With Navratri and Dussehra coming to an end, people across India are now gearing up for the next major festival—Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. Diwali is a deeply cherished and widely celebrated occasion, commemorating the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. This five-day celebration symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Every Indian household eagerly prepares for Diwali in traditional and age-old ways, following customs that are infused with religious and cultural significance.

Here are some of the key rituals and traditions associated with Diwali:

1. Rangoli: Welcoming the Goddess with Art

Rangoli is a prominent tradition that begins the preparations for Diwali. Well before the festival, homes are cleaned and decorated, as it is believed that a clean house invites Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. As part of the decoration, colorful patterns and designs known as Rangoli are created at the entrance of homes using rice flour, powdered colors, flower petals, and other natural materials.

Creating a Rangoli is seen as a gesture of welcoming Goddess Laxmi into the home. Each Rangoli design is unique and intricate, and the vibrant colors used in them are meant to invite positive energy and happiness. The custom is not only aesthetic but also spiritual, signifying the welcoming of fortune and well-being into the household.

2. Lighting Diyas: A Symbol of Hope and Wealth

One of the most essential elements of Diwali is the lighting of Diyas (oil lamps), which represent the festival’s core message—the victory of light over darkness. These earthen lamps, traditionally made of clay and filled with oil, are lit in homes, temples, and public spaces. Diyas are often placed on windowsills, balconies, and doorways, lighting up the entire house and spreading warmth and radiance.

The lighting of Diyas holds great significance as Diwali is also known as Deepavali, which means a “row of lights.” It is believed that these lamps ward off evil spirits and illuminate the path of wealth, health, and prosperity. The lighting of Diyas during Diwali is considered a symbol of dispelling darkness, ignorance, and sorrow.

3. Laxmi-Ganesh Puja: Seeking Blessings of Prosperity

At the heart of Diwali celebrations is the Laxmi-Ganesh Puja, performed on the main day of the festival. This puja is a crucial ritual where people worship Goddess Laxmi, the harbinger of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and symbol of new beginnings.

The ritual involves prayers, offerings, and the chanting of mantras to seek the blessings of Laxmi for wealth and well-being and Ganesha for wisdom and success. The Puja is typically performed in the evening, with families gathering around a well-decorated altar, where idols or pictures of Laxmi and Ganesha are placed. The ceremony is followed by the distribution of sweets and gifts, symbolizing goodwill and joy.

4. Burning Crackers: Illuminating the Night Sky

Diwali celebrations would be incomplete without the spectacular display of fireworks and crackers. The sky is lit up with colorful fireworks, creating a dazzling and vibrant atmosphere. The tradition of bursting crackers is seen as a way of expressing joy and marking the victory of good over evil.

After the Laxmi-Ganesh Puja and family feasts, people head outside to enjoy the fireworks that fill the night sky with bright, sparkling colors. Different types of firecrackers—from sparklers to rockets—are used, making the festival a sensory delight. In recent years, many people have been shifting toward eco-friendly and noiseless crackers to ensure that the celebrations are sustainable and cause less harm to the environment.

5. Traditional Diwali Sweets: A Festive Delight

No Indian festival is complete without an array of traditional sweets, and Diwali is no exception. Diwali sweets play a significant role in the festivities, symbolizing the sharing of joy and good fortune. A wide variety of Indian sweets like jalebi, karanji, coconut laddoo, kaju katli, and rasmalai are prepared and distributed among family, friends, and neighbors.

During Diwali, it is customary to exchange sweets and gifts as a sign of goodwill and togetherness. Families often prepare these sweets at home, although store-bought assortments are also popular. Apart from sweets, gifting boxes of dry fruits is a common Diwali tradition, symbolizing health and prosperity.

Diwali Celebrations 2024: Diwali Customs And Traditions You Need To Know About

6. House Cleaning and Decoration: Inviting Prosperity

The preparation for Diwali starts weeks in advance with a thorough cleaning of homes. This includes dusting, scrubbing, repairing, and decluttering. The belief is that Goddess Laxmi visits homes that are clean, well-maintained, and beautifully adorned.

Homes are not only cleaned but also decorated with flowers, lights, and torans (door hangings). Marigold flowers and mango leaves are popular choices for decoration, as they are considered auspicious. In addition, homes are adorned with strings of electric lights, adding a festive glow to the surroundings.

Diwali Celebrations 2024: Diwali Customs And Traditions You Need To Know About

Conclusion: Diwali’s Eternal Message of Light and Hope

The five-day celebration of Diwali is much more than just a festival; it is a reflection of India’s rich cultural heritage, symbolizing hope, prosperity, and the triumph of light over darkness. With its deep-rooted customs like lighting Diyas, creating Rangoli, performing the Laxmi-Ganesh Puja, and sharing sweets, Diwali is a time of joy, unity, and spiritual renewal.