A festival that is full of light, joy, colors, crackers and sweets!!

The festive season starts much earlier than Diwali. Many celebrations are carried on during the month. Diwali is celebrated in the month of Oct- Nov, pertaining to the Indian calendar.

Navaratris, another Hindu festival starts a month ago, where people observe a fast for eight days. The term ‘Navaratri’ means nine nights, where on the ninth day, the fast is broken. The festival is devoted to the Devi (goddess), and her nine incarnations of Shakti who are worshipped. The Navratris are follow by Dussehra, and after twenty days from Dussehra comes Diwali.

According to Hindu mythology, on the day when Lord Ram returned back to his hometown Ayodhya, people rejoiced and welcomed him by lighting diyas (lamps) using ghee (clarified butter). This day of celebration is known as Diwali. Jaipur completely enlightens with numerous diyas and loads of sweets are distributed and exchanged among people.

Today also, people use ghee or mustard oil diyas to light up their houses. Nevertheless, before decoration, they clean their houses, shops and offices, as is believed that Goddess Laxmi (Goddess of Wealth) blesses the neatest place.

This occasion is awaited by natives, to receive blessings, abundance and prosperity. There is a scientific reason too, behind the festival. This is a new moon day and lighting lamps and burning crackers light up the dark night. The smoke produced from the crackers help in keeping mosquitoes and insects away. The festival is celebrated all over the country.

Jaipur is decorated with colorful lights and the markets are worth a visit. The festive season remains for few days and the decorations are maintained for couple of days more. Many sweets are prepared and almost all major buildings are beautifully adorned with colorful lights.

On Diwali night, pooja (worship) is performed by family members together of Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth). There are so many other rituals that are followed during these festive days. As Diwali is celebrated for five long days, several customs are followed each day.

A visit is must to Jaipur to be a part of this legendary festival, Diwali to understand its importance and find out how and why all celebrations take place. As per a famous saying, the Hindu culture embraces so many festivals in a year that the count is more than the days per year.
 
DIWALI

Time of the year : October/November
Place to visit : All Over India
Duration : Five days
About : Celebrating the return of Lord Rama with his family to Ayodhya (his kingdom).
Attraction : Lightening, Fire Crackers, Decorated city