An introduction to India would not be complete without an introduction to this week of celebrations, Diwali, popularly called the Festival of Lights. It is one of our most important Hindu festivals and is celebrated over five days all over the country. There are many historical legends attached to the Diwali celebration, different from different parts of the country.

We started the celebrations this year on Monday the 24th of October with Dhanteras, the day most financial businesses start their new year. We celebrate this day with decorating our homes and bringing something new into the home, to signify the start of another year. 

The 25th of October is the day when you take all evil away, it’s a day of cleaning and taking clutter away.

The 26th is Diwali, the big festival when we decorate our homes with handmade oil lamps. Every home is decorated with lines of lamps. The day is spent with family and friends and each family together worships the goddess Lakshmi. She sends wealth and prosperity into the homes and keeps us together as a family. This is a very strong tradition in all parts of India, it is a day of thanksgiving and celebration of life all rolled into one. The evening sets with Firecrackers and a special family meal.

The 27th of October is Vishwakarma, when we will worship the tools that we use to earn our living, it’s a day when we welcome Goddess Lakshmi in our places of work, welcoming her in to bring success into our place of work. We refrain from using our work tools on that day.

The last day of Diwali is the day we celebrate our families, the celebration of the week ends with a lunch where the whole family and in India that would mean extended families too come together and wish each other a prosperous year ahead.

So here is wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous Diwali.
May the year ahead be the best ever.

Warmest,

Aticka Chona

Springtime India