Significance of Diyas, Rangoli, Lanterns and Sweets during Diwali

Monday, November 6, 2023

“Lighting up hearts,one diya at a time.”

Diwali is known as festival of lights and celebrated all over India. It is the festival of delight , bliss, euphoria, exhilaration, crackers, sweets etc. It symbolizes victory of light over darkness,good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. In northern India, Diwali commemorates Prince Rama's triumphant return to the city of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile due to the plotting of his evil stepmother—and after a heroic rescue of his wife Sita, an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi, who had been kidnapped by the rival king Ravana. It is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin (according to the amanta tradition) and Kartika—between around mid-September and mid-November. The celebrations generally last five or six days. During this festival people gather together , exchange gifts and decorate their houses.There are significances behind all the decors of diwali. A few of them are mentioned below.

1.Diyas
Diyas represent the triumph of light over dark, good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that there are 13 diyas that one must light in their house and pray for good health and prosperity during Diwali . It is also believed that the 13 diyas protect against negative energies and bad spirits. They also symbolize kindness and purity.

2.Rangoli
Rangoli signifies welcoming Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali. It is believed that making rangoli at the entrance of the house welcomes positive energy and wards off negative energy. Rangoli is also bordered by a lotus design, as a gesture to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. When Sita fell in love with Ram, she ground some rice, prepared rangoli and prayed to the Goddess Gauri (wife of Shiva) to grant Ram as her husband. The Rangoli prepared for Diwali is the dry Rangoli created by Lopamudra. The rangoli represents the happiness, positivity and liveliness of a household, and is intended to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good luck. The purpose of rangoli is beyond decoration.

3.Flower Decorations
Goddess Lakshmi is believed to adore lotuses, thus signifying the importance of floral decoration on this special day. It is used for decoration to welcome goddess Lakshmi. Flowers are beautifully employed in balconies, walls, patio or terrace. The thali of Diwali Puja is also decorated with fresh cut flowers, so also the floating candles in a tub of water with rose petals. Without flowers Diwali celebrations are incomplete.

4.Torans
Torans are used to decorate the main entrance of the home. The main idea behind decorating the homes is to please and attract the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. These torans are the first thing that welcomes guests. It is said to ward off evil spirits and negative energies.

Each festival marks a new beginning ,a new chance to make the world a better place, a new reason to be joyful. May the festival of lights, fill our life with the glow of happiness and sparkle of joy .

Wishing you a very happy and prosperous Diwali .
Thank You.

Sharon Joby Panicker,6-A, Indian Educational School (Bhavans)