There are several rituals, customs, and myths connected to the Diwali holiday. There is a lovely message concealed beneath each and every component of the Diwali celebrations, even though these customs may appear to be extremely ordinary and unimportant on the surface. Deepavali, which in Sanskrit roughly translates as "rows of lights," is another name for Diwali. The Indian calendar's Amavasya, the darkest night of the Kartik month, marks the occasion for this festival of lights, which represents knowledge's victory (light) over ignorance (darkness).
Nothing is more culturally flamboyant than the celebration of an auspicious festival like Diwali. Every person remembers their family, friends, homes, togetherness, and many other things that this religious and socially noteworthy celebration brings together at this time of year. It is much more than just a celebration of folklore; it also honours childhood memories, the reunion of the entire family after a long absence, and the sky-illuminating fireworks.
You will undoubtedly experience the joyful atmosphere as a traveller, especially if you are traveling with us on a North India Tour! Indians are amiable and inquisitive individuals. Don't be shocked if someone invites you over to celebrate with them at their home. Here is all the information you require about the Diwali festival if you plan to visit India during that time. If celebrating Diwali in India is on your bucket list, book your trip with Incredible India Tours right away to fully appreciate the splendour of the festival of lights.
There are some variances between how the north and south celebrate Diwali. One in particular is connected to the first day of festivities, when people in South India commemorate Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Naraka a day before people in the North celebrate. Rituals connected to Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after a long exile mark the start of the festivities in Northern India.
In the later narrative, Diwali commemorates Rama's return from a 14-year exile that his father forced upon him. Upon his return, he discovers his subjects in despair due to the kingdom's terrorization by the demon Ravana, a cunning but evil "pundit." Rama's followers welcome him back by lighting lamps in joy.
The puja (or prayer) performed for Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, is also a well-known Diwali ceremony in India. Fireworks are lit to commemorate Diwali, which also marks the start of the New Year.
In the later narrative, Diwali commemorates Rama's return from a 14-year exile that his father forced upon him. Upon his return, he discovers his subjects in despair due to the kingdom's terrorization by the demon Ravana, a cunning but evil "pundit." Rama's followers welcome him back by lighting lamps in joy.
The puja (or prayer) performed for Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, is also a well-known Diwali ceremony in India. Fireworks are lit to commemorate Diwali, which also marks the start of the New Year.
This festival typically lasts for about a week. These days of celebration are enthusiastically completed with different rituals and each day holds a specific signific
Day 1: Dhanteras
Houses and commercial spaces are refurbished and adorned on Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, the first day of the festivities. The goddess of wealth and prosperity is welcomed at the doors with gorgeous, traditional rangoli decorations that are painted in vibrant colours (Lakshmi). Small footprints are drawn all over the house to signify her long-awaited arrival. All during the nights, lamps are kept lit. Women buy gold, silver, or new utensils on this day since it is seen to be lucky. Cattle are also venerated in various areas of India. The Ayurveda god- Dhanvantari, also known as the gods' physician, is said to have been born on this day, and it is marked as Dhanvantari Jayanti. On this day, lamps are lit throughout the night in adoration of Lord Yama, the god of death who is also known by the name "Yamadeepdaan." The worry of passing away suddenly is expected to be eliminated by this.
Day 2: Narak Chaturdashi
The Second Day (Narak Chaturdashi) commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. The devil begs Lord Krishna's pardon, and Krishna obliges. Today is dedicated to the idea that even the worst among us have the capacity to grow and merit pity. It is also recognized as the day Lord Krishna banished fear from the world.
Day 3: Lakshmi Puja
The third day of the festivities, Lakshmi Puja, is the most significant day. Small glittering lamps light up huge towns, gradually erasing the night's oppressive gloom. On this night, it is said, Goddess Lakshmi graces the land and bestows upon us her blessings of riches and prosperity. People perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening and give out sweets to everyone. Diwali is a holiday that has ties to our earliest myths and scriptures, including the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Puranas and the Mahabharata both mention numerous incidents that are connected to the Diwali festival. This also has a deeper significance. It implies that once the light of understanding rises within, light is there all around us. The light of knowledge begins to shine throughout the entire world. We observe Diwali to express the special significance of spiritual understanding in our lives.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja
The fourth day, known as Padwa and Goverdhan Puja, is dedicated to the prayer known as Goverdhan Puja (pooja), which includes a substantial food offering. Some people commemorate this day in remembrance of Lord Krishna saving the Vrindavan peasants from Indra's terrible downpour (the god of rain and storms). People typically dress in new clothes, exchange gifts and treats, and enjoy a feast.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj, which is observed on the fifth day, honours the affection shared by siblings. As a sign of their affection, brothers present their sisters with a gift. Sisters prepare meals for their brothers during this time, bless them with "teekas" (red dots), and serve them. When celebrating Diwali while travelling, we advise staying for all 5 days.
We would always accommodate you at any location in India throughout the festivities if you are visiting during Diwali. To spend Diwali with a family, a homestay might be a wonderful experience, but reservations are required in advance. Only hosting friends and family is preferred by some homestays. You cannot escape the Diwali spirit no matter where you stay because hotels also celebrate the holiday.
Be careful to reserve intercity transport and lodging well in advance if you're visiting India during Diwali (the festival of lights). As the celebration draws near, it gets harder and more expensive to find train tickets, hotel rooms, and guides. In popular tourist cities, the majority of people reserve their accommodations far in advance.
A true cultural experience can be had by celebrating Diwali in India in smaller cities like Rishikesh and Pushkar. Smaller communities still celebrate Diwali according to old customs. We highly advocate enjoying this festival in such locations as it is the ideal approach to comprehend the rich history and culture of India.
Be cautious about your clothing catching fire because there are firecrackers and diyas everywhere, especially if you are a girl wearing a dupatta or an Indian scarf. We advise bringing earplugs if you have sensitive ears because certain firecrackers can be really loud and sound more like explosions. Additionally, there may be a lot of smoke in the air. It is ideal if you wear a mask in order to prevent any infections. Please let us know in advance if you have a respiratory issue so we can make sure you stay away from places with a lot of air pollution.
Diwali will be celebrated this year on October 24th. Get in touch with Incredible India Tours representative, if the dates that work for you are not near this festival. We'll assist you in organising a journey that combines taking in the vivid culture of this subcontinent with attending other well-known events.
