Diwali, or Deepavali in Sanskrit, is a rich and colorful festival celebrated all over India and around the world. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali represents the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali brings together families, friends, and communities to celebrate the essence of happiness, devotion, and fraternity.

Every year, people adorn their homes with diyas, candles, and rangoli designs, share gifts, and send happy Diwali wishes in either Hindi or English to their loved ones. Despite the lights and festivities, behind every Diwali celebration, there is the cultural and spiritual essence of the festival that makes it special.

In this blog, let’s understand in detail about the illuminating and most beautiful festival, and how and why we celebrate Diwali in different cultures in India.

Reasons Behind Diwali Celebrations

Although the reasons for celebrating Diwali differ by culture and tradition, the true essence is based on ideals of hope, virtue, and renewal. Some of the origins of people celebrating Diwali include:

• Return of Lord Rama

Diwali is celebrated in North India because it marks the return of Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana, to Ayodhya. As a celebration and welcome for him, Sita and Lakshman were greeted with numerous oil lamps by the people of Ayodhya. This is the main reason why lighting diyas has remained the timeless culture of the Diwali celebration today.

• Lord Krishna's Defeat of Narakasura 

For many, you may ask, which demon was killed by Lord Krishna on Diwali? A demon king named Narakasura, who enslaved thousands of people and put the world into darkness. Lord Krishna, with his wife Satyabhama, defeated Narakasura and freed the captives. In essence, Naraka Chaturdashi (a day before Diwali) celebrates this as a victory of good versus evil.

• Goddess Lakshmi’s Blessings

Also, Diwali is a day when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth and prosperity. On this day, she is believed to bless visitors in every home.

• The End of the Harvest Season, New Beginnings

For many people, Diwali signifies the end of the harvest and the start of a new financial year. It's a time for traders and businesses to get back to work, opening fresh accounts and praying for abundance.

How to Celebrate Diwali?

If you are wondering how to celebrate Diwali, know that it is not simply for tradition’s sake, but rather, you can add your creativity and happiness to your celebration. There are many meaningful and joyous ways of celebrating the festival of lights. Some of the most common and traditional ways are:

The preparations for Diwali involve cleaning and clearing out your house. Once your house is clean and tidy, it is recognized as a welcome sign for positive energy and the Goddess Lakshmi. Utilize lights, flowers, and rangoli designs at the entrance of your house to initiate a festival spirit in the house.

• Clean and Decorate Your House

The preparations for Diwali involve cleaning and clearing out your house. Once your house is clean and tidy, it is recognized as a welcome sign for positive energy and the Goddess Lakshmi. Utilize lights, flowers, and rangoli designs at the entrance of your house to initiate a festival spirit in the house.

• Create Pretty Rangoli Designs

One of the features of Diwali decorations involves using rangoli decorations. Rangoli may include colored powders, rice, or flowers to create elaborate designs right at your doorstep. Traditional designs are lotus motifs, peacocks, and diyas, but nowadays many of the new arrangements and aesthetics have come alive. Adding diyas around the rangoli decorations only enhances the attraction of the designs.

• DIY Craft for Diwali Celebration

Diwali is also the perfect opportunity for artistry. Children and elders alike can participate in DIY crafts for the Diwali celebration, including:

• Homemade paper lanterns that can be hung at the entrance.
• Painted diyas and candles for decoration.
• Torans (door hangings) are made from recycled materials.
• Festive greeting cards for family and friends.

These crafts help decorate your space but also add a personal touch to the holiday.

• How to Make a Diwali Card

Creating your own Diwali card gives a personal touch to your message. Here is a simple idea on how to make a Diwali card:

• You will need colorful chart paper; just fold it in half.
• On the front, you can draw, or even paste a diya, rangoli, or Goddess Lakshmi sign.
• You can also use glitter pens and stickers to decorate your card.

When you open the card, write a thoughtful, heartfelt message from you to the recipient, or write the traditional Diwali wish in Hindi if you are extra creative.

Homemade cards go a long way; people always keep them because they carry emotion and effort.

• Lighting diyas and Firecrackers

Lighting diyas is the most significant ritual on Diwali night. You should place central decorative diyas at the entrance or on the balcony, or a row of diyas from the door to the window to welcome prosperity and eliminate negativity. Firecrackers are usually part of the festivities, but many families are now looking to celebrate more eco-friendly with less noise and pollution.

• Family Prayers and Lakshmi Puja

The most important part of Diwali Night is the Lakshmi Puja. Families gather to worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha in hopes of securing gratitude for peace, health, and wealth. In addition to chanting traditional mantras, offering sweets, and lighting sharing wishes with each other are common practices.

• Exchanging Gifts and Sweets

Diwali would not be Diwali without presents. People always share sweets, dry fruits, clothes, and kind gifts during this celebration of sharing, bonding, community, and happiness.

• Sharing Festive Messages Online 

In today's age of technology, sending a Diwali status or Diwali wishes in Hindi on WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram has become a new 21st-century tradition. These short but powerful messages help shorten distances, giving loved ones a feel special, and love.

Adding Your Personal Touch to Diwali

Though traditions are an essential element of Diwali, there is also a possibility of layering in creativity and sustainability. The following modern ideas can be complemented and/or modified.

• Use eco-friendly diyas made with clay in place of plastic.
• Instead of a mass-produced gift, get your family/friends handmade candles or organic items.
• Create an online Diwali status video and compile family photos with music using an online application.

Host a charity drive to gather up clothes, food, or other necessities and donate them to local non-profit or faith-based organisations so that the light of the festival can brighten the lives of those in need as well.

Conclusion

Diwali is more than just a festival-it reminds us of hope, positivity, and togetherness. Whether you celebrate the moment by decorating diyas, designing a rangoli, crafting handmade items, or expressing heartfelt Diwali Wishes in Hindi, the essence is the sharing of joy and love.

This year, celebrate the customs and create your own creative experience. Cleanse your home along with your heart, decorate with color, create beautiful gifts, and most importantly, be grateful. It is important to note that Diwali is not about just the light outside, but activating the light from within.

When you share your festive joy with friends and family, don't forget to add your warm, wonderful Diwali Status so you can add to lighten someone's day!