Saturday, October 18, 2014

Diwali celebrations at my home

Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in India.
This festival of lights is celebrated with full pomp and show.
It signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

From a 6 year old child to a 60 year old man, everyone celebrates it will full enthusiasm.
The atmosphere is no different at my home.

Preparations start one month before the actual day.
Home Cleaning
The first activity on the bucket list of to do things is home cleaning.
We pick one room at a time and clean every corner of it.
This is the time when I become nostalgic.
It feels amazing to see those old drawing books, stationary items, greeting cards and cricket cards which are the treasure of my past.
Bed sheets, pillows and other clothes are kept in the sun.

Diwali Dishes
I love Diwali the most because of the delicious food items prepared by my mom.
Gajar ka Halwa, Gujiyas, Sweet/Namkeen Shakarparas, Khoparapak are some of my favorite dishes.
I love helping my mom in their preparations.
Cutting the Gujiyas and Shakarparas in proper shape is my responsibility and also my forte.

                                                               credit -wikipedia

Shopping
Diwali shopping is what everyone awaits for the whole year.
People buy new clothes, electronic items, automobiles and jewellery.
There are huge discounts given by the brands to lure more customers.
Once free from all the Diwali preparations our family also indulge in shopping of new clothes and jewellery. Buying varieties of cracker is also on the top of the list.

Light decorations
Light decorations is my responsibility.
I think a house is known by its light decorations at the time of Diwali.

                                
                                                                    credit - wikimedia


Led-strip lights are my favourite which keeps on flashing in different orders.
Also beautiful lanterns and decorative diyas add to the beauty.

                                  
                                                              credit -Flickr

                                                            
                                                     
Rangoli
Different types of Rangoli is been made by me and my sister during the course of 5 days.


Credit  - Wikipedia




The 5 days of Diwali
Diwali extends 5 days starting from Dhanteras till Bhaidooj.
Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali when my parents buy gold and silver coins.
It is considered as a good omen.

Roop Chudas is the second day of the 5 days when people try to look the best they can.

Finally comes the most awaited day of the whole year Diwali- Laxmi Pujan.
In our family Laxmi Pujan is done at two places, home and shop.

Different items required in Puja are brought a day before which includes
 Kalash
Sugarcane
Gold and silver coins from bank locker
Idol or picture of Goddess Laxmi
Milk, curd, honey, ghee
Sweets
Other daily puja items.

All set up is done at a particular place which is fixed for Laxmi puja.
Clean clothes are been spread and all the things are kept on it.

First the puja is done at the shop.
All the puja items are placed on a Thali. Dad and Badepapa sprinkles water to purify them.
Next they offer flowers, rice and other puja items to the Idol of Goddess Laxmi.

                                                       
                                                                          credit - wikipedia

After it is done we recite MahaLaxmi arti and distribute sweets in the neighboring shops.
We burn few crackers on the road and then head towards home.

Puja at home is done on a grand level.
Relatives from my dad’s side come to our place.
After the puja is done we all sit together and eat the delicious Diwali dishes prepared by my mom.
And then comes the most important part of the day, burning crackers.
The complete baccha party is out on the roads with their colorful crackers.

Next day of Diwali is called Diwali Padva.
On this day we visit our relatives and friends and seek their blessings and love.
We exchanges gifts and sweets. This festival also helps in reconciling with our near and dear ones who are upset with us.

The last day is called Bhai Dooj which is the festival of brother and sister.
Finally the celebrations of the most most popular festival of India comes to an end.
 

This post is written as a part of contest organized by PepsiIndia in association with Indiblogger



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