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WHAT IS DIWALI / DEEPAVALI?
Diwali or Deepavali (as we South Indians call it) means “row of lights” in Sanskrit language.
Deepavali is a five day “festival of lights” that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival is celebrated for 5 days (though we all end up celebrating it for at least over a week, at least!).
Each region in India has a different legend associated with the festival of lights and is celebrated (slightly) differently by people in every region, but the core spirit and theme of the festival across the country still remains the same – the victory of good over evil.
While different gods are worshipped during Diwali the festival is especially associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Diwali is also a time for vibrant and eye-popping colors, twinkling lights and delicious (spread of) food and sweets! It also marks the beginning of the new fiscal year in India.
The dates of the festival change every year and it is calculated based on the position of the moon and the Hindu Lunar calendar. This year the festival is celebrated from Oct 25th – Oct 29th and the actual day of Diwali is traditionally celebrated on the third day of the festival (which is on Oct 27th of this year).
HOW IS DIWALI / DEEPAVALI CELEBRATED?
– Cleaning and decorating the house with diyas (oil lamps) lights, rangoli (colored patterns), and flowers
– Shopping for and wearing new clothes
– Spending time with family and friends
– Feasting on delicious food and sweets in each other’s company
– Appreciating the light and joy in everyone’s life
– And welcoming Hindu New Year together
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 5 DAYS OF DIWALI / DEEPAVALI?
Day One: Dhan Teras (Day of fortune) / First Day of Diwali
People clean their homes and light lamps both inside and outside the home. They also shop for gold, silver, utensils and other valuables to help bring good fortune.
On this day, an early morning head-to-toe oil massage is followed by bath, puja and prayers to bring good luck and prosperity, and ward off any evil presence in life. People meet and greet each other and exchange sweets and gifts to celebrate the occasion.
The actual day of Diwali / Deepavali when Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped.
Families gather together and celebrate by lighting diyas and lanterns in their homes and in the streets, and enjoy a meal in each other’s company.
This is the first day of the Hindu New Year and family and friends visit each other to exchange sweets, gifts and wish each other well (notice a theme here!? ;)).
This day celebrates the bond between siblings. Brothers visit their married sisters, and the sisters prepare sweets and lavish meals in honor of their brothers wishing them a long, happy and healthy life.
Now that I have shared my little knowledge about the festival of lights, let’s dive into what I originally intended to talk about in this post, shall we?
SIMPLE & EASY DIY DEEPAVALI & DIWALI DECORATIONS
1. DIYAS – CLAY & OIL LAMPS
2. RANGOLI – BEAUTIFUL PATTERNS MADE WITH RICE FLOUR & COLORFUL POWDERS + FLOWERS
3. LANTERNS
4. FLOWERS & GARLANDS
5. FLOATING DIYAS & FLOWERS IN WATER
6. STRING LIGHTS
7. CANDLES & CANDLE VOTIVES
8. ‘HAPPY DIWALI’ WALL HANGING
9. CRAFT PAPER ARTWORK
10. SWEET THALIS
11. PAINTED PUMPKINS
HAPPY CRAFTING AND HAPPY DECORATING!
SHOP MY FAVORITE DIWALI / DEEPAVALI DECORATIONS

“There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
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