Diwali 2023: Embracing the Joy of the Festival of Lights 🪔

 Diwali 2023: Embracing the Joy of the Festival of Lights 🪔

Tis the season for joy, love, and light! With Diwali 2023 nearing, how the buzz is established. Diwali, the Festival of Lights is one festival that millions look forward to celebrating with all fervor across the globe. This festival colors our hearts with greater joy and positivity, lit up homes with beautiful diyas, streets light up in vibrant colors.

Read in detail the magic behind the Diwali festival along with its importance, traditions and modern eco-friendly way of celebrating Diwali from Antu Singh Markam. So, let us make a splash in the spirit of Diwali 2023!! 🌟

Importance Of Diwali We Understand

Diwali: A Major Religious, Cultural and Social Festival. The festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists who believe it symbolises light over darkness and good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that on this day Lord Rama returned Ayodhya after 14 years of Vanvas and defeating Ravana then people of Ayodhya welcome Him by lightning oil diyas so, the festival name “Diwali” what means as “Rows of lighted lamps”. Doing Pooja of the Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth & Prosperity)It is also Installment day for many, starting new business & financial year!

Apart from its religious overtones, Diwali stands to remind us to introspect, throw away the bad and embrace the good energies. It is time to be with family, appreciate the ones we love and etch moments in our memory. 🎉

Plan for Diwali 2023 — Light up your way to Celebration 🪔

Indications are that the countdown to Diwali 2023 has already begun and it is a madhouse at homes. Another one is in the decorations and planning stage. The following are some ways to make your Diwali festival preparations more organised and special.

    Organize Home: It is said that goddess Lakshmi enters to the houses where there is no clutter. The best way to prepare is to clean your area and clear negative energy from your life in symbolizing the cleansing of the goddess that is coming into you and will help make room for her. 🧹

Decorate with Lights : Diwali is incomplete without lights. Decorating the home with Diyas, LED string lights and other forms of illumination is an integral part of celebrating Diwali festival. Choose energy-efficient lighting this year to help save the environment but also make a wonderful atmosphere. ✨

Rangoli: Rangoli art is a rooted tradition of the Diwali festival where the intricate design patterns are created using coloured powders, flowers or rice. Rangoli drawn on the gate is considered to be auspiciousencion Drawing rangoli at the entrance of your home is said to bring prosperity and good luck. This is also fun and gives you a sense of what creative ideas are running rampant through your mind. 🎨

    New Outfits: It is tradition to wear new clothes on Diwali, which stands for a fresh start. One of Diwali 2023 trends is bold, vigorous coloring, such as scarlet, gold, and ink-blue. So while you celebrate, do so comfortably by staying stylish. 👗

Festive Feasts: There is no Diwali without binging on delicious mouth-watering foods, right? Diwali, a feast for your belly! From the sweet delights like gulab jamun and ladoos to alluring savouries like samosas and chivda, this Diwali enjoy the delicacies at their best. Everyone in the family should be included for planning party meals and traditional food cooking. 🍛

Family & Friends Diwali Celebrations 🎊

Diwali is a festival which brings about the feeling of belongingness, togetherness and reminds us that festivals are not just personal celebration but community stuff. Diwali is the best time to cherish your relationship with family, friends and colleagues by exchanging gifts, burning crackers and some simply spending time with each other. We Listed a few ways to celebrate with those who matter most.

    Host a Diwali Gathering: Organise a family gathering or party where everyone contributes a dish or two. This not only lightens the load on the host but also brings a diverse array of festive treats to the table. 🎉

    Share Gifts and Love: The exchange of gifts is a tradition that embodies the essence of the Diwali festival. Gifts can range from sweets and snacks to home décor or even something more personal like handmade crafts. The act of giving brings joy to both the giver and the receiver. 🎁

    Enjoy Fireworks (Responsibly): While fireworks are a beloved tradition of Diwali, it’s essential to be mindful of their impact on the environment and animals. This Diwali, consider opting for eco-friendly fireworks or limiting the use of loud crackers. The Diwali festival is all about spreading light, and that can be done in many ways. 🎇

    Engage in Community Celebrations: Many communities organise fairs, cultural events, and collective firework displays to celebrate Diwali. Participating in such activities fosters a sense of belonging and adds a social dimension to your celebration. 🏙️

The Spiritual Dimension of Diwali ✨

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the Diwali festival holds profound spiritual meaning. It is a time for self-reflection, gratitude, and worship. Many families perform pujas (ritual prayers) during Diwali to invoke blessings for wealth, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year.

    Lakshmi Puja: The third day of Diwali is dedicated to Lakshmi Puja, where families offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and success. Homes are adorned with fresh flowers and fruits, and lamps are lit to welcome the goddess. 🕉️

    Meditation and Inner Peace: Diwali is also a time for inner reflection. Amidst the celebrations, take a few moments to meditate or engage in mindfulness practices. This can help you reconnect with your inner self and align with the true meaning of the Diwali festival. 🧘‍♂️

    Acts of Charity: Diwali is also a time to give back to those in need. Whether it’s donating food, clothes, or simply offering kindness, the joy of the Diwali festival grows when shared with others. 🌍

Celebrating an Eco-Friendly Diwali 🌿

With growing awareness of environmental concerns, many are choosing to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali in 2023. Here are some ideas to keep your celebrations sustainable:

    Natural Decorations: Use biodegradable materials like clay diyas, flowers, and jute for decorations instead of plastic items. This keeps your celebration beautiful and nature-friendly. 🌸

    Limit Fireworks: Fireworks contribute to both air and noise pollution. Choose eco-friendly alternatives or enjoy a laser light show, which can be just as mesmerising without the harmful effects. 🌟

    Reduce Food Waste: Plan your festive meals carefully to avoid excess. If you find you’ve made too much, share it with neighbours or donate it to local charities. The spirit of the Diwali festival is about sharing, after all. 🍲

    Say No to Plastic: From packaging to decorations, avoid single-use plastic wherever possible. Opt for reusable or recyclable materials to minimise your environmental footprint. ♻️

Conclusion: Light Up Your Life This Diwali 🪔

Diwali 2023 promises to be a celebration filled with joy, warmth, and love. The Diwali festival is more than just a time for lights and sweets; it’s a reminder of the values that matter most—kindness, togetherness, and positivity. As you prepare to celebrate, remember to embrace these values and create beautiful memories with your loved ones.

Let the spirit of the Diwali festival illuminate not just your home but also your heart. Wishing you a wonderful and prosperous Diwali 2023! 🎇

By Antu Singh Markam