CULTURE

Diwali, the Great Indian Festival of Lights, Love and Magic

Unboxing Diwali Gift Hampers 🎉🎁💝🎊🪔🪔🪔

Diwali is the biggest Indian festival of Lights, Love, and Magic.

This year Diwali is celebrated from the 10th of November to the 14th of November. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy all over the world. The festival is celebrated for five days and each day has its significance.

One of the most important Diwali traditions is lighting diyas or lamps. People light diyas to symbolize the victory of good over evil and to welcome the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi.

Today, the 10th of November is auspicious ‘’Dhanteras ‘’ day. It is considered auspicious to buy gold and utensils on this day!

That means I can go and indulge in a guilt-free shopping spree today!

Tomorrow on the second day we decorate our homes with rangolis (auspicious colorful geometric patterns made with hands in front of homes) ), string lights, and Diwali lanterns. Out of great enthusiasm, people started these decorations two or three days earlier.

On Sunday, The third day, Lakshmi Puja, a prayer to the Goddess of wealth is done during the evening. All diyas will be lit all around the homes. Children play with sparklers and firecrackers.

Lighting diyas is a symbolic ritual of the victory of light over darkness. The victory of good over evil. Hence, Diwali is known as the festival of lights.

Another tradition of Diwali is the exchange of sweets and gifts. People exchange sweets with friends and family to strengthen their relationships and spread happiness.

Let me give you some great gift ideas from my Diwali gift hampers received from the loving friends of Pune.

These gifts are meticulously selected with lots of love and affection. There were traditional sweets (lots of them ), homemade Diwali faral, dry fruits and chocolates, jute bags, lunch boxes, and diyas. There was a gift hamper with soap, scent, and body oil for Abhyang Snan of Diwali. Abhayng Snan is the ritual oil massage and bath done on the morning of Diwali.

My son purchased handmade diyas from specially challenged children. My daughter brought home scented candles. My husband gave me a new laptop!

Diwali is the time to glow in the magic of love and bonding!

Finally, on the last day of Diwali, brothers visit their sisters and exchange gifts. This tradition is called Bhai Dooj and symbolizes the bond between brothers and sisters.

Magic is in the air! Let’s celebrate! Happy Diwali everyone!