Diwali is also known as Deepavali and the meaning of this word is ‘the row of lamps’. It is one of the most important and religious festival of Hindus that is celebrated in honor of Lord Rama. The preparations of Diwali start long before the actual date. The festival of Diwali comes with three to five day celebrations;
• The thirteenth day from Poornima (full moon) is Dhantrayodashi or Dhanteras, which is the first day of Diwali. Dhanteras is comprised of two words: Dhan and teras, where Dhan means ‘wealth’ and teras means ‘thirteenth day’.
• After fourteenth day, it is called Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali. According to Hindu’s myth, Lord Krishna demolished the demon Narakasur on this day and freed the world from his fear.
• The new moon day of the dark fortnight of the Ashwin is the actual day of Diwali. Everyone does Lakshmi Puja on this day to invite Goddess Lakshmi at their homes.
Tips to make the festival of Diwali more interesting:
Go shopping with your family and friends: It is actually considered auspicious to buy utensils and ornaments on the first day of Diwali. During these days, markets, Malls and streets are decorated with various decorative items. So, feel free to go and buy some of the best things for your home. Also, it is the perfect time to shop for gifts that you want to give to your dear ones.
Clean the house: Cleaning rooms, furniture and corners of your house before Diwali is considered auspicious for the overall prosperity of your family. Make sure that you have no laundry around your place. This also helps to purge-off all the rubble from your home.
Light lamps every night amid the festival: Light small oil lamps called Diyas on the eve of Diwali, and place them around your home. Apart from these diyas, you can light some candles and hang a strip of lights outside your home. Light them up every night during the festival. These lamps are the symbol of inner light or knowledge, which brings about inner peace and fights-off any footprint of ignorance and darkness.
Decorate the entrance of your home with colorful traditional Diwali motifs: It is the finest way to welcome the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. You can decorate your home for anything such as wall hangings, mirrors, bells, flower garlands, LED lights, etc., which will make your entrance colorful and pleasant. You can find a range of beautiful Rangoli designs on internet and display them inside or outside your home to signify festive mood.
Use some light firecrackers and fireworks: This is the most probable part of Diwali, which symbolizes the warding-off of the evil from your vicinity. But before this, you should follow these tips;
• Always be careful while igniting them and ensure you follow all the safety precautions.
• Keep noisy Crackers away your children.
Wear new clothes and jewels to make the festive day more memorable: Wearing traditional clothes on the day of Diwali will make you feel good and happy. If you are a woman, then try to wear traditional Indian sari, whereas men can wear Kurta Pajama.
Perfect day to care for siblings: Diwali is the festival of love and strong relationship. Cook special traditional dishes for your siblings and wish them life-long happiness by giving them special gifts.
Hope all this information will make your Diwali much more joyful and blissful!