India 25 October 2016:
Go shopping (Diwali-Deepawali)
For ages on the first day of Diwali It has been a part of the indian customs to buy new utensils and ornaments.
Clean the house (Diwali-Deepawali)
Before the first day of Diwali it’s customary to Clean your house and business premises thoroughly. So make sure you do the laundry, clean all the rooms. You must have heard of spring cleaning but more of a ritual to get rid of any unnecessary things in your surroundings. People also draw small footprints using rice flour and vermillion powder at the entrance of your home to welcome the arrival of the Goddess.
Draw a Rangoli (Diwali-Deepawali)
It is customary for people to draw colorful traditional motifs of Rangoli designs in the entrance of your home or business. The rangoli is drawn in the entrance of the house to welcome Lakshmi the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. In the Rangoli designs you can include bells, flower garlands, wall hangings, mirrors, LED lights, etc. You can find many Rangoli designs across the internet. Today you can also find ready-made wooden Rangolis available in the market. These are hand crafted and painted beautifully on a light piece of wood.
Light Lamps or Diyas (Diwali-Deepawali)
Every night during Diwali it’s mandatory to Light lamps or diyas near your home and business place. You can light small oil lamps known as "diyas" and arrange them around your home. The lamps lit during Diwali symbolize knowledge or one's inner light, This light is known to bring about inner peace.
Light some firecrackers and fireworks (Diwali-Deepawali)
Lighting firecrackers is a custom followed during Diwali in India. They are considered to symbolize warding off evil from your surroundings. The most firecrackers are set off on the third day of Diwali. When bursting crackers it’s very important to be careful and follow all safety precautions mentioned. Be careful of the noisy crackers as they may cause damage to your hearing ability. Do not burst crackers when pets and small children are in the vicinity.
Wear new clothes and jewels (Diwali-Deepawali)
It is a custom to Wear new clothes and jewels on the second and third days of Diwali. For Diwali Indian women generally wear the traditional Indian dress which is a sari. Women who don’t like wearing a sari may wear a salwar-kurta. For Diwali Men usually wear kurtas which is a traditional Indian wear.
Diwali sweets, snacks and savouries (Diwali-Deepawali)
In many indian homes during Diwali they Bake sweets, snacks, and savouries. Here are a few traditional offerings for Diwali which you can make and give as gifts : 7 cup burfi, kulfi, pongal, rasgullas, jalebi, gajar ka halvah, chakalis, chivda etc.
Go vegetarian (Diwali-Deepawali)
During Diwali many Indians choose to go vegetarians. There are many dishes which you can prepare and have during Diwali but it is important to include sweets, as Diwali is all about sweets.
Perform a "Lakshmi pooja" (Diwali-Deepawali)
On the third day of Diwali it’s a ritual performed to seek divine blessings from the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, who helps those who strive to achieve wealth. The ritual of Lakshmi pooja consists of an elaborate ritual using grains, leaves, coins, and idols to prepare a ceremony.
Play games (Diwali-Deepawali)
To celebrate the festival of Diwali, people make Games are as a part of the Festival by playing card games, Rummy, charades, pass the parcel, musical chairs, scavenger hunt, hide and seek, etc. During this festival it’s okay to play for money in card games but make sure you don't wager too much.
Care for your sibling (Diwali-Deepawali)
On the final day of Diwali, Brothers and sisters affirm sibling love. On this day of Diwali sisters ceremonize their love for their brothers by applying an auspicious Tilak on the forehead and perform an aarti for him by showing him the light of the holy flame as a mark of love and protection from evil forces. Sisters are lavished with gifts, goodies and blessings from their brothers.
Join in public Celebrations (Diwali-Deepawali)
It’s not necessary for you to be a Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, or Sikh to celebrate Diwali celebrations that are held in many public spaces. You can attend public concerts, parties, celebratory events, and feasts for Diwali. Wish everyone around you a Happy and Prosperous Diwali.