The largest celebration in India, Diwali is a time of light, friendship, and love. Nearly every part of India celebrates the event, and each celebration has its own distinct flair. Religions other than Hinduism also commemorate the event, including Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and others. Outside of India, Diwali is also observed, particularly in nations where Indian immigrants have settled.
I had the childhood memory of travelling to India to celebrate Diwali, popularly called "The Festival of Lights," with my family. To mark the occasion, my dad would wear a clean shirt and trousers and my mom would wear a vibrant sari. I could hear the smiles on the faces of family members and friends as they exchanged "Happy Diwali" greetings during early morning calls. We got together during the day to enjoy Diwali treats like gulab jamun, penda, and halwa with our friends and family. At the local temple, we offered prayers to the gods, and at night, we observed fireworks shooting across the heavens. I haven't celebrated Diwali in India in well than thirty years, but I've tried to bring some of these customs back to our home. These are my seven at-home Diwali celebrations.
1. Give Gifts to Others and Yourself
When most of the real celebrations take place on the third day of Diwali, it's a terrific idea to spend money on enjoyable things, including entertaining toys for your loved ones or just for yourself! Bhasin says, "If you purchase anything on the third day, it will bring a lot of prosperity into your life." Additionally, according to Bhasin, there is a wide selection of items to try to grab, such as "utensils, accessories, home goods, cars, or jewellery."
2. Decorate House with Beautiful Lights
Creating a dazzling show in the house, using candles, string lights, or lamps, is a fundamental Diwali tradition that anybody can take part in. Bhasin says, "We have this belief that Ganesha and Lakshmi will come to our house if we leave the lights on." "Everyone can participate in this lovely celebration, all they need to do is light a lamp in their home and bring the light," This Diwali, bbs, I'm wishing you lots of prosperity and dazzling lights.
3. Start a Reputable Playlist
It's time for Diwali, so bring out your inner DJ. Whether you're planning a laid-back Diwali party with friends or a formal celebration with family, there are literally hundreds of readymade playlists available to set the mood. Create a playlist with your personal favourite dancing songs; if you're not much of a cook, this is a great addition to any party.
4. Satisfy Your Sweet Taste
Desserts are a perfect match for Diwali because they are the epitome of thankfulness and plenty. To be fair, desserts go well with almost anything, but Diwali in particular. To commemorate, grab some candy or perhaps give creating your own delicious chocolate burfi and coconut ladoo a go. As far as recipes go, these are both excellent choices.
5. Gather Your Friends Together
The Indian community gets together on Diwali at each other's homes, at a dance performance, or at a temple to give hugs, offer well wishes, and share with their own children the experiences they had as children. We gather together to share a dinner together and witness everyone dressed in traditional Indian attire just once a year. We have been celebrating this custom for the past 13 years, and it has allowed us to construct our own unique take on Diwali in the desert.
6. Put on Traditional Indian Outfit
My daughter takes part in a community festival every Diwali, when she performs on stage. She frequently performs in front of family and friends while dressed in a brand-new sharara, a traditional Indian outfit. I also wear jewellery, like as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, along with a brand-new sari that I've been shopping for months. A bindi, positioned in the space between my eyebrows, completes the look. The range of colours in saris, the sound of traditional Indian music, and the people greeting each other on holidays always make me smile. It reminds me of holidays in India and my boyhood home, where we engaged in such revelry.
7. Outside, Make a Rangoli
My mother created traditional artwork called rangolis on our porch's floor when I was a child growing up in Dallas. The pattern may be straightforward or complex, featuring a peacock, flower, or lotus. The design is created by first forming the outline with coloured grains and then filling it in with colourful sand. Every year, when I assisted my mom with the decorations, I would wonder what kind of design she would sketch out next. Several times now, my daughter and I have carried on this custom by creating a tiny rangoli in the doorway and gently filling it with sand. A close friend of mine sends us a picture of a rangoli every year, and we are constantly amazed by the intricate design, which inspires us to come up with ideas for the next year.
