Wishing You an Illuminating Diwalli
Shubh Diwali! We’re celebrating Diwali at Yellow Bliss Co. and wishing everyone who celebrates a luminous holiday. Diwali is a major religious festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Derived from dipavali, a Sankrit term that translates to “row of lights,” the holiday is meant to symbolize light’s victory over darkness. Diwali is celebrated throughout India, by those of Indian descent from around the world, and followers of the aforementioned religions. In this Yellow Bliss Co. holiday guide, we dive into this bright festival of light.
What is Diwali?
Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated that’s often referred to as the “Festival of Lights.” It begins on the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina and ends on the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. This year, Diwali begins on October 31st and ends on November 4th. Diwali is considered the most important holiday in India.
How Diwali is Celebrated
Diwali has many traditions associated with the holiday. Many people decorate their homes, have a delicious feast, and set off firecrackers. Other may play gambling card games, including blackjack, teen patti, and poker, as gambling is considered auspicious during the holiday.
The holiday is also celebrated differently in different parts of India. In northern India, they celebrated King Rama’s return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana. Southern India commemorates Lord Krishna defeating the demon Narakasura. And in western India, the holiday celebrates when Lord Vishnu sent King Bali, a demon, to rule the nether world.
The Five Days of Diwali
Dhanteras
Many people celebrate the first day of Diwali by buying gold and silver jewelry and new household items for gold luck. Cleaning the home is also a common practice as its believed to invite blessings from Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi
On this day, many celebrate Lord Krishna defeating Narakasura. To commemorate this, people wake up early, bathe, and wash their hair. Many also decorate their home with colorful rangolis and diyas.
Diwali or Lakshmi Puja
On the third day, families gather, exchange gifts, feast on homemade food and indulgent sweets. For Hindus, this is the day they worship the goddess Lakshmi.
Padwa or Govardhan Puja
Padwa honors a husband and wife’s relationship. On this day, husbands will buy gifts for their spouses. Other people offer food to Krishna in remembrance of him protecting visitors brought on by Lord Indra.
Bhai Dooj
The final day commemorates the love between siblings. Brothers will give gift to their sisters. And sisters will place a red mark on their brothers’ foreheads.
A Prosperous and Luminous Holiday
Diwali is an important holiday for India and many of the country’s major religions. Though different regions and religions have different meanings surrounding the holiday, the main lesson is the light will always triumph over darkness. Celebrate the holiday with items from the Yellow Bliss Co. Diwali collection to decorate your table for a feast with friends and family. May the light of Diwalli illuminate your home with happiness and prosperity!