Exchanging Gifts during Diwali
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Most awaited festival Diwali is here! It is the time for vibrant colours, astonishing fireworks, twinkling lights and delicious food! Yes...Deepavali mostly called Diwali, the colorful festival of light. It is celebrated with lots of pomp and show. It is a festival to mark the victory of the Right over evil.
One of the primary stories revolving around Diwali in Hindu mythology is that the day marks the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita Devi and brother Lakshmana, to his homeland Ayodhya after 14 years spent in exile. To light the path for Rama, who had defeated the demon king Ravana, villagers use festive lights and other decorations. Reenactments of the Ramayana, the story of Lord Rama, are part of the celebrations in some areas.
Diwali is India's biggest and most important festival of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that are lit outside the homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. Diwali or the festival of lights is all about sharing and connecting with friends and family. People throughout the world celebrate the festival with great fervor and enthusiasm.
As well as being a night full of songs, dance and fireworks, Diwali is marked by another much welcome tradition – that of gifting and enjoying mithai (sweets).
Well, the gifts giving has a deep-rooted connection with the festival of lights. We all know that the Diwali is the festival of love, appreciation, and prosperity.
That is why gifts are exchanged on Diwali to boost the feeling of fellowship and companionship among the people. Diwali gift isn't just a mere regular gift item; it defines the bonding and connection between two individuals. It signifies the respect and values of Indian culture. Moreover, Diwali is a religious festival, thus the gift giving on Diwali has holy meaning among different Indian communities. In one word, a celebration of Diwali is incomplete without the gift giving tradition.
The tradition to offer gift to younger ones is one of the rich tradition. Kids and teenagers learn about the joy of giving, and emotions attached with giving away or donating to needy persons.
Though it has deep root to develop the humble nature of donations, now a days, it has become an instrument to show the richness. Nowadays, Diwali gift-giving tradition has reached a new level of challenge and competition where people have totally forgotten the true spirit of Diwali gift giving and replaced it with the materialistic things. Nowadays, people share gifts to express their status and wealth. In addition, all those pure Diwali feelings and emotions have been totally forgotten.
Nowadays, from expensive electronic items to precious jewellery items, all are given as Diwali gifts. However, that's not worth it, because the true meaning of Diwali gift is to share love, not money. We must learn from our ancestors and keep our Diwali gifts small, meaningful and a token of gratitude.
Diwali is the festival that illuminates the Earth as well as the skies and brings joy around the world. It is a festival when the whole India transcends into a land of myriad lamps. Diwali has all the charm, grandeur and splendor that can even illuminate our minds and hearts.
The festival wears a lovely look. Everyone is well dressed. At night, the people decorate their houses, with lights, diyas, candles and tube lights. They eat, drink and enjoy the evening with crackers. The cities and towns are immersed in light and sound of the fireworks. Apart from houses, public buildings and government offices are also lit up. It is a remarkable sight!
In the age of convenience, it’s the electric bulb, fairy lights and paper chandeliers that light up Diwali rather than the mud lamps with oil and wicks. From heart shaped bulbs to fruity illuminations, the lights strung over walls make a flashy statement even as flowers vanish from Rangoli replaced by gaudy baubles and stars. Good may still triumph over evil, but good taste too has been vanquished.
Today, due to Covid-19, the humanity has started thinking of how they will celebrate Diwali. We want to visit everyone’s house, share gifts and enjoy, but at the same time, we need to follow the rules of the government.
So, if cannot visit each other’s house, then at least we can video call to our friends, relatives and elderly’s. They will feel good. We too will enjoy. What matters is the feelings towards each other!
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