Diwali Customs and Traditions

Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Kartik with zeal and gaiety.Diwali is the time for attractive Diyas and dazzling fireworks. It is the time for Barfi, laddos and Rasgullas .It's the time for new specially designed dresses .It is the festival for rejoice.

This 5 day long Hindu festival is celebrated worldwide. The first day is celebrated ad Dhanteras. Women believe this day as auspicious and they buy some gold, silver or utensils.

The second day is Choti Diwali. The people of Maharasta take before sunrise with oil and "Uptan" (paste) of gram flour and fragrant powders on this day. Third day or the main Diwali is celebrated with a lot of fireworks, diyas and candles and crackers.

The Govardhan Puja takes place on the forth day of Diwali.
And the fifth day is Bhai Duj.

Gambling
There are many interesting customs related to Diwali throughout India. One of the unique customs of Diwali consists of indulgence in gambling in North India. Nowadays, cards have replaced dice. According to mythology while Goddess Parvati enjoyed playing dice with her spouse Lord Shiva on this day. It is believed that whoever will gamble on Diwali night would remain prosperous throughout the year.

South Indian custom
The custom of celebrating Diwali in South India is unique. People wake up before sunrise prepare blood by mixing Kumkum in oil and after breaking a bitter fruit that represents the head of the demon King that was smashed by Krishna, apply that mixture on their foreheads. Then they have an oil bath using sandalwood paste.

Annakoot
The temples of Mathura and Nathadwara, celebrates Diwali in their own manner. The deities are bathed with milk and adorned with precious clothes and ornaments. Then offerings of a large variety of delicacies are made to them.

Lakshmi Puja
Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day with Aratis and Bhogs.

The Custom of The jains
The Jains celebrate this day in the honour of attaining 'Nirvana' (or Eternal Bliss) of Lord Mahavira.

The Shikh tradition
The Sikhs celebrate Diwali to celebrate the release of the sixth Guru Hargobind Sahib. For them, Diwali means worshipping the religious freedom of Sikhs.

Rangolis, Fire works and Crackers
Rangolis are done to decorate the houses to capture the festive mood. People spend a lot of money on fireworks. . 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. The fumes produced by the crackers kill a lot of insects too.

Ganesh Puja
Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshipped in most Hindu homes on this day.