most Indian festivals with enthusiasm. However, Diwali remains the most significant festival here, and is eagerly awaited by young and old alike. The state has its own unique way of celebrating this festival of lights. A visit to this land, in the very heart of India gives unexpected and delightful experiences. Madhya Pradesh has had a glorious past with various empires ruling the state. The people of Madhya Pradesh are simple and fun loving and without any inhibitions. Various tribes inhabit the interiors of the vast state.

Diwali Celebrations in Madhya Pradesh

During the Diwali Festival, its almost as if all of Madhya Pradesh has been illuminated with bright, radiant lights. The streets are decorated in a colorful manner and people prepare their favorite dishes along with the usual variety of Mithais. On the night of Dhanteras, the shops remain open throughout the night. In particular demand are the Balushais, khasta or crumbly doughnuts.

On Diwali day, houses all over Madhya Pradesh glow with the twinkle of innumerable diyas, candles and electric lights. The night is illuminated with the flaming lights of fireworks, creating kaleidoscopic designs against the black canvas of the sky. For the Hindu business communities, Diwali Festival marks the beginning of the New Year. During Diwali, many folk dances are performed in this region. The Baiga and Gond tribes perform their traditional dances to celebrate the Diwali Festival.

Diwali in Tamil Nadu

As there is a lot of cultural diversity in India, Diwali is celebrated in a decidedly different way in different parts of the country. Tamil Nadu too has its own unique way of celebrating Diwali, and it is most charming while at the same time remaining true to the national sentiment of Diwali. That is the beauty of India, while the festival remains the same in some aspects; it is completely different in others. In Tamil Nadu, Diwali is celebrated in the month of Aipasi (thula month) 'Narak Chaturdashi' thithi, preceding amavasai. The Diwali preparations begin in full force the day before when the oven (chula) is thoroughly cleaned, smeared with lime and decorated with four or five dots of red kumkum paste. It is then filled with water for the next day’s oil bath as per the custom followed in much of the country. The house is washed and colorful Diwali Rangolis are made at the entrance to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. In the Puja room, betel leaves, betel nuts, plaintain fruits, flowers, sandal paste, kumkum, gingelly oil, turmeric powder, and scented powder are kept ready for the Puja. Crackers and new dresses are placed in a plate after smearing a little kumkum or sandal paste.

Diwali Traditions in Tamil Nadu

The Diwali day begins with everyone in the family taking an oil bath before sunrise, a custom arising from a belief that having an oil bath in the morning on the day of Diwali is equivalent to taking bath in the Ganges. Before the bath, elders in the house apply gingelly oil on the heads of the younger members. For those hailing from Tanjore, the custom is to first take a small quantity of deepavali lehiyam (medicinal, ayurvedic paste) after the oil bath and then breakfast. Often sweets are eaten after wearing new clothes. In almost all houses, items like ukkarai, velli appam, idly, chutney, sambhar, omapudi, boondhi are prepared. For lunch, jangri, pathir peni, or one variety of the poli are made.

Diwali celebrations in Tamil Nadu

Crackers are usually burst only after the bath. Meanwhile, kuthu vilakus (oil lamp) are lit in the Pooja room. Mats or wooden planks are placed facing east. After naivedhya (offering to the Gods) of the items, a plaintain fruit is given to each member of the family followed by betel leaves and betel nuts. Those who have to perform 'pithru tharpanam' will have a second bath perform the tharpanam and don't eat rice at night.

Though, Tamil Nadu celebrates Diwali in a decidedly distinct manner, many familiarities are observed, like the sweets, crackers, new clothes and the joyous spirit of this wonderful Festival of lights.

Diwali in West Bengal

West Bengal is one of the most populated states in the Indian subcontinent. The city of Kolkta is almost bursting at the seams, yet this gentle city house millions of people from all castes, faith and creed. Diwali is a major festival in this state as it coincides with the Kali Puja celebrated along the same line. Bengalis are also reputed to be the best sweet makers in the country, so one thing you are sure to find here are the best possible sweetmeats.

Diwali Traditions In West Bengal

In West Bengal, the Diwali traditions undergo some change as compared to what is followed in the rest of the country. Lakshmi Pooja is celebrated five days after Dussehra on the full moon day (Purnima). The following day, on the new moon day (Amavasya), which incidentally coincides with Diwali, Goddess Kali is worshipped. Kali is revered by Bengalis and is their chief Goddess. Needless to say Kali Puja is one of the most important days on their calendar.

Kali is the more aggressive form or the destructive incarnation of Goddess Durga, and she has a terrifying look. She is known to destroy all evil and is a fierce fighter for the cause of justice. On Kali Puja, lamps are lit in her honor and she in turn promises a renewal of life and justice for all mankind on earth. In West Bengal, it is not Lakshmi Pooja but Kali Puja which makes the festival unique. Kali is generally a goddess to be feared rather than venerated, and therefore people leave no stone unturned in carrying out a special Pooja for her.

Diwali Celebrations In West Bengal

Like everywhere else in the country, Diwali is a time for great feasting and rejoicing and it is no different here in West Bengal. Bengalis have a reputation for decorating their houses and no one can argue with it when Diwali nears. They light up their houses with the most ornate of diyas using hundreds of them at a time. Bengalis are also immensely fond of Diwali Rangolis. Two or even four plantain leaves decorate the entry to the house or property, with a row of diyas at the doorstep. The entire family gathers around for Lakshmi Puja in the evening.

The Diwali festival goes on for three days but on Amavasya, the final day for celebrations and the day to worship Goddess Kali, the lights and gaiety are considerably reduced. The first two festival days are important, with feasting, drinking, gambling, family gatherings, lights and fire crackers occupying time from dusk to dawn. In West Bengal, the pious festive air and not the material goods, mainly marks the occasion. No new clothes, no new utensils, no new gold. In fact nothing new at all on Diwali day, as all the shops are shut tight except those selling sweets and firecrackers. Gifts are limited to sweets and dry fruits.

Diwali in Gujrat

Gujarat is the stronghold of Indian business. It has long been associated with traders and merchants. Due to the above fact, Diwali in Gujarat is mainly associated with the worship of the venerable Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The fact that this holiest of holy days takes place on the darkest night of the year is meant to indicate the victory of light over darkness and that is the reason why people illuminate the night sky with a dazzling display of fireworks. Lakshmi Pooja in Gujarat lasts for five days, which starts with Dhanteras. The fourth day, or the day of Govardhan Puja is Gujrati's New Year's Day. Lakshmi is believed to visit the homes that are well lit. So, families decorate their houses with light, flowers and paper chains.

Origin Of Diwali

The ancient story of how Diwali evolved into such a widely celebrated festival is different in various regions and states of India. In Gujarat particularly, Diwali is the day when King Rama's coronation was celebrated in Ayodhya after his epic war with Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. By order of the royal families of Ayodhya and Mithila, the kingdom of which Sita was princess, the cities and far-flung boundaries of these kingdoms were lit up with rows of lamps, glittering on dark nights to welcome home the divine king Rama and his queen Sita after 14 years of exile, ending with an across-the-seas war in which the whole of the kingdom of Lanka was destroyed.

Diwali Celebrations In Gujarat

The real zest for the Diwali festival can be witnessed in the Diwali markets in Gujarat, which come to life almost a month before the festival is to commence. Shoppers make a beeline for the stores selling jewelry, clothes, sweets and Diwali gifts. Shopping becomes almost like a family affair with the whole family dividing up the tasks amongst themselves. It is a pure joy to shop in these colorful Diwali markets.

Diwali celebrations in Gujarat commence the night before Diwali. The Gujaratis create designs, usually depicting nature or the Gods, from natural color powders. These are called Diwali Rangolis (link) and are generally found at the entrance of the house or in the courtyard. These motifs are designed in order to welcome Goddess Lakshmi to their homes and are a source of pride for the creators who often compete amongst themselves to see who has the best Rangolis in their house. Small footprints made with rice flour and vermilion powder are also drawn all over the house.

The Diwali day attire usually consists of the Jhabba (kurta) and dhotis for the men, while the women dress in Saris. However in the urban cities of Gujarat, most people do not wear the traditional attire instead choosing to opt for western clothes or the fancier Indian variety. It is considered auspicious to visit the temple on this day. The day is spent preparing food and sweets. Shops are open, but business comes to a halt on Dhanteras, two days before Diwali, and doesn't resume until Labh Pancham, the fifth day of the New Year. For traders and businessmen, this is the time for a vacation. Diwali evening is celebrated by lighting up streets and markets, and bursting crackers.

Diwali in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is one of the most populated states in India; however it has a long history of great culture and education behind it. It was the true cradle of the Indus valley civilization. Uttar Pradesh was also home to the great Nalanda University which attracted scholars from all over the world. Two of the greatest Indian rivers flow through this state, not to mention the mythological Saraswati. Diwali is the most important festival in this predominantly Hindu state and is celebrated with great vigor and gaiety.

Diwali Traditions in Uttar Pradesh

The state wears a vibrant color throughout the Diwali festival, and almost seems to come alive with enthusiasm. The Kartik purnima festival celebrated in Varanasi is a true visual delight. Varanasi has long been hailed as the land of festivals and the fact that it is thronged with Hindu sages gives the city a surreal atmosphere. Religious ceremonies take on a lofty importance in this state that reveres its Gods. The full moon night after Diwali falling in November - December is the sacred day for all the people. The ghats of Varanasi come alive with thousands of brightly lit earthen lamps. The lamps then are gently left on the River. Visitors throng in large numbers to watch this spectacular event.

Diwali Celebrations in Uttar Pradesh

Diwali is celebrated in memory of Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana and his subsequent homecoming to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. Ramlila performance depicting these events can be found all over Uttar Pradesh. Traditionally Brahmin boys who are trained by the liladhari, the leader of the troupe, play the characters of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Shatrughan and Bharat. The Ramlilas are zestfully celebrated with song, dance, and merriment; others with solemnity, fervor, fast, or feast. These fairs and festivals help the people keep the culture vibrant and promote artistic activities. Diwali is truly the most special festival for the people of Uttar Pradesh.

Diwali in Maharashtra

Diwali is the most important festival in India and is celebrated all over the country with much aplomb. However, the beauty lies in the fact that India is so diverse in its culture that the every same festival is celebrated uniquely in different regions. Diwali celebrations in Maharshtra is decidedly different from what is seen in other parts of the country and yet so very familiar at the same time. In a traditional Maharashtrian household, Diwali celebrations commence with 'Vasu-baras' that comes on tithi 'Ashwin krushna dwadashi'. Vasu-Baras is a celebration in honor of the Holy cow which is revered by Hindus all over the country and is considered a mother figure of sorts. Married women worship and perform a puja of a cow who is expecting a calf. This symbolizes the gratitude of the women towards the cow for providing for their children.

Narak Chaturdashi

While Dhanteras is celebrated in Maharshtra much like it is elsewhere in the country; the celebrations for Choti Diwali do differ considerably. Chhoti Diwali is popularly known as Narak-Chaturdashi in Maharashtra. On this day people celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over the evil demon king, Narakasur. They wake up early in the morning and massage their bodies with scented oil. And as a custom they use 'utane' or 'utanah' for bath instead of soap. This special bath is referred to as 'abhyang-snan'. It may be noted that 'Utane' is not the same as uptan. Utane is made of several things having ayurvedic properties like 'chandan' (sandalwood), 'kapoor' (camphor), manjistha, rose, orange skin and haldi (turmeric).

Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi-pujan is celebrated on the Diwali evening. It is believed that the Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity visits every house that evening. So prayers are held in order to invoke her blessings for a prosperous New Year. A variety of mouth-watering delicacies such as chivda, chakali, shankar-pale, anarse, kadaboli, karanji, shev, chirote etc are prepared to mark the festival. Throughout Diwali, Marathi people hang 'Akash-kandil' / 'Akash-dive' and light up 'panti's outside their houses. Tradition of marking the entrance to a house with colorful 'Rangoli's is also followed in Maharashtra as in rest of India.

Diwali Cha Padva

Many people also celebrate the third day of Diwali as ‘Diwalicha Padva’. This is a celebration of togetherness as a husband and wife and the love shared by them. To mark the occasion the wife performs an 'aukshan' (aarti) of her husband and the husband in turn presents a special gift to his wife.

Tulsi-Vivah

In Maharashtra, end of Diwali celebrations marks the beginning of Tulsi-Vivah. Under this people organize marriage of sacred tulsi (a basil plant) in their house. In Maharashtra the tradition is that people start organizing the marriage ceremonies of their sons/daughters only once Tulsi-vivah starts. Celebration of Diwali in Maharashtra ends with Dev-Diwali.

Diwali in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful states in India. Simla is renowned all over the world for its amiable charm, friendly people and excellent weather. In Himachal Pradesh, Diwali is celebrated with great dynamism and enthusiasm. The mud walls of the houses are cleaned and painted over with white clay and cow-dung. In the courtyards a red or black square is painted with colored clay. This is decorated with pictures of animals and birds. The walls are decorated with flower garlands. People believe that Lakshmi who is the goddess of wealth visit all the houses this day and settles down in the house which is clean and pretty.

People from the hills have a reputation of being superstitious and this can be observed during Diwali as well as they carry out all the rituals religiously. Different sectors have their own unique way of celebrating Diwali. Many people recall the tale of the brave Lord Rama who defeated the evil demon King Ravana and saved the world from a lot of grief because of that valiant act. Mothers recount this tale to their children as Diwali draws near. Diwali is celebrated in the memory of Lord Rama who came back to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

Diwali in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful states in India. Simla is renowned all over the world for its amiable charm, friendly people and excellent weather. In Himachal Pradesh, Diwali is celebrated with great dynamism and enthusiasm. The mud walls of the houses are cleaned and painted over with white clay and cow-dung. In the courtyards a red or black square is painted with colored clay. This is decorated with pictures of animals and birds. The walls are decorated with flower garlands. People believe that Lakshmi who is the goddess of wealth visit all the houses this day and settles down in the house which is clean and pretty.

People from the hills have a reputation of being superstitious and this can be observed during Diwali as well as they carry out all the rituals religiously. Different sectors have their own unique way of celebrating Diwali. Many people recall the tale of the brave Lord Rama who defeated the evil demon King Ravana and saved the world from a lot of grief because of that valiant act. Mothers recount this tale to their children as Diwali draws near. Diwali is celebrated in the memory of Lord Rama who came back to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

Diwali Rituals in Himachal Pradesh
As the sun sets; clay lamps are lit and placed on a plank outside the house in memory of the dearly departed ancestors. It is to reaffirm the bond of these people who share their joys in life as well as in death. It is considered auspicious to visit the cremation site of the family members who are no more. Thereafter, Mithai is distributed to one and all as the children seek the blessings of their elderly in true Indian style by touching their feet.

There is a unique ritual in Himachal Pradesh to sacrifice a goat on Diwali day. Another unique custom is that the paint little vessels (Auloo) with clay and decorate it with drawings in red paint. They pray to these and exchange these with their best friends. It is believed that exchanging these pots not only strengthens their relationship but also ensures a prosperous year ahead. Many women preserve these auloos for years and years as they are considered most auspicious.

On the day of Diwali, soaked rice is powdered and designs are made out of it. At nighttime, the young girls worship this design with grass and camphor. At some places, a figure of Lakshmi made with sandalwood is placed in a copper plate and a mandav of sugarcane is made over it. Goddess Lakshmi is specially worshiped on this day. Himachal Pradesh is decidedly distinct in the way it celebrates this festival of lights. It is believed that the people from the hills have merged their pagan beliefs to the regular celebrations and the result is a different experience of the festival than anywhere else in the country.

Deepavali in Rajasthan

Rajasthan has always been associated with color and a idiomatic charm that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. However, it is also the land of festivals where every festival is celebrated with vigor and enthusiasm. Since the living conditions in this desert state are rather difficult, people look for an excuse to escape from the chore of their day to day lives, and what better way to do that than celebrating festivals. Needless to say, Diwali is on of the most popular festivals in this beautiful state. It is a celebration of light, both literally and metaphorically.

Diwali Celebrations in Rajasthan

The origin of this festival can be traced back to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, when Lord Ram returned to his kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. He had successfully defeated the evil demon king Ravana, thereby strengthening the force of good over evil. The whole kingdom was lit up with diyas (earthen lamps) to celebrate his return. Even today, on Diwali day, house all over Rajasthan glow with twinkle of innumerable diyas, candles and electric lights. The night is illuminated with the flaming lights of fireworks, creating kaleidoscopic designs against the black canvas of the sky. Also idols of Lord Rama can be found in all homes.

Diwali festival gives people a chance to decorate their homes, buy new clothes, visit relatives and friends and take time off from their daily routine to gather together and enjoy the festivities. Rajasthan is also renowned all over the world for its gastronomical delights, and this is apparent during the Diwali season. Women of the neighborhood gather and prepare sweets like Mawa Kachori, Til Ke Laddo, Gonth ke Laddu, Piste ke Launj, Moti Pak, Pheeni, Sohan Papdi, Besan Barfi, Jalebi, Shakarpara- to name just a few. If not for anything else, one ought to visit Rajasthan during Diwali just to taste all that wonderful food.

The rituals performed are almost the same as in the rest of the country. The Lakshmi Pooja is performed in the evening before the festivities begin. People invoke the Goddess's blessings for a prosperous year ahead. Thereafter a diya is left burning on the altar for the rest of the night to guide the Goddess when she visits. Then of course, it's time to light up the sky with the brightest firecrackers and indulge in a lot of laughter with friends and family. It is at times like these that the natives forget their problems and their tough life for a couple of hours.

The celebrations in the 'Pink City' Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, are truly unique as the whole city is decorated like a very expensive movie set. The city sparkles almost like a dream and nothing is more reminiscent of the great Mughal era than Diwali in Jaipur. The city seems to come alive during the festival and truly gives a new meaning to celebration.

Deepavali in Orrisa

Kali Puja is the main event on Diwali. The Pooja is performed at midnight and pushpanjali (flowers) is offered around two o' clock in the morning. Some people observe a fast on this occasion and partake food only after the Puja is over. Many sweets are made on Diwali, but kheer is a must.

Diwali celebrations in Orissa are much like they are elsewhere in the country. All the houses are beautifully decorated with rows and rows of oil lamps and ornate diyas. Children burst crackers and enjoy the fireworks thoroughly. People also find the time to visit their friends and relatives but celebrate the main Pooja in their own houses so that the Goddess Lakshmi might be pleased and visit their house.

Diwali Traditions in Orissa

The on unique ritual that makes Diwali in Orissa different from what it is in other parts of the country is the practice of calling upon the spirits of one's ancestors. Tall bamboo poles are erected in front of the houses. An earthen pot with small windows, called handi, is tied to this pole with the help of a rope. An earthen lamp is placed inside this and the pot is placed on the top of the pole by pulling the rope. Jute stems are burnt to light up the dark path that the spirits of the ancestors take back to heaven.

In the evening, the members of the household gather together just after dusk. A Rangoli of a sailboat is made on the ground. The boat has seven chambers. Over the drawing of each different chamber several items are kept - cotton, mustard, salt, asparagus root, turmeric and a wild creeper. Over the central chamber are the offerings meant for prasad. Perched over the prasad is a jute stem with a cloth wick tied around the edge. It is lit at the beginning of the Puja. All members of the family hold a bundle of jute stems in their hands. Beside the Rangoli, a mortar and pestle and a plough are also kept and worshiped.

In the olden days, animal sacrifice was performed in front of the goddess. Today, a gourd is cut to symbolically represent the animal sacrifice. After the Puja and offerings, the family celebrates Diwali festival by bursting crackers. When crackers were still a monopoly of the urban areas, folks in the rural areas lit jute sticks called kaunwaria which would burn for hours. Nowadays, crackers being available in every nook and corner, kaunwarias are lit only symbolically. In Orissa too, Diwali remains the festival of lights and sweets. Earthen lamps are lit everywhere and sweets are offered to friends and relatives.

Diwali in Punjab

The story of how Diwali evolved into such a widely celebrated festival differs from region to region. In Punjab, Diwali is the day when King Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana to ensure that light emerges victorious over darkness. Upon his homecoming, people welcomed him with an amazing display of firecrackers and by order of the royal families of Ayodhya and Mithila, the kingdom of which Sita was princess, the cities and far- flung boundaries of these kingdoms were lit up with rows of lamps, glittering on dark nights to welcome home the divine king Rama and his queen Sita after 14 years of exile, ending with an across-the-seas war in which the whole of the kingdom of Lanka was destroyed.

Diwali Traditions in Punjab
Diwali is also the anniversary of Guru Hargobindji being released from the prison at Gwalior Fort in 1619 AD. On this day the entire Golden Temple is illuminated with traditional lamps of different colors. The reflection of the temple in the shimmering water of the holy pool is truly mesmerizing, something that you want to hold onto forever in your memory. Fire works display by the traditional professionals recreates the glory of the past.

In villages cattle are adorned and worshiped by farmers as they are the main source of income for the peasants. Since Diwali marks the official start of winter, it is a happy time for the peasants as they get to sow their winter crops and pray to Goddess Lakshmi to give them a good harvest. The day after Diwali is celebrated as Tikka Day. On this day, sisters make an auspicious mark called Tika on their brother’s forehead and pray to the lord to protect him from all harm.

In the Golden Temple of Amritsar, Diwali is celebrated with great éclat. Earthen lamps are lit all round the holy tank and their undulating reflections in the water look extremely fascinating. Sikhs started celebrating Diwali at Amritsar from the time of their Sixth Master, Guru Hargobind. When he rescued fifty-two rajas from imperial detention in the fort of Gwalior and reached Amritsar, the residents there welcomed him by illuminating the whole-city.

Diwali Celebration in Punjab
In Punjab, Diwali Festival is the time for everyone to rejoice, looking forward to a bright future. Enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion, its magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity. Diwali, festival of lights, symbolizes the victory of righteousness and lifting of spiritual darkness. The preparations of Diwali begin well in advance. People start decorating their homes, preparing sweets; thousand of lamps are lit to create a world of fantasy. Each house entrance is made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of "Rangoli" designs to welcome Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Diwali in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is the jewel in the Indian crown. Lush valleys with unparalleled beauty made the great Mughal emperor Shahjahan proclaim in great delight, "If there's paradise anywhere on earth, it's here, it's here, and it’s here." Diwali is celebrated in the valley with as much enthusiasm as in the rest of the country. During any festive season, the whole city of Jammu brightens up and forgets its problems for a few days. There is lot of excitement in the air. Watching or taking part in the Diwali festivities here can be an interesting experience.

Diwali Celebration in Jammu and Kashmir

Much like in the rest of the country, the Kashmiris clean their houses in anticipation of Diwali and then decorate them. Even a week before the festival, one can spot an assortment of lamps and diyas lighting up the shops and homes and people moving around with an air of joyousness. Many people get their homes whitewashed as it is considered auspicious to do so just before Diwali. It is also an occasion to buy new things- and people shop till they drop to take advantage of all the festive promotions.

Diwali day starts with people waking up early in the morning and having the ritual bath. They then dress up in new clothes and families make their way to the temple. After performing the rituals, they buy a lot of sweets and dry fruits to distribute amongst friends, and relatives and the underprivileged as well. They also purchase earthen lamps, candles and electric accessories for illuminating their homes and business establishments.

For Children, it is a time to make merry like no other times except maybe for Eid. They are already in buoyant spirits because of all the new clothes and sweets, and their enjoyments is only heightened when its time to burst some crackers or just generally enjoy the firecrackers. Many of them also receive cash or other gifts from their parents and other relatives.

Diwali Celebrations by Kashmiri Pundits

The Kashmiri Pundits have been celebrating this festival for ages now. It is one of their oldest rituals, and a mention of its celebration can be found in the Nilmat Puran. It was then called Sukhsuptika which literally means to sleep with happiness. The Diwali celebrations now start from Ekadeshi and last till Amavasya. On Amvasya, the older members of the family observe a ritual fast and perform the Lakshmi Pooja. Earthen lamps are placed in temples, on the road crossings, cremation grounds, banks of rivers, streams and lakes hill houses, at the foot of trees, cow sheds, court yards and shops. People wear new clothes and listen to music.

Diwali in Delhi

Delhi is at the heart of India; the capital of this beautiful country brings together all the elements of the mysticism, cultural heritage and trade. In many ways, it sets the tone for the rest of the nation. Like all other multi-ethnic cities all over the world, Delhi boasts of a veritable melting pot of cultures. One can find people from all castes, creeds, races and religions in India and beyond. All festivals become larger than life in this humane city, however it's Diwali that rules the roost. Delhi becomes one big picnic spot as Diwali draws near, markets are decorated, security perked up and joyousness in the air.

Diwali Traditions in Delhi

One of the chief attractions in Delhi during Diwali are the various Ramlilas, a dramatic rendition of the epic Ramayan, staged all over the city. Makeshift stages are set up in community parks as various local bodies organize these entertaining shows which continue for several evenings and culminate in the defeat of the evil demon Ravana at the hands of the virtuous Lord Rama on the Dussehra day. People come out in hordes to attend these Ramlila where the figurine of the evil Ravana is usually stuffed with firecrackers and burnt at the end to indicate the victory of good over evil.

Houses in Delhi are cleaned and decorated for Diwali, and on the evening of the festival, before the celebration start in full force, the Lakshmi Puja is organized in every household. In some houses, there is a ritual of immersing a silver coin in a tumbler of milk. The milk is then sprinkled lightly in the rooms of the house. The Prashad is kept in front of the idol throughout the night. Thereafter, its time to burst crackers and take in the sights and sounds of Diwali!

Diwali Celebrations in Delhi

Diwali festivities in Delhi commence with Dussehra. From thereon, people set out on a frantic spree of shopping, spring-cleaning, whitewashing and Diwali decorating. It is also the best time of the year for shopkeepers and traders who bring out a spate of promotional offers especially for the festive season. Since it is considered auspicious to purchase new things during this period, most people wait till the Diwali season to do their annual shopping, thereby resulting in the shopkeepers laughing all the way to the bank.

On Diwali Day, most shops in Delhi remain open till mid-afternoon, propagated by the belief that good sales on this auspicious day predict a prosperous year ahead. In the corporate sector, the process of buying and distributing Diwali gifts begins several days before the big day, and slowly picks up pace. Sweets and dry fruits are the most common gifts, as are silver coins. But gifts also range from silver dishes and other household gifts to suit pieces.

Deepavali in Bihar

Bihar derives from the Sanskrit Vihara which means abode. The Buddhist Vihara, which was the abode of the Buddhist monks, dotted the area in the ancient and medieval periods. Like most ancient civilizations, life in Bihar is clustered around its many rivers. Few rivers of the world have molded the culture, economy and personality of the people evolving on their banks as has the great river Ganga.

Diwali celebrations officially start two days before on Dhanteras. It is celebrated in the honor of Dhanvantari, the physician of the Gods, who emerged with a flask of elixir during the Samudra Manthan.

Diwali Traditions in Bihar

The customs are that on Dhanteras most people buy new kitchen utensils and keep them at the place of worship. According to one theory, buying of utensils on Dhanteras is associated with the myth of Dhanvantari emerging from the ocean with a pot in his hand. People bathe in the holy river Ganges early in the morning and then observe a fast which is only broken at sunset with sweetmeats, puris and other succulent delicacies.

The day before Diwali is known as Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdasi. Choti means 'small', and thus Choti Diwali is celebrates just like Diwali only on a smaller scale with lesser lights and lesser fireworks, with everybody trying very hard to retrain their bouts of joyousness for the next day. On the morning of Choti Diwali, the women of the house ensure that the house has been cleaned absolutely thoroughly in anticipation of Diwali; they then make beautiful colorful motifs called Rangolis at the entrance. In Hindu homes Poojas (prayers) being carried out for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, or Lord Rama.

Diwali Celebrations In Bihar

People sing devotional songs in the honor of the deities and perform a ceremonial Aarti on Diwali day. Kheel, Batashe and Khilone and various sweetmeats are offered to the Gods. After the Pooja has been performed, people start decorating their houses with Diyas. They are placed in all the rooms of the house, and even in the courtyard and almost up to the street. It is believed that it helps illuminate the pathway for the Goddess Lakshmi, when she tries to visit people's homes.

Thereafter people of Bihar indulge in the usual festivities of bursting crackers and exchanging sweets with their friends and relatives. The Adivasis of Bihar worship kali on this day. Eating unripe coconut and taking a beetle is considered auspicious. In chota Nagpur, the men circumnutates their village with basket full of paddy and grass. A week after the festival of lights is the festival Chhath. For one night and day, the people of Bihar literally live on the banks of the river Ganga when a ritual offering is made to the Sun God.

Diwali in Assam

Assam is the largest North Eastern state in India, whose capital Guwahati is located on the banks of the very holy River Brahmaputra. A beautiful state, it is covered with lush greenery and the most charming people you are likely to meet in a long time. While essentially Indians, the Assamese like most of the North East have a culture of their own which they follow almost religiously. Most of the state is devoted to tea plantation, which is the main occupation of the people here and has made the Assamese tea famous all over the world.

Diwali is not the main festival in Assam. That honor goes to the traditional Assamese festival of Bihu. Durga Puja too is extremely popular primarily with the Bengali population. However, that is not to say that the people don't celebrate Diwali here at all. It is a rather low-key affair, marked by subtle decorations and peaceful celebrations. The people of other communities, who have settled in Assam, continue their Diwali celebrations with much style.

Diwali Celebrations in Assam

Diwali Celebrations in Assam usually involve, but are not limited to the lighting of the traditional Diyas, followed by gorging on the delicious Diwali Mithais and of course performing the ritual Aarti. The whole family then celebrates with fireworks providing the entertainment and symbolizing the victory of good over evil, reminding people why this festival of lights (link) is celebrated.

In Assam a lot of emphasis is laid on lights and particularly the symbolic message behind it. Thus all the houses are lit up with countless flickering lamps and electrical lights. Worshipping Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity and watching the fireworks is an essential part of the usual Diwali festivities. . Beautiful lamps are hung outside homes that are symbolic of the spiritual light dispelling evil and the darkness of ignorance.

Doorways are decorated with Torans or flower garlands with mango leaves and marigolds. Diwali Rangolis are drawn with colored powders to welcome guests. Business establishments and families perform “Chopda Pujan” or worship of their business books. Everyone feasts and shops and starts new projects or ventures.

Diwali in Andhra Pradesh

Diwali is the most significant festival in India and is celebrated with much pomp and pageantry all over the country. Still the essence of the festival remains the same, and it is wonderful to see such unity in diversity. Andhra Pradesh has the distinction of being one of the largest states in India and as such is a melting pot of cultures, and come Diwali this pot seems to bubble with the best of all cultures.

Andhra Pradesh is one of the oldest states in India and was created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telugu-speaking portions of the former state of Madras. Andhra Pradesh has traditional way of celebrating Diwali that is organized and celebrated throughout the state. It is a festival that revolves around Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Diwali Celebrations in Andhra Pradesh in North India, Diwali is usually celebrated during the evenings with fireworks and Diyas. However, in Andhra Pradesh, the festivities start out at the crack of dawn and carry on well into the night. The state sure knows how to celebrate! Most people make the trip to the local temple along with their families to seek the blessings of their respective Gods. The night sky is soon lit up with a scintillating array of fireworks and crackers notch up the noise level by a few decibels.

People decorate their homes much like the Hyderabadi royalty would have done all those centuries ago. There are no limits set when it comes to Diwali. Homes are lit up with hundreds of Diyas and colorful Diwali Rangolis (link) decorate the doorway. For the Children it’s a lot like Christmas in western countries for they get new clothes to wear, delicious food to gorge on and for once nobody ticks them off for making too much noise. In Hyderabad, there is a unique tradition of bathing a buffalo on Diwali day. Another custom involves decorating homes with paper figures.

Festivities cut across boundaries to move on from the small villages to the big towns, for almost a month before Deepawali. Sales of expensive silk saris, jewelry and ornaments, household goods go up. From the poor to the rich, everyone indulges in shopping for the biggest shopping spree of the year. Sweets, which are an integral part of any festival in Andhra Pradesh, are prepared in homes as well as bought from shops for exchange. This festival is full of messages depicting one or more aspects of human life, relationships or ancient traditions.

Diwali in India

Diwali also called Deepavali is the major Hindu festival. Known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional Diyas. Fireworks are associated with the festival in some regions of the country. It usually occurs in October/ November.

Whatever may be the allegories and legends behind the celebrations of Diwali, all people exchange sweets, wear new clothes and buy jewelry at this festive time. Card parties are held in many homes. Diwali has become commercialized as the biggest annual consumer extravaganza because every family shops for sweets, gifts and fireworks. However, in all this fury of shopping and eating, the steady, burning lamp is a constant symbol of an illuminated mind.

This festival of lights perfectly captures India’s unity in diversity as people from different cultures, who speak different languages and live in different ends of the country comes together to celebrate this victory of good over evil. Diwali festivities differ considerably in different parts of India primarily because every faith and culture adds its own symbolism and practices to the festival.

Diwali is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals of India. Hindus, Jains and Sikhs alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships. For Jains it is one of the most important festivals, and beginning of the Jain year. It is also a significant festival for the Sikh faith. Let’s take a look at how Diwali is celebrated in different states of India will be followed by next articles.

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Diwali, often known as the ‘festival of lights’, is highly symbolic. In Hindu mythology, the celebration restored light and life into the kingdom, ushering a new sunrise, a new age of truth and righteousness, as it marked the return of King Rama to the throne after being in exile for 14 years. The darkness, which is always followed by light, refers to the enlightenment of the soul, after having lived in ‘exile’ from its own truth.

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Diwali Store:Send Online Diwali Gifts to India

Send Online Diwali Gifts to India

Enjoy the Diwali Festival with wide range of Gifts and Torans that Diwali Store brings for you in this festival of Light. These Diwali specific gifts and other gifts will make every one feel the significance of the day and wish them in a different way on the special day.

Diwali Festival- a time to celebrate and to rejoice, a time of sharing, of being with family and friends and a time to fill not only the empty stomachs but, especially, the empty hearts and spirits. If there is one occasion that is full of joy and euphoria for all, it is Diwali. Homes are spring-cleaned and decorated; even the humblest of huts is lit by a row of earthen lamps. Celebration is invariably accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks. Multi-colored Rangoli designs and floral decorations adorn the entrance of most homes.

Diwali (also called Deepavali) is a major Hindu festival usually takes place eighteen days after Dussehra also known as the "Festival of Lights," it symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. It is celebrated throughout India, as well as in Indian communities throughout the whole world. Hindus, Jains and Sikhs alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships.

The celebration of the festival is invariably accompanied by the exchange of sweets and various gifts. However simple these may be, Diwali Store excels in providing exclusive & high quality Diwali gifts that ranges from traditional Indian sweets like Kaju Sweets, Cadbury Chocolates to Dry Fruits and Diwali Gift hampers. Celebrate Diwali Festival & send Diwali Gifts from Diwali Store for all your loved ones & corporate Diwali gifts to friends.

Diwali Gifts & Diwali Gifts Ideas are all useful, economical and easily available. You don't have to search heaven and earth to find them. Diwali Store has used the trick so beautifully to arrange them in a way that it wins the heart of your loved ones.

Feel free to circulate and share out this press release as you wish - if you can post it on your own site or email it to your friends then please do. It’s real time to reproduce the word far and wide amongst the all community across the world.

So, make this year the Diwali festival a special one with DiwaliStore.com

Sarson Ka Saag Recipe

Sarson Ka Saag

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch sarson greens
• 1 bunch spinach
• 1 onion grated
• 1/2 tsp. each ginger and garlic grated 3 green chillies
• 1 tbsp. grated cheese or paneer (optional)
• 1/2 lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. ghee 1 tbsp. oil
• 1/2 tsp. garam masala
• 1 tbsp. maize flour and salt to taste

Method:

• Chop both greens, wash, drain.
• Heat oil in the pressure cooker direct.
• Add both greens, green chillies, stir
• Add ginger, garlic, stir.
• Add few pinches salt, 1 cup water
• Pressure cook till done. (2 whistles).
• Mash well.
• Heat ghee in a pan, add onion, saute till brown.
• Add all other ingredients, except cheese.
• Stir well and cook till oil separates.

Pav Bhaji Recipe

Pav Bhaji

Ingredients:

• Potato medium size - 4
• Cabbage chopped - 1 cup
• Cauliflower flowerets - 1 cup
• Green Peas -1/2 cup
• Onions finely chopped - 2
• Tomato finely chopped - 2

Method:

• Cut potato into small pieces. Wash the vegetables with water.
• Cook all the vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, potato, peas) in a pressure cooker .Mash them coarsely. ( If you are using frozen peas, then no need to pressure cook the peas)
• Heat 2 tbsp. of butter in a frying pan or kadhai.
• Add green chili,chopped onions and fry it until it become light golden brown in color. Then add chopped tomato and cook till it becomes tender.
• Add pavbhaji masala, chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and cook again for 4-5 minutes. (Incase you are using the frozen peas then add now)
• Add the boiled vegetables, lemon juice and mix well. Simmer till it becomes thick, Stir and mash into pieces in between.
• Slit the pavs horizontally.
• Apply little butter on tava and roast the pavs till hot and soft.
• Garnish bhaji with chopped coriander leaves and onions. Serve hot with pav and tomato sauce/green chutney.

ShakkarPare Recipe for Diwali Festival

ShakkarPare Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cup maida (plain flour)
• 2 cup Wheat flour
• 2 cup Sugar
• 2 tsp Saunf
• 2 cup ghee
• Ghee for fry

Method:

• Mix the ingredients mentioned above into little water.
• Knead into a soft dough.Divide dough into equal parts and roll out into thick chappatis.
• Make small diamond shapes with a knife.
• Lift with spatula and keep aside on a dry cloth for 1 hour.
• Deep fry in hot ghee over medium heat till it turns light golden brown.
• Drain well and keep aside till cool.
• Keep in clean, dry containers.

Rasmalai

Rasmalai Recipe for Diwali.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs Cows Milk or Ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 64 oz half & half milk
• 1/4 tsp crushed cardamom seeds
• A pinch of saffron
• 1 cup blanched almonds
• 4 tbsp crushed green pistachios

Method:

• Mix sugar & cardamom powder with cheese.
• Spread out the mixture on a baking tray.
• Now bake the mixture at 350° for 1/2 an hour till it gets light brown.
• Take out the mixture from oven & keep it cool at normal temperature.
• Cut into 2" squares and place them at a desset bowl.
• Now in a seperate dish mix all the other ingredients well except the pistachios.
• Decorate with pistachios, chill for 2-3 hours.
• Ready to server.

Milk Burfi Recipe

Milk Burfi Recipe for this Diwali.

Ingredients:

• 2 cup Whole Milk
• 2 tsp fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 tblsp dried Milk Powder
• 3 tblsp powdered Sugar (Cheeni)
• 3 tbsp Ghee
• 1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder
• 1 sheets Edible Silver Foil (Varq)

Method:

• Heat the milk a little and add lemon juice in the milk to curdle it.
• Hang the curdled milk in a muslin cloth for 3 hours.
• This results in the solidification of milk into cheese.
• Add milk powder and sugar to the cheese and kneed the mixture well.
• Heat the ghee in a heavy bottomed pan and add the cheese mixture.
• Stir-Fry over very low flame until the ghee separates.
• Take off the mixture from the heat, add cardamom powder to it, and allow to cool slightly.
• Blend properly by again kneading it.
• Pat the kneaded mixture into a flat cake and allow it to cool completely.
• Cut into squares and decorate with silver foil.

Kesar Kaju Burfi Recipe

Kesar Kaju Burfi Recipe for Diwali

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Kesar (saffron)
• 1000 gms Kaju (cashewnuts)
• 1/2 tsp orange color
• 600 gms sugar 2 chandi (silver) warak

Method:

• Put cashewnuts in water for 3 hours.Drain the water and ground the cashewnuts,finely.
• Mix sugar & Cashewnuts in a pan on a low flame, stiring constantly.
• Mix orange and saffron color in it.roast till done.
• Place a butter paper on the rolling board and put the mixture on it.
• Now place another butter paper ,sandwhiching the mixture between the two paper. Roll it with rolling pin.
• Take out the butter paper form top and place silver warak.
• Cut the burfi pieces.

Jalebi

How to Make Jalebi on Diwali

Ingredients:

• 4 cup flour (maida)
• 3 tbsp. fine grained semolina or rice flour
• 1/2th tsp. baking powder
• 2 tbsp curd (plain yogurt)
• 2 cups warm water
• 1 tsp. saffron threads, slowly dry-roasted and powdered
• 5 cups sugar
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp green cardamom seeds powder
• 3 tbsp. kewra water or rose water
• Ghee or vegetable oil for frying

Method:

• In a bowl, take 3/4th cup of the water and mix well with flour, semolina or rice flour, baking powder, curd.You can also use a whisk for mixing.
• Add remaining water and 1/8th tsp. of saffron powder well with the mixture until smooth.
• Keep the mixture for about 2 hours to ferment and whisk again before use.
• Make one string syrup by mixing sugar into water & add saffron and cardamom powder in it.
• Heat oil in a kadhai at a low flame.Pour the batter in a steady stream into the kadhai to form coils. Make a few at a time.
• Fry them deeply until they turn in light brown color.
• Take out the mixture from the kadhai and drain on kitchen paper and immerse in the syrup.
• Keep them atleast for 4-5 minutes until they soak the syrup.
  Take them out of syrup and serve hot.

Besan Ke Laddu

Besan Ke Laddu, recipe for this Diwali.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Ghee
• 2 cups of Gram Flour
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1/4 cup Almonds & Raisins (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp Powdered Cardamom

Method:

• Heat the ghee in a pan
• Put the gram flour into pan and fry it on a low flame till it turns brown.
• Once it is browned, let it cool.
• Mix well while adding powdered cardamom with sugar and add chopped almonds and raisins.
• Make small ladoos and serve.

Rasgulla Recipe for Deepavali

Rasgulla Recipe

Ingredients:

• Milk - 1/2 litre
• Refined flour (maida) - 2 tsp
• Citric acid dissolved in water or lemon juice - 1/4 tsp dissolved in 1/2 cup water or lemon juice 2-3 tbsp
• Sugar- 1 cup
• Water- 1 cup
• Rose essence or cardamom powder - 2-3 drops or 1/4 tsp

Method:

• Heat milk in a pan and bring it to boil. Remove from heat.
• Add citric acid or lemon juice.
• Stir slowly and gently until white curd forms on the surface and separates from whey.
• On straining this milk, the curd that is obtained is called "chenna". Wash chenna well under cold running water and twist the cloth that was used for straining to extract water.
• Knead chenna to make smooth dough. Add flour and knead again.

Kalakand Recipe for Diwali

Kalakand

Ingredients:

• 2 litres Milk
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup Sugar
• chopped nuts to decorate (pista, almonds)
• Silver foil (optional)
• 1/2 tsp. Citric acid dissolved in 1/2 cup water

Method:

• Boil half the milk .Add the citric solution as it comes to boil.
• Switch off gas once the chenna settles down. Sieve through muslin cloth, press out excess water, take in a plate and press down. Note: Do not knead.
• Put the remaining milk in a heavy pan and boil to half.
• Add the chenna and boil till the mixture thickens. Stir continuously.
• Add the sugar and continue to cook, stirring all the while till it softly thickens into a lump.
• Set in a tray, apply silver foil and sprinkle the chopped nuts.

Carrot Halwa Recipe for Diwali Festival

Carrot Halwa (Gajar Halwa) is a very popular North Indian sweet dish. Here is carrot halwa recipe.

Ingredients:

Carrots - 6 (grated finely)

• Milk - 3 cups
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Mawa - 1/2 cup (powdered milk)
• Khoya - 3 tsp (ricotta cheese)
• Almonds - 1/8 cup (chopped)
• Cardamoms - 5 (skinned and crushed fine)
• Pistachios - 2-3 (powdered)
• Ghee - 1/4 cup (clarified butter)
• Raisins - 1 tsp

Method:

• Boil the carrots in the milk in an open pan maintaining a low flame. Constantly stir.
• When carrots are cooked, take them out and drain any excess milk.
• Pour milk powder (mava), the ricotta cheese and the sugar to the cooked carrots.
• In a frying pan heat the ghee, now add the carrot mixture and keep high flame until the carrot paste loses the milky texture and later turns into golden brown color.Make sure sugar has totally dissolved.
• Add the raisins, cardamoms, powdered pistas and the almonds.
• Heat through and serve either hot or cold with cream on the side.

Malpua Recipe

Malpua Recipe

Mal Pua

Ingredients:

• 250 grams plain flour, sifted
• water
• 1 tbsp. powdered sugar
• oil for frying
• Sugar Syrup
• 500 grams sugar
• 625 ml water
• Garnish
• 1/4-teaspoon ground cardamom
• Rose water
• Fresh cream sweetened

Method:

• Sugar syrup
• Put sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to boil. Simmer for 8-10 minutes till thick syrup is formed.
• Mix sifted flour, sugar and water to form smooth, medium thickness batter and keep aside for 30 min.
• Heat oil in a shallow flat bottomed pan. Carefully spread the mixture in the pan and fry till golden brown.
• Transfer the pancake into the sugar syrup. Serve hot garnished with cardamom, rosewater and fresh cream.

Gujhia Recipe for Diwali Festival

Gujhia

Ingredients:

• 500 gms maida (flour)
• 1kg khoya
• 3 tbsps kismis (raisins)
• 200 gms almonds (cut into thin strips)
• 6 tbsps cooking oil. ( keep some more aside for deep frying)
• 200 ml water
• 500 gms sugar.

Method:

• Mix the six tablespoons of oil with the maida.
• Now add some water as required and knead into soft dough.
• Set aside and cover with a damp cloth.
• Fry khoya in a deep-frying pan to a light brown color.
• Add sugar, almonds and kismis into the khoya and mix well.
• Remove from the fire and let it cool.
• Roll out the kneaded dough into a small and thick chapatti.
• Fill half the chapati with the khoya mixture and seal the round, twisting the edges inwards.
• Deep-fry these gujhias to a deep golden brown color on slow flame.
• Take them out and drain the oil completely.

After it cools down serve them to the guests.

Diwali Recipes

The festival of Diwali gives us the license for fun and revelry. During the festive season of Diwali, India dresses up in a new look of fun and feasts. Diwali is the time for decorating your house with earthen lamps called Diyas, wearing new clothes, bursting firecrackers, meeting family and friends and of course enjoying the delicious items of sweets and snacks prepared specially for this occasion. People make colorful Rangoli patterns in front of their house to give a festive look, special Diwali recipes are made and even gift items and greeting cards.

Weeks before Diwali, every Hindu family is busy painting and decorating their homes, and shopping for gifts and preparing new dishes. On the Diwali day, shops are packed with people buying freshly made sweets. You can choose from a wide variety of sweets available in the market ranging from dry fruit sweets to special Diwali sweets.

In next posts you will find some recipes for sweets, which you can try at home as they are easy to make and fast to cook. You can try out these dishes and serve to your guests on the festive day.

Diwali Gifts

Thinking of Diwali we think of Diwali Gifts, Sweets and Firecrackers. Diwali is the most famous and important festival in the Hindu calendar. All Indians not only in our country but abroad celebrates it with great enthusiasm and joy. Diwali is regarded as the festival of lights. The festival is celebrated in different manner through out the nation. But the universal theme behind its celebration is intact across the country.

The uniqueness of Diwali festival is its harmony of five varied philosophies, with each day to a special thought or idea and belief. It is the time to socialize met friends and relatives. If somebody is staying abroad away from home than they come to met during this festive season exchange gifts and share home-cooked meals. The festivities surrounding Diwali encourage people to gather and socialize. Diwali is the time to exchange gifts and enjoy. It's the time to gift your loved one gift that they will enjoy. Diwali gifts spread joy, splendor, brightness and happiness.

Diwali is known throughout the world for its celebratory fervor. Jewellery, new clothes, fresh flowers and offerings of traditional sweets sum up a typical Indian celebration. Diwali is one such occasion where this particular description would fit perfectly. One of the most colorful and vibrant of the Indian festivals, people visits the places of their relatives and friends to wish them on the occasion of Diwali and exchange gifts.

Gifts can be in any form depending on the budget and to whom you are gifting. Before selecting the gift you should know whom you are giving and what are its likes and dislikes. If you are giving anything to your brother it can be from clothes to perfumes to electronic goods to accessories like watches. For sisters it can be saris, dress materials, perfumes, jewellery or anything of her choice. Flowers, chocolates and traditional sweets are an all time favorite. You can choose from a varied range available in DiwaliStore.com. Neighbors and friends drop in and it is customary to exchange gifts. For the business associates it could be something in silver or gold coin or leather goods, for the daughter-in-law a sari or a piece of jewellery, for the son may be a watch, a camera or even electronic goods can be a good option. Exchange of gifts in Diwali is now a custom. It is not necessary that you have to gift expensive items but it is important to show your concern and feelings for the other person.

Since Diwali signifies fun, love and enjoyment.

When is Diwali

Whenever we talk of Diwali Festival the first think that comes to our mind is when Diwali is celebrated or the date of the festival. This year the Diwali Festival will be celebrated on 21st October 2006 and last year Diwali was celebrated on 1st November 2005.

Normally according to the Hindu calendar the festival of Diwali, which is celebration of truth and light is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya, the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (Aasho), which is usually the month of October or November every year. Here are list of dates for the coming four years of Diwali Festival. They are as follows:

In 2007, Diwali will be celebrated on 9th November 2007.

In 2008, Diwali will be celebrated on 28th October 2008.

In 2009, Diwali will be celebrated on 17th October 2009.

In 2010, Diwali will be celebrated on 5th November 2010.

History of Diwali

India is considered to be the land of festivals. And each of the festivals, which are celebrated here, has a reason or significance behind its celebration. Diwali the festival of light is also not an exception. It is celebrated across the country with lots of enthusiasm and fun. Though the way it is celebrated differs from region to region according to the traditions and culture of that state but the reason behind its celebration remains same. The festival is celebrated by all there is no cast or age bar. The festival brings light in everybody's life.

The Diwali festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way. If we try to look for the origin of the festival we have to refer to history. And history tells us that the festival is celebrated mainly for four days commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. And each day has a significance and history behind its celebration. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the killing of the demon king Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.

The second day is Amavasya and according to the legends Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, was incarnated on the new moon day (amaavasyaa) of the Kartik month during the churning of the ocean (samudra-manthan), hence the association of Diwali with Lakshmi. From that day she is worshipped as the symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is also said that on this very day Lord Vishnu rescued Goddess Lakshmi from the prison of Demon king bali and for that reason Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on the day of Diwali. The third day is "Kartika Shudda Padyami."

On this day Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami". The fourth day is referred to as "Yama Dvitiya." On this day, sisters invite their brothers to their homes. Whereas according to legends it is also said that Lord Rama returned from exile to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. To commemorate his return to Ayodhya, his subjects illuminated the kingdom and burst crackers. Goddess Kali is also worshipped during this time.