Although it's too late to post Diwali Photographs but 'it's better late than never' :) ... By Thanking the person who coined this phrase, let's start a quick PHOTO JOURNEY of Deepawali 2011. This time Diwali was celebrated in Delhi only and didn't go to my home town in Himachal. Let's check out some casual shots taken during Diwali 2011...
Clay lamps are most popular on Diwali day and Indians still prefer to have such clay lamps with oil in them. This one of most traditional lamp, while many decorative forms are available in market.
Diwali/Deepawali, popularly known as the 'festival of lights', is a festival celebrated between mid-October and mid-December for different reasons. The name 'Deepavali' translates into 'row of lamps'.
For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana by Mahavira. Diwali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji...
Rangoli making is one of the ritual of Diwali Evening. Various colors are used to make something interesting in front of main door. Idea is to impress Laxmi maa and welcoming with colorful art-form. In some parts of country naturl things are used to create a Rangoli. In some of the states, a path is also made from Rangoli to the place inside the home where Laxmi poojan happen. With time, things have changed as per convenience of folks and at the same time, many folks do all this very religiously.
Mama ji and Mami ji, getting ready for Laxmi Pooja. All Diyas and candles are placed around the house after main poojan.
Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas or deepaks) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.
Afte regular interval oil in clay lamps is checked to make sure that all the lights remain on during Diwali Night. Now electronic lights are also used in areas where it's difficult to place clay lamps or candles...
Clay lamps are kept on during the night and one's house is cleaned, both done in order to make the goddess Lakshmi feel welcome.
Usually all friends and relatives bring some gifts on Diwali day. In Delhi dry-fruits are very popular among gift-items and most of the gifts rotate from one home to other :) ... And finally a gift can reach the original home, within a strong social circle :) ... Btw, best quality dry-fruits at reasonable rates can be found at Khari-Baoli and packing stuff can be bought from Sadar or Chandni-Chowk !!!
Rangolis are made near main door to welcome Laxmi Maa !!! For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes.
And Diwali is one of the special days when people try different things apart from sweets. Of course, sweets are main part of this festival but other pakvaans are equally important.
Firecrackers are burst in order to drive away evil spirits.
Colorful bokeh of electornic lights hanging around railings...
One month before all the newspapers and magazines start sharing various recipes of Diwali Dinner or snacks. I have seen most of the cooking enthusiasts looking into relevant stuff to make something special on Diwali Day :)
In Delhi or Punjabi communities, it's difficult to avoid fried stuff like Pooris n all.
Diwali also marks the end of the harvest season in most of India. Farmers give thanks for the bounty of the year gone by and pray for a good harvest for the year to come. Traditionally this marked the closing of accounts for businesses dependent on the agrarian cycle and is the last major celebration before winter. Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead.
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