Diwali is also known as Deepavali or Divali and is a Hindu festival symbolising the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
The Festival of Lights celebrates Rama-chandra returning to his people after 14 days of exile.
Rama is the seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu. During his exile, it is believed Rama fought the demon king Ravana.
To celebrate Rama’s victory, lights are lit in homes, businesses and streets.
Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in Hinduism, with families gathering to exchange gifts and share feasts. Here is how Duggar pradesh used to celebrate in the good old days:
Instead of worshipping these readymade pictures and idols, people used to draw images of deities, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh, on walls. It was these murals which were worshipped in the evening.
Unlike the norm today, there was no tradition of drawing rangoli etc on the gates. And instead of candles and string lights, traditional Indian lamps with ghee or oil were lighted.
Post evening puja, the pooja ki thaali was presented before the eldest member of the family; preferably by any new member of the family like a daughter-in-law or a grandchild.
The elder of the family would then accept the thaali and reward the new member with some cash or other gifts.
Read also:Â What Dogra Women do on Karva Chauth
Another inseparable custom of the land is hanging sreen and bana leaves at the house entrance before dusk. The leaves are said to ward off evil forces.
That’s what we’ve learnt from our elders. Feel free to submit your inputs. With hopes that we all will try to stick to our roots, we wish you a Happy Diwali.
