Diwali, perhaps the “Festival of Lights,” is a beautiful revelry lighting up homes and streets and hearts worldwide. It is one of India’s most celebrated festivals-a day to honor tradition, joy, and unity. This Diwali, 2024 promises to be the most special of them all. Families and communities renewed their traditions and customs for the sake of old practices as well as new eco-friendly practices about their renewed celebrations. A tradition this year’s Diwali has seen with families, community, and earth-friendly festivals.
Diwali finds its roots and mythological development in ancient Hindu societies. Traditionally, historical days have been associated through various legends which represent, good battling evil and the light overcoming the dark. One of its most famous stories is from the Hindu epic Ramayana where Lord Rama is returning to his capital of Ayodhya after defeating the demon-king Ravana. On this occasion, people lit oil lamps to lighten up the path ahead. This became a very significant symbol of overcoming darkness with light.
More conventional myths feature Lord Krishna having slain the demon Narakasura, or free will and good must prevail. Combined, these myths along with other traditions such as those found in Jainism and Sikhism help to complete Buddhian traditions, providing one dynamic dimension of Diwali cultures that are all celebrated through different regions and their special ways of doing so.
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Diwali is divided into five principal days. Every day is different and holds rituals and importance. In the year 2024, Diwali will start from Dhanteras on November 1 and conclude with Bhai Dooj on November 5.
Dhanteras (October 29): It is the first day of Diwali which is for the worship of the god of wealth and prosperity. People buy gold, silver, or buy new utensils which represent good luck.
Naraka Chaturdashi, 2nd November: Choti Diwali. This day is for recalling the triumph of Lord Krishna over Narakasura.
Diwali and Lakshmi Puja, 31 October: The actual day of Diwali. Families propitiate goddess Lakshmi for monetary prosperity on this day by lighting diyas to receive her favours.
Govardhan Puja, 2th November: In memoriam of Lord Krishna who held up Govardhan Hill to save villagers, which translates to thanksgiving and social feelings.
Bhai Dooj, November 3: It is the last day of Diwali and people celebrate it with family get-together and gift-giving ceremonies as a symbol of brotherly and sisterly love.
Diwali is replete with rituals that are passed from generations. Every day has its own customs-from the thorough cleaning of homes and decorations at the entrances with rangolis to new clothes and gathering for prayers. Light diyas, puja, and the sweets form part and parcel of this celebration. Each ritual depicts growth in one or other form – spiritual, family, or financial. The making of altars and idols and reciting mantras is a silent, peaceful, and sweetly joyous experience.
The symbolic meaning of light is at the heart of Diwali. Its key role in former days was played by diyas-oil lamps and candles. The diyas are placed out on the pathways, around the houses, and upon the windowsills. Light shall defeat darkness, hope will be welcomed, peace be accorded, and prosperity arrives. Lighting a diya has been a spiritual thing to many because it represents prayer for enlightenment and good deeds. Glowing lamps and shimmering candles make places beautiful and give people the feeling of unity and general optimism.
The celebrations change with changing times. Though the concept of Diwali remains the same, modern customs have included diverse new and creative practices. Families now hold movie marathons, online games, and share on social media to feel part of the celebration with far-off relatives. The cities are also getting less noisy as they adopt some other alternatives instead of firecrackers because of the noise and air pollution elements they contribute. Technology further brings about family connections all over the world, sharing the fun of Diwali over continents.
About Diwali, preparing is not to be discounted. Families take a few days to clean, reorganize, and beautify homes. It is called “Diwali cleaning,” because the house would prepare for prosperity and new life. After this cleaning, houses are decorated with lights, rangoli in different colours, and garlands. Shopping for Diwali is another favorite activity by the families as all of them want to buy new clothes, gifts, and other furniture stuff for the house. Many also prefer new kitchenware or silverware with which to celebrate the prosperous season.
The celebrations in the last years have also seen an increased trend of celebration about an eco-friendly Diwali, since there has been a significant change and realization of people for an environmental impact from those rituals. Rangoli is prepared from organic colors. Handmade diyas and biodegradable decorations are opted by many families. Replacing firecrackers with sparklers, flower petals, and digital celebrations have become trendy these days. Many people nowadays prefer such gifts as potted plants, homemade sweets, and some handcrafts from their native places while celebrating in a sustainable way. In this way, a responsible celebration makes Diwali much more meaningful through eco-friendly practices.
It is not a family thing only; it is actually a time for communities to meet in a neighborhood. Community events, collective prayer services, and get-togethers for festivals take place. Either share some sweets with your neighbor or participate in fairs and festivals organized at your place. Diwali instills a feeling of bonding among people. Many times, communities get together and do charity work. On Diwali day, all the poor also celebrate as they get all things required for celebrations from that charity work. It narrates how Diwali is distinctive for the celebration since every person shares happiness on the festival.
No Diwali can be celebrated without an array of sweet and savory tidbits. The preparations or purchases of different traditional sweets will have homes prepare for at least one or more of the savory items like samosas, kachoris, and namak pare as well. Traditional sweets and snacks abound in any Diwali celebration too. The rich traditional flavour of laddoos, barfis, and gulab jamun can be relish, besides many other savory items as well. The distribution and sharing of these sweet tidbits among friends and families further strengthen the bond within the family and brings happy smiles throughout the celebrations.
One very beautiful tradition of gifting is during Diwali, especially marking goodwill and affection. The top favorite gifts are sweets, dry fruits, home decor, and even personal gifts, like jewelry or clothing. Gift-giving strengthens relationships and is a way of saying thanks. In 2024, the favorites will be sustainable, personal gifts – handcrafted items, eco-friendly packaging, and thoughtful presents in line with the values of the recipients.
Diwali is a great time for kids. Light, color, and merriment seem to weave a spell around them. This is the time when children start helping in making rangoli, listening to stories behind Diwali, etc. Drawing, storytelling, and even making diyas are some of the many activities that give kids the opportunity to connect with traditions of the festival. Parents and teachers also teach people to be kind-hearted, sharing, and respectful to the environment on this festival.
The fun of festivity comes with a responsibility of safety. Fireworks are quite attractive but would cause some hazard if misused. Families should have a first-aid kit available and other arrangements that make them safe while using guidelines on firecracker use responsibly. Stress on ear protection, proper supervision of the children, and using lesser number of firecrackers have minimized accidents and decreased noise pollution. Besides this, one would have to make such an arrangement that pets and weak members within the community may also not be adversely affect so that it may turn out to be a fun Diwali for all.
The spirit of Diwali transcends borders and barriers, and communities all across the globe come together and celebrate this festival. Diwali celebrations have taken place in larger cities of America, Canada, and in the UK. Landmark lights across nations make it an international celebration. Now fast spreading to every corner, gaiety of Diwali touches every segment of the people.
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Diwali in the year 2024 emerges as a festival of light, unity, and sustainability since families and communities express their deep-rooted values of festivals through a blending of time-honoured traditions infused with modern and eco-friendly ideas. It reminds us to cherish one’s ones, extend generosity to all, and to keep hope alight. May this message of Diwali shine through hope, kindness, and the triumph of good over evil in our hearts as we illuminate diyas and celebrate through this year.
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