To begin with, let me wish all my readers a very Happy Diwali 2016. In this post I will tell you everything you need to know about the festival of Diwali.
What is the significance of this festival? What are the traditions of Diwali or Deepavali? How is it celebrated?
In addition we also bring to you a wonderful collection of Happy Diwali 2016 Wishes, Happy Diwali 2016 Images and Greetings, Happy Diwali 2016 Quotes. So don’t miss it and make this festival better by spreading light of happiness and wishing each other Happy Deepawali 2016.
Diwali 2016 or Deepavali is an ancient Indian festival celebrated in autumn (northern hemisphere) or spring (southern hemisphere) every year. It is also known as the festival of lights. The festival of Diwali spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness or good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed.
Significance of Diwali
Deepavali is a Sanskrit word which means deep = lights + avail = a row collectively meaning “a row of lights“. The festival has different meanings in different regions of India. In northern region it is believed that the day marks the marriage of Lord Vishnu with Lakshmi (Indian goddess). While in other parts it is celebrated as homecoming of Lord Rama with Sita from a 14-year long expulsion and conquering over Lanka’s king Ravana. So, ultimately this festival is the best festival in Indian culture full of life, happiness and joy!
How is Diwali or Deepavali celebrated?
The preparations and rituals of Deepavali extend over a 5-day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November. People start cleaning and decorating their homes a month before. They decorate their houses and offices with paper or plastics strips & flowers, Rangoli, diyas, candles and lights.
The names of all the 5 festive days as well as the rituals of Diwali vary significantly among Hindus, based on the region of India. In many parts of India, the festivities start with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdasi on second day, Deepavali on the third day, Diwali Padva dedicated to wife–husband relationship on the fourth day, and festivities end with Bhai Dooj dedicated to sister–brother bond on the fifth day.
This year Diwali 2016 is on October 30, Sunday.
Also Read: 5 Healthy Diwali Recipes Just for You!
Happy Diwali 2016 Traditions
Most of the people are unaware about the customs and traditions of Diwali. Diwali is the festival of victory of evil on good, and it includes the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Everywhere people light the Diyas, to decorate their homes, offices, shops etc. The day brings lots of happiness; joy and people exchange gifts, burst crackers and make Rangoli. Let’s have a look at the traditions of Diwali:
1. Lakshmi pooja on Diwali
On the day of the festival of Diwali we all worship Goddess Lakshmi Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Puja takes place in the evening to remove the evil from our houses and welcome blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
2. Ganesha pooja on Diwali
Lord Ganesha is the Lord of wisdom and prosperity. The puja takes place on Diwali evening to keep away the evil from human mind and welcome the blessings of Lord Ganesha. It helps in the progress of your life.
3. Tradition of lighting diyas
The most important tradition is lighting diyas oil /ghee or candles, after the puja. Lighted Diyas and candles symbolize removing darkness from the world. On this day people of Ayodhya decorated the town with Diyas to celebrate the return of Lord Ram after 14 years of “Vanvas”.
4. Exchanging gifts
The basic idea behind the tradition of exchanging Diwali Gifts is to show the feeling of love, bonding, affection and appreciation. People convey their respect, good wishes, blessings, love and appreciation for their dear ones through gifts. Since Diwali is a religious festival, sending Diwali Gifts also symbolizes one’s prayers to the almighty for the prosperity and well being of everyone.
5. Tradition of rangoli
Rangoli is an Indian traditional art, which is generally created on the floor on festive occasions. Rangoli is a Sanskrit word, signifying a creative expression of art by means of colours. In ancient times, beautiful rangoli patterns and designs were made on the entrances of Indian homes for beautifying them and welcoming the guests. Besides a creative expression of art, they were also considered a symbol of good-luck. Although rangoli is made on many occasions in India, but the Diwali festival witnesses the greatest use of rangoli.
6. Tradition of Fireworks
Although the tradition of fireworks on Diwali is not very old, still it has become a vital part of this festival. Fireworks play a significant role in increasing the charm of Diwali among all age-groups. Whether they are kids, youngsters, or older people, everybody enjoy the fireworks like twinkling Anars, furious Rockets, vibrant Sparklers, cyclonic Ground Discs (phirki), and so.
Happy Diwali Images
Here is the collection of some beautiful Happy Diwali Images and Greetings to send to your friends and relatives.
Happy Diwali 2016 Wishes & Deepavali messages
Wishes are the best way to express your happiness and love with your loved ones. Here is the unique collection of Happy Deepawali 2016 wishes and Diwali 2016 messages to wish your friends and family members an extremely great Happy Diwali 2016.
zindagi ki shuruvat pyar se hoti hai, pyar ki shuruvat apno se hoti hai aur apno ki shuruvat aapse hoti hai. Happy Diwali
Matchstick glows for a minute, but a wish glows forever. Here is my wish for a glowing Diwali and glowing life.
She wears a million stars to illuminate our life. The sun and the moon are her allies on the path to destroy all evil and bring peace and happiness to us.
Let us celebrate a special Diwali this day!
C – Care
A – Affection
S – Smiles
H – Hugs
Please do accept with love… Good luck and have a safe Diwali!
Lord Ganesha remove every obstacle from your life,
Lord Shiva bestow you with mercy and compassion,
Goddess Parvati give you love and devotion,
Lord Brahma give you wise speech…
Wish you all a very Happy Diwali 2016!
Sonal, the images are beautiful. That is such a thoughtful thing to do to allow everyone the opportunity to share this festival with others through a greeting. Thank you for sharing the knoweldge you have about this time.
Enjoy the journey!
Mandy Allen recently posted…What Should I Blog About?
Hi Mandy
Glad that you liked it. Diwali is my favourite festival. Just love it!
Thanks for writing in
Have a nice day!
I agree with Mandy, such marvelous images and what an inspirational tradition. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Marquita Herald recently posted…Still Struggling to Find Your Passion?
Thanks Marquita for your wonderful feedback
Have a great day!
Hi Sonal
It is awesome that you share this festival with everyone. This is so colorful and the images are just spot on too. Thanks for sharing and thumbs Sonal. Take Care
ikechi recently posted…4 Crazy Things You don’t Know When You Waste Your Life
Hi Ikechi
Wonderful to see your feedback. Glad that you liked it.
Have a nice day!
Hi Sonal ,
you did explain very nice about Diwali the festival of light,
the victory of light over darkness. I have been in
India and celebrated with friends and did the Pooja
with them ,it was a great experience . Only the crackers
were a bit too much for me 🙂 I liked it anyways and have pictures
and video .
This year I will be late for Diwali , I wish I could be there.
Thank you for the nice pictures
Erika
Erika Mohssen-Beyk recently posted…How To Improve Your Self – Having A Good Attitude
Hi Erika mam
Very true….Diwali is really the festival to enjoy.
Glad that you liked it.
Happy Diwali 2016 to u!
Thank you for sharing this festival. A new knowledge for me. Interesting how different cultures have similar meaning on other cultures. The deco is very nice. I bet, they are scented candles. A lot of deep mean to the process. Joy and happiness. “Happy Diwali 2016” to you.
Hi Amaka
Thanks for your wonderful feedback
Happy Diwali 2016 to u too!
Thank you for so many blessings and kindness in this post. May God bless you also, my friend. Stay beautiful inside and out
Hi Paula
Wish you also all the best in all the spheres of life. May God always be with you.
Happy Diwali 2016!
WOW!!
Oh wow I love learning about other cultures and there ways of celebrating certain holidays.
Great post.
Hi Alicia
Thanks for your wonderful feedback.
Happy Diwali 2016!
Happy deewali
Hi Sonal,
I’ve known a little bit about Diwali but not so much detail as you explained here. I knew the wonderful festival of lights because light casts over darkness….Amazing. What I didn’t know was the rest of the story… Sharing gifts and the fireworks. What a beautiful tradition to pass along. Now that you have educated me more when I wish others Happy Diwali, as I do, I can really feel the joy in it.
Happy Diwali!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted…36 Loyal Readers of Donna Merrill Tribe
Hi Donna
Diwali is the greatest festival in India. Love to see the lights all around. Its amazing!
Glad that you liked it. I always try to add up something new to my blog.
Happy Diwali 2016!
Happy deewali
Happy Diwali Jyoti