Happy Diwali/Deepavali! Diwali is the festival of lights and it marks the Hindu New Year. The word Diwali originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’ which means a row of lights. Depending on the lunar calendar, this festival falls either in October or November each year. Diwali signifies light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil.
Diwali is celebrated for about 3 days. The first day usually begins with cleaning of your home and the purchase of gold or another significant purchase. The second day the house is decorated with diyas (clay lamps) and rangoli (colored powder). On the final day, the family gathers to pray (conduct a pooja) of Goddess Lakshmi. It is said that the diyas are meant to help Goddess Lakshmi find her way to your home to bless you with wealth and good fortune for the coming year. In addition, special food and treats are prepared to celebrate the beginning of the New Year.
Following the prayer and food, friends and family exchange gifts and during the evening, kids and the young at heart light up a variety of fireworks. This adds to the grand celebration and welcomes the New Year with a bang!
Since the final day marks the beginning of the New Year, everyone wears new clothes to commemorate a new start. The Saree worn here was given to me by my mother. It’s a silk Saree called Paithani, originating from the Maharashtran part of India. What distinguishes this Saree from others is the large square border and the peacock design on the pallu (drape over the shoulder). More close ups of the Saree and blouse can be seen below.
