Deepawali or Diwali is certainly the biggest of all Hindu festivals. It’s the festival of lights (deep = light and avali = a row i.e., a row of lights) that’s marked by four days of celebration, which literally illumines the country with its brilliance and dazzles all with its joy. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a different tradition, but what remains true and constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment and goodness.

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The Origin of Diwali

Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest . However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali. Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshipped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen year long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.

These Four Days

Each day of Diwali has it’s own tale, legend and myth to tell. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the second day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the tyrant Bali, and banished him to hell. Bali was allowed to return to earth once a year, to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance, and spread the radiance of love and wisdom. It is on the third day of Deepawali — Kartika Shudda Padyami that Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj) and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

The Significance of Lights & Firecrackers

All the simple rituals of Diwali have a significance and a story to tell. The illumination of homes with lights and the skies with firecrackers is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity. According to one belief, the sound of fire-crackers are an indication of the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful state. Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes produced by the crackers kill a lot of insects and mosquitoes, found in plenty after the rains.

The Tradition of Gambling

The tradition of gambling on Deepawali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva, and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year.

From Darkness Unto Light…

In each legend, myth and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Outside India, Diwali is more than a Hindu festival, it’s a celebration of South-Asian identities. If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a diya, sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, concentrate on this supreme light and illuminate the soul.

Introduction

The festival of Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) is round the corner once again. Many Indians here and abroad will be celebrating this festival with enthusiasm and traditional fervour. Hectic preparations for Raksha Bandhan start taking place much before the festival. So, if you are a sister or brother, then this piece of writing will surely be of immense help to you.

Many stores stock a range of fancy rakhis and other gift items especially for this auspicious day. The markets offer choice of rakhis, gift assortments and rakhi return gifts to attract customers from all segments. Thanks to ecommerce, many websites today have come up offering a range of rakhis and complementary products. Spare a few moments and take a peep at what’s available online as well in traditional market stores for this occasion.

Rakhi Range

Most online and traditional stores stock exclusive rakhis such as gold rakhis, silver rakhis, pearl rakhis, zardosi rakhis, fancy rakhis, kid rakhis and bhaiya-bhabhi (lumba) rakhis. As a sister, feel at liberty to explore the hundreds of such options available. You may also include a rakhi greeting card with your rakhi shopping for this special occasion.

Assortment of Sweets

You will also discover that it is the convention and the custom in India to purchase a range of traditional mouth watering sweets. These gifts include dry fruits, mithais, ladoos pedas, and a lot more. With the changing times, chocolates, assorted cookies, assorted chocolate baskets, and assorted chocolate thalis are also extremely popular as rakhi gift items.

Pooja Thalis

As a sister of a darling brother, you will definitely pray for the health, long life and well-being for him. A variety of pooja thalis such as Ganesha pooja thali, bandhani pooja thali, silver plated thali, gold plated thali and traditional pooja thalis form attractive gifts for your pooja needs on the rakhi day.

Children’s Gifts

Raksha Bandhan is special day for children also. Most children like fun and frolic and this goes with their choices too. You will definitely find a large choice of products and varieties for children. Specialities consist of items like kids rakhis, school bags, school kits, collection of children’s story books, gift hampers, toy sets, teddies, cookies, and others.

Men’s Gifts

It is customary for sisters to present gifts to their brothers on this occasion, in addition to tying a rakhi on their hands. After all, brothers are now morally duty bound to protect their sisters from harm. So, if you are a lucky sister who has that special one-in-a-million brother, then you will surely go for a special gift for him! Depending upon what your brother likes, you could choose from men’s wear, perfumes, watches, and men’s jewellery items. May be your brother likes simple yet stylish products, so you could gift him with a great pair of cool looking dark glasses too.

Return Gifts

Alternatively, your brother may present a return gift to you. Depending upon what you like, you may receive garments, beauty products, or items of personal use. By and large, it should not be difficult for your brother to select a gift. Return gifts items for sisters like salwar kameez, saris, soft toys, Rahki gift hampers, cameras, watches, jewellery are very popular. At the same time, if you like cooking, don’t be surprised if you get crockery, cookware, or even an assortment of kitchen appliances as a pristine gift.

Alternative Gifts

There may be a rare chance that your likings do not suit the type of gift you wish to purchase. In this case, you may personalise your gift items. These days, many financial institution issue redeemable gift certificates. You may also choose from a range of handmade and eco-friendly products which are available widely on the internet and other traditional merchant stores.