Why The Diwali Celebration Changed Over Time

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most popular celebrations in India. The five-day event traditionally commemorates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after 14 years of exile. Rama's wife, Sita, and brother Lakshmana accompanied him on his journey back home.

On the first day of Diwali, people clean their homes and decorate them with oil lamps and rangolis (colorful designs). On the second day, they celebrate Dhanteras, which is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi. The third day is when the main festival takes place. Families light crackers, exchange gifts, and feast on delicious food.

The fourth day is Govardhan Puja, which honors the mountain that saved the people of Vrindavan from a severe drought. The fifth and final day is Bhai Dooj, a special occasion for brothers and sisters.

While the basic story behind Diwali has stayed the same over time, some elements of the celebration have changed. In ancient times, Diwali was a harvest festival that marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. Today, it is celebrated in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar.

In addition, Diwali was originally a Hindu holiday but has since become secularized in many parts of India. People of all religions now participate in the festivities.

From 1850 to now

In the 1850s, Diwali was celebrated primarily by Hindus in northern India. The festival commemorated the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana in battle and rescuing Sita from his captivity. The victory of good over evil was celebrated with days of feasting and fireworks.

Over time, the celebration of Diwali spread to other parts of India and to Hindus living abroad. The festival became an important part of Hindu identity, helping to bind together a diverse community united by shared religious beliefs and traditions.Today, Diwali is enjoyed by people of all faiths and cultures. The meaning of the festival has also shifted from its religious roots to encompass more secular themes such as renewal, light, and hope.

List of some of the celebrations

The Diwali celebration has changed over time, and there are now many different ways to celebrate the holiday. Here is a list of some of the celebrations that take place during Diwali:

1. The traditional puja ceremony is still carried out in many homes, where prayers and offerings are made to the gods and goddesses.

2. Many people now exchange gifts and sweets with their family and friends during Diwali.

3. Homes are decorated with lights, lanterns and Rangolis (intricate designs drawn on the floor), and fireworks are often set off.

4. One of the most popular traditions during Diwali is gambling; games such as cards and dice are played, often with small bets placed on them.

5. In some regions of India, special feasts are prepared and eaten during Diwali – these can vary from region to region, but usually include sweet dishes such as desserts and fried foods. 

Some Rituals and Customs

There are many different rituals and customs associated with the Diwali celebration. In ancient times, the Diwali festival was a time to worship the goddess Lakshmi and to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Today, Diwali is still a religious festival, but it has also become a cultural celebration.

One of the most popular rituals during Diwali is lighting lamps. Lamps are traditionally lit in homes and temples to signify the triumph of light over darkness. Another popular ritual is giving gifts. During Diwali, Hindus exchange gifts with family and friends as a way of expressing their love and appreciation for one another.

Another tradition associated with Diwali is decorating homes and workplaces with lanterns, lights, and colors. This practice is believed to bring happiness, luck, and prosperity. Many Hindus also take part in special puja (prayer) ceremonies during Diwali. These ceremonies are conducted to worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in India. It is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs all over the world. The festival signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali was traditionally a five-day festival, but now it is typically celebrated for three days. The first day is known as Dhanteras, when people buy gold and silver items. The second day is called Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Puja, when people worship the goddess Kali. The third day is Diwali itself, when people light lamps and fireworks to celebrate the defeat of Ravana. The fourth day is known as Govardhan Puja, when people worship Govardhan Hill. The fifth and final day is Bhai Dooj, when brothers visit their sisters to exchange gifts.

Over the centuries, Diwali has evolved from a purely religious festival to a more secular celebration. While the main focus remains on lighting lamps and setting off fireworks, Diwali has also become a time for exchanging gifts and celebrating with family and friends.

Happy Diwali to All.