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Significance of Diwali

5 Days of DiwaliRangoliDiwali CelebrationsFireworksPooja Thali

IngredientsTips on Diwali

Significance of DiwaliThe origin of Diwali festival is not known, but it has gathered a number of legends around it over the centuries. In the northern and the western regions of India, its origin is attributed to the return of Lord Ram to his kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana. The joyous people of Ayodhya, his capital, celebrated his arrival. In the eastern states, Diwali is associated with the story of Narakasura who had menaced his people with tyranny. In the regions of Maharashtra and Mysore, Diwali is linked with

the legendary king Bali who was immensely popular with his subjects for his generosity. However, king Bali had become arrogant and conceited, and provoked the wrath of godly people. His generosity was put to test by Lord Vishnu who appeared in the disguise of a dwarf, and asked him for a piece of land equal to three steps. When Bali granted his wish, Lord Vishnu took the form of a super giant, and with his two steps covered Bali's entire kingdom. With his third step he pushed Bali to the underland. Since then, his people celebrated his arrival on this day, locally called Bali Padyami.

The First day is called DHANTERAS which falls on the thirteenth day of the month of Ashwin. The word "Dhan" means wealth.

The Second day is called "NARKA-CHATURDASHI" or "CHOTI DIWALI" which falls on the fourteenth

day of the month of Ashwin.

The Third Day is the main Diwali Day: This day is sacred to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. This is a day of celebration, feast and joy. Young and elders, poor or rich, everyone enjoys alike. This "festival of lights", for the common practice is to light small oil lamps (called diyas) and place them around the home.

Day 4 of Diwali is ‘Nutan Varsh' the Hindu New Year's day for many regions of India. It is also

observed as Annakoot, meaning mountain of food.

The Fifth and final day of Diwali Festival is known as Bhai-Duj. Love and Good wishes between brother and Sister.

“The 5 Days of Diwali”

Rangoli is an Indian tradition or folk art, which is generally created on the floor on some festive occasions

Diwali festival witnesses the greatest use of rangoli. People made rangoli on the entrance doors of their homes, not only to welcome guests, but also the goddess of wealth and fortune- Laxmi.

Rangoli is named differently in different Indian states like in South India it is called Kolam, Madana is Rajasthan, Chowkpurna is the name of rangoli in Northern India, Alpana in Bengal, in Bihar it is called Aripana,

CUSTOMARY RANGOLI

“Diwali – The Festival of Lights”

Diwali puja consists of a combined pooja of five

deities: Ganesha is worshipped

at the beginning of every auspicious act as

Vighnaharta,

Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in her three forms Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and money, Mahasaraswati,

the goddess of books and learning and Mahakali.

People also worship 'Kuber'- the treasurer of

the gods.

The literal meaning of 'Diwali' in Sanskrit is 'a row of lamps'. The

most popular tradition of Diwali is filling little

clay lamps with oil and wick and lighting them in rows all over

the house.

People renovate and decorate their houses and business places. Entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome Laxmi. To indicate her long awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder (kumkum) all over the houses.

Diwali Celebrations

Fireworks play a significant role in increasing its charm among all age-groups. Whether they are kids, youngsters, or older people, everybody enjoys fireworks like twinkling Anars, furious Rockets, vibrant Sparklers, cyclonic Ground Discs (phirki) etc

Puja Thali Ingredients Rice: It is generally referred as Akshat which

means unbroken rice grains Kalalava or Mouli: An integral part of the puja,

the thread is used as an offering of cloth to the deity.

Roli or Sindoor: a 'tilak' on the forehead and also for decorating the thali with varied religious symbols like a “Swastika” or an “Om”.

Sweets, Dry Fruits and Fruits: Various kind of dry fruits, fresh fruits and sweets are used as offerings in pooja thali.

Betel nut and Betel Leaf: The betel leaf symbolizes freshness and prosperity

Diyas, incense sticks and fresh flowers:. The diya symbolizes lighting up life and chasing away darkness.

Eat in moderationFatty foods, sweets and other fried snacks should be enjoyed in small amounts. Replace table sugar in sweets with healthy alternatives like raw honey, coconut sugar, maple syrup, dates or stevia. Add some cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla or fruit concentrate to perk up the sweetness

Eat fruits and veggiesBalance home cooking and social eating by baking, grilling, or steaming what you serve at home, instead of frying. Choose fresh fruit instead of a traditional sweet for a snack or dessert. Eat as many “grow” foods as possible. Graze on Healthy Snacks

Don’t head out to a party on an empty stomach. This will help prevent you from overeating. Keep healthy snacks like kale chips, sprouted mung beans, boiled kala channa, carrots, cucumbers, and hummus handy

Gift the gift of HealthMake some healthy additions to the contents of your gift baskets. Include fresh and dried fruit, unsalted nuts and seeds, high quality organic oil, some organic teas and may be a book on Healthy Living..Stay activeStay active and aim to do some exercise every day. Days before the festivities increase the time of your regular exercise regime. Just adding 15 minutes of cardio can go a long way. A daily 15 - 20 minute brisk walk will help compensate for some of the extra calories being consumed.

TIPS ON DIWALI