Diwali is one the biggest festivals of India. It has its own spiritual values and history according to Indian Mythology. This festival is also known as Divali or Deepawali. It is also known as Festival of Lights because oil lamp / diyas are being lightened on this auspicious day.
When Lord Rama came back to Ayodhya after defeating the evil Ravana, the people of Ayodhya welcomed their King, their Lord Rama by lighting oil lamps all over the place. In Hinduism, lighting oil/ghee lamp or deep is considered very pious and auspicious.
Deepawali is a Sanskrit word, deep means diya/lamp and awali means row, in other words it’s a row of diyas or lamp. Diwali is celebrated on Amavsya, means on no moon night of late Ashwin and ends in early Kartik month according to the Hindu calender. However, the ambience created by the little lamps all over, turn the night almost into a full moon night.
This festival signifies the victory of good over evil and spreads a lot of positive vibes. Diwali is also celebrated to worship Goddess Laxmi. The devotees decorate the diwali pooja thali with lamp, flowers, akshat/rice, roli/kumkum, sweets, coconut, etc. according to their beliefs and regions. You can buy Pooja thali from the market as well.
Diwali gifts are exchanged after pooja. There is wide variety of gifts available in the market for every one. You can buy dry fruits for Diwali as this festival is also an indication of the coming winter season. You can also buy Diwali gift hampers or Diwali gift basket for your loved ones.
Now-a-days Diwali shopping can be done quite prior to the festival and you can send your wishes and blessing to your loved ones all across India and abroad in time. You can send diwali sweets with online diwali gifts through Ferns n Petals. You can also get Diwali decoration done by a professional at reasonable price.
Flowers for diwali are a must as no Indian festival is complete without floral Rangoli and decoration. Flowers can be a wonderful Diwali gift as well. You can buy flowers from FnP or order flowers for you and/or your loved ones. You can also give fresh flowers with chocolates for Diwali if your loved ones do not like the traditional sweets.
There is a vast range of diyas for Diwali for you to choose from. You can even buy Diwali candles. These days designer candles are a rage among youngsters and markets are flooded with the same.
Since Diwali is a festival of light, happiness, love and joy, you can add a little more fun with diwali crackers. Kids simply love them and so do the elders. You can buy fireworks for diwali from the market and/or order online cracker also. However, play safe and enjoy the festival!