Illuminate Your Life: Celebrating Diwali Traditions

The most awaited festival, Diwali (or Deepavali), has arrived, bringing enthusiasm and excitement as families and friends prepare to celebrate this joyous season together. Many are busy with preparations—cleaning, decorating, making traditional foods and sweets, shopping, and more. Here’s a brief overview of the cultural and historical significance of different religion, activities that can help you spend quality time with your loved ones, along with suggestions for engaging activities that can benefit children during this festive holiday.

A.      Significance and spiritual aspect of Diwali -

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals in India, also often referred to as “Festival of Lights” is celebrated with great enthusiasm across various regions. Its cultural importance and historical significance vary, reflecting the diverse traditions of our country. The spiritual aspect of Diwali is deeply rooted in its symbolism of light overcoming darkness and good triumphing over evil. Celebrated by millions, the festival showcases a blend of religious practices, prayers, and rituals dedicated to various deities.

1. Hindu Traditions: Diwali marks the celebration of Lord Rama's (the seventh avatar of Vishnu) return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. In many northern states, it is a time to light diyas (oil lamps) and burst fireworks, signifying the joy of Rama's homecoming. During Diwali, homes, streets and temples are illuminated with colourful electric lights.
2. Festival of Wealth: In Western India, particularly among merchants, Diwali coincides with the Hindu New Year and serves as a time to seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, is worshipped particularly on the third day of Diwali, known as Lakshmi Puja. Businesses often perform "Chopda Pujan," a ritual to welcome the new accounting year. In some regions, the festival also honours Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, who is prayed to for success and fortune.
3. South Indian Perspectives: In South India, Diwali is associated with the tale of Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, marking a day of cleansing and renewal. People often celebrate with elaborate feasts and the lighting of lamps.
4. Bengali Celebrations: In Bengal, Diwali coincides with the worship of Goddess Kali. The night is marked by vibrant celebrations, including the lighting of lamps and offering prayers to the fierce goddess, representing the destruction of evil forces.
5. Sikh and Jain Traditions: For Sikhs, Diwali commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment, symbolizing liberation. Jains celebrate it as the day Lord Mahavira attained nirvana.

Diwali transcends mere rituals and embodies a spirit of unity, joy and renewal, making it a unique celebration that unites cultural identities across India.

B.      Diwali Savory Snacks and Sweets –

Delicious food is an integral part of Diwali celebrations, being a Gujarati during Diwali festival have seen my grandmother and mother making various savory snacks for Diwali such as coconut karanjis, kachoris, chaklis, chivdas, nankhatais, puris, samosas, khandvi, dhokla and sweets like Gulab Jamun, Jalebi and Ladoos.

Festive meals include a lavish meal dishes like Biryani, Panner Tikka, Gujarati Thali, Undhiyu, and various regional specialities showcasing a variety of flavours.

 

C.     Sustainable Diwali –

1.      Alternatives to firecrackers

Light diyas (traditional oil lamps) and candles instead of firecrackers. This not only creates a beautiful ambiance but also promotes a peaceful and breath-taking celebration.  In case of using a firecracker consider using eco-friendly, soundless fireworks that produce light without the noise like – 

• Anaar (flowepots): These offer a vibrant display with reduced smoke and harmful chemicals. 
• Ecofriendly Sparkle: These are made with less toxic chemicals and shine brightly with minimal pollution. 
• Phooljhari: These traditional sparklers are made with eco-friendly formulations and create fewer pollutants. 
• Green Firecrackers: These are designed to emit less particulate matter and noise. 
• SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): These release water vapor into the atmosphere to reduce dust. 
• STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): These contain no potassium nitrate or sulphur, emit less particulate matter, and reduce sound intensity. 
• SAFAL: These have minimal use of aluminium and more magnesium and produce less noise than traditional firecrackers.

2.      Sustainable Decorations –

• Natural Materials: Use decorations made from natural materials like clay, wood, or cloth instead of plastic. Handmade decorations can add a personal touch and reduce waste.
• Rangoli with Eco-Friendly Colors: Create rangoli designs using natural colors made from rice flour, flower petals, or spices instead of synthetic colors.
• Biodegradable Decorations: Opt for biodegradable items such as paper lanterns or eco-friendly garlands instead of plastic-based decorations that harm the environment.
• House Plants: Incorporate indoor plants, which purify the air and bring life into your home, as part of your decoration.

Sharing some links for the DIY creative and budget friendly ideas to decorate homes for the Diwali Festival.

DIY Hanging lamp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ_sGdW6kFk

DIY Quick Diwali Decoration ideas at home - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0D4hwsm-qI

3.      Eco-Friendly Gifting

• Sustainable Gifts: Choose gifts that are sustainable, such as handmade items, organic products, or donation vouchers to charitable causes, promoting mindful consumption.
• Packaged with Care: Use biodegradable or reusable wrapping materials, such as cloth bags or recycled paper, to minimize waste from traditional wrapping.

4.      Celebrating with Nature

• Plant Trees or Saplings: Consider planting trees or distributing saplings as a part of your celebration, promoting sustainability for future generations.
• Community Clean-Ups: Organize or participate in local clean-up drives in your community to give back to the environment during the festive season.

5.      Food and Ingredients

• Local and Organic Sourcing: Use local and organic ingredients for festive cooking to support local farmers and reduce carbon footprints.
• Minimize Food Waste: Plan your meals carefully to reduce leftovers and be mindful of portion sizes. Do not waste foods and throw it out in dustbins instead feed the needy. Compost any organic waste if possible.

D.     Diwali around the world –

Diwali is celebrated by Indian communities around the world, and the customs may vary according to regional influences and local traditions. Here are some ways Diwali is celebrated in different countries outside of India:

1. Nepal

In Nepal, Diwali is celebrated as "Tihar" or "Deepawali." The festival lasts for five days and includes worshipping various animals, such as crows, dogs, and cows, alongside the traditional deities. Families decorate their homes with lights and colorful rangoli, and the last day is marked by Bhai Tika, a celebration of sibling bonds.

2. Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, particularly in regions with significant Tamil populations, Diwali is celebrated with prayers, festive meals, and the lighting of oil lamps. It often incorporates local customs, and families prepare a variety of sweets and savory snacks. The festival emphasizes community bonding and the relief from darkness.

3. Mauritius

In Mauritius, Diwali is a public holiday and is celebrated with fireworks, festive foods, and family gatherings. The festival emphasizes the lighting of lamps and homes are beautifully decorated. Traditional sweets like "gato piment" (spicy cakes) and other Indian snacks are commonly enjoyed.

4. Fiji

Fijians of Indian descent celebrate Diwali with vibrant community events, dancing, singing, and distributing sweets. The festival is recognized with public celebrations, and homes are often filled with lights and colorful decorations. Fijian culture influences the cuisine prepared during Diwali.

5. Trinidad and Tobago

In Trinidad and Tobago, Diwali is celebrated as a national holiday and involves community events, parades, and Diwali festivals. Hindu temples hold special rituals, and families prepare traditional sweets like "barfi" and "gulab jamun." The festival is a vibrant display of cultural diversity, with music and dance playing significant roles.

6. South Africa

The Indian community in South Africa celebrates Diwali with colorful rituals, community gatherings, and the lighting of oil lamps. Traditional foods and sweets are shared, and the festival often includes musical performances and cultural events that reflect the Indo-South African heritage.

7. United States and Canada

In the United States and Canada, Diwali is celebrated by Indian communities with cultural events in temples and community centers. Celebrations often feature dance performances, music, and food fairs. Major cities also hold Diwali festivals that showcase cultural traditions, and schools may even host educational events to teach students about the festival.

8. United Kingdom

In the UK, Diwali is celebrated with street festivals, fairs, and community gatherings. Major cities like London host spectacular events, including fireworks displays and cultural performances. Homes and public places are adorned with lights and rangoli, and Indian sweets are commonly shared among families and friends.

9. Australia and New Zealand

Diwali celebrations in Australia and New Zealand feature cultural events that include dance, music, and food festivals. Community gatherings in temples or cultural centers often showcase traditional Indian art forms and culinary delights, and many communities participate in public light displays.

Overall, while the essence of Diwali remains consistent—symbolizing the victory of light over darkness—the customs and celebrations around the world reflect local variations, enriching the festival’s cultural tapestry.

 

E.      Changing Celebration of Diwali -

• Urbanization: As families move to urban areas, traditional practices may get simplified or adapted to fit busy lifestyles. Many urban celebrations now incorporate modern elements, like lighting up homes with elaborate electric decorations rather than relying solely on diyas.
• Technology and Globalization: The influence of technology and global culture has introduced new ways to celebrate Diwali. For instance, families may now connect virtually across the world through video calls, enabling shared celebrations despite geographic distances. Additionally, social media platforms have become spaces for sharing festive moments and bringing communities together.
• Commercialization: The commercialization of Diwali is evident with the growing emphasis on shopping and gifting. Retailers advertise festive sales, and consumers often exchange a variety of gifts beyond traditional sweets or decor, embracing contemporary trends.
• Environmental Awareness: With increasing awareness of environmental impacts, there has been a shift toward sustainable celebrations. Many people are now opting for eco-friendly decorations, noise-free fireworks, and organic sweets, highlighting a growing consciousness about the environment.

F.      Importance of Family Gatherings during Diwali -

Despite these changes, the essence of Diwali has remained anchored in the importance of family gatherings. The festival serves as an opportunity for families to unite, strengthen bonds, and create lasting memories. Here’s why family gatherings during Diwali are significant:

• Bonding Moments: Diwali provides a special time for families to come together, share meals, and engage in rituals. These moments foster closer relationships, allow for storytelling, and reinforce family traditions.
• Cultural Transmission: Celebrating Diwali as a family helps in passing down cultural values, stories, and practices to younger generations. Children learn about their heritage and the significance of rituals through direct involvement.
• Emotional Connections: The festive atmosphere enhances emotional connections among family members. Sharing laughter, joy, and even challenges during the preparations boosts collective spirit and well-being.
• Support System: Diwali gatherings strengthen the support system within families, as relatives often provide emotional and practical assistance during the busy festive period.
• Reinforcing Values: The festival is an occasion to reflect on values like love, unity, and gratitude, which are reinforced through family interactions and shared experiences.

In summary, while the celebration of Diwali continues to adapt to modern influences, the core significance of family gatherings remains irreplaceable. These gatherings play a pivotal role in preserving traditions, fostering relationships, and creating joyous memories that define the essence of Diwali and the celebration.