Jhangora

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is perhaps the biggest festival celebrated in India. It is also celebrated in countries which have a substantial population of Indians/people of Indian origins/considerable Indian cultural influence.

Temples and Houses are decorated with earthen lamps and electric lights. People worship Gods like Lakshmi (wealth), Saraswati (knowledge), and Ganesha. They visit relatives and friends and exchange sweets (lots of varieties in India).

Folks booze out and gamble and there are a lot of fireworks around.

Last year I purchased some Made in China rice lights and decorated my home with him. I also purchased a kilogram of ghee (clarified butter - a bit expensive) and lit some earthen lamps (they look much better than electric lights, soothing for the eyes, but get extinguished due to wind), there were a few wax candles as well.

I pasted some stickers of the footprints of Goddess Lakshmi on the floor, happy to say it had a positive impact on my earnings. Made carrot halwa and gulab jamuns and shared some of it with my maternal uncle who lives nearby. Most of the fireworks, which were made in Sivakasi, were handed over to my nephew who is 11 now.

This year my family won't be celebrating Diwali as a close Paternal Uncle died earlier this year.

So have you ever celebrated Diwali. Would you be celebrating it this year. What are your thoughts on this beautiful Festival. Are there any similar Festivals in your culture.



This year Diwali would be on the 13th of November.

The Imperial

Off-topic, but the 'fire-crackers' part of Diwali has to end.

avantivarman

But, that will kill all joy of Deewali atleast here in north .

Jhangora

I understand that they cause noise and air pollution. However, our mere existence on the planet puts a lot of strain on Mother Earth. A bit of celebration doesn't hurt our spirits

Anyways, I don't really have the same fascination for them as I had growing up. Last year I blasted a few with my cigarette when my Nephew insisted I join in. I should have been careful, was drunk.

I don't have any data but their use seems to be declining, hope that satisfies you brother Imperial.

Jinit

In Gujarat very next day after Diwali is celebrated as New year day. ie Diwali is the last day of the year. Does anybody know anyother state that celebrates Diwali and new year togather?

avantivarman

well, in Uttar Pradesh the next day of Diwali is treated as beginning of new accounting year by traditional baniyas , so same concept is there, i suppose.

Jinit

No but in Gujarat it is celebrated as proper new year. Not only by the Business men but by every one else. Is that case with UP? IF not what is the new year in UP?

Jhangora

Saka Samwat and Vikram Samwat new year begin in March/April I guess. Which calendar do you follow in Gujarat brother Jinit?

Diwali is known as Bagwal in Garhwali and there is a tradition of making a ball with splinters and gum from pine trees, tying it with a rope, lighting it, and then revolving it around the body. It is said to ward off the evil spirits. Saw it just once as a child in village. This tradition is not followed in the cities.

It would be interesting to know how Diwali is celebrated in different parts of India and abroad and what are some of the regional differences.

unclefred

Sounds great to me, we need more fun holidays where we can cut loose with friends.

avantivarman

In India you will always have holidays and I like it.

I think USA has got Diwali celebration attended by its president so great and real display of multiculturalism.

In Diwali, we eat and fire crackers a lot actually but I hate this festival turning into one based on chinese goods.