Preparation For Diwali Festival & Celebration in India

Diwali is the festival of lights and the most prominent Indian festival. Diwali celebration is one of a kind and truly lives up to the hype that surrounds this festival of incredible grandeur. Diwali celebration is marked by get-togethers, elaborate decorations, preparation of mithai and a host of other activities that add exuberance to India`s most popular festival.
The much hyped, Diwali celebration is made spectacular with flowers, rituals, sweets and fire crackers. The preparation for Diwali celebration begins at least a week before the festival and includes thorough cleaning of the house and bringing out of the deities. The idols are polished or washed; sometimes with milk and water and placed aside to be used especially on the day of the celebration. The house is cleaned and this event is akin to spring cleaning done by westerners.

Diwali celebration is marked by Laxmi Puja and the items used in the ceremony are collected and placed near the thali. The Puja thali is decorated well in advance and embellishments are added so as to make it look grander than the Diwali celebration of the previous year.

Diwali is incomplete without rows of lamps. The lamps of the previous year are brought out and washed or repainted. The wick is procured in advance and arrangements are made. Rangoli patterns adorn the courtyard during Diwali celebrations. Suitable patterns are planned and Rangoli powder or other colored substances are procured to draw out exquisite patterns on the day of Diwali celebration. Suitable flower arrangements are also thought out for the five days of merriment. Diwali celebration is incomplete without fire crackers and they are bought days before the festival and sun-dried to remove out any moisture that may have accumulated.

Diwali celebration is marked by the re-union of family members. In addition to people gathering at ancestral homes, the household is bustling with activities like preparation of Diwali sweets, special festive food and other goodies. The festival of lights is undeniably the most important Indian festival and the long list of preparatory tasks that precedes the main celebration proves that it is truly a special festival for Indians.

By : Amrith K.A.

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