Diwali is a word taken from the Sanskrit word
Deepavali, which means an array of diyas. The festival is celebrated to
honor the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. Five consecutive days of the
month of Ashwayuja according to Hindu calendar. Traditionally, the
rituals of the festival mainly consists of lighting diyas, making
Rangolis and Lakshmi Pujan.
With changing times the methods of celebrating Diwali too has witnessed
new twists and turns. Contemporary era has commercialized the entire
event of Diwali. It is not that commercialization has affected the
spirit of cheerfulness in any sense. Rather, it has helped Diwali get a
global recognition. Earlier, any event was ritualized in a modest
manner. But, as India joined the global bandwagon and got exposed with
new cultures and traditions, the methods of celebrations too got
Festivals are a big reason for the economy boost in India. Same goes
for the festival of Diwali. Way before the eve of Diwali, people buy new
clothes, Puja Samagri (Items required for offering Prayers), home
decorative items, firecrackers etc. Companies of all kind offer heavy
discount on their products during the festive season.
The days around Diwali, specially on Dhanteras, are supposed to be the
most auspicious ones to buy household items and even jewelry. Diwali
also attracts lots of foreign tourists to India as the festival of
Diwali adorns the beauty of the country all the more. The market places
are beautified with colorful ribbons, scintillating lights and decorated
stalls selling firecrackers, Diwali sweets etc add to the carnival. Many
people do charity and feed a number of socially and economically
Amongst all not to forget the exchange of gifts that occur during the
Diwali days. Very enthusiastically, people distribute gifts during
Diwali. Buying and selling of gifts is a big source of profit during the
season. Thus, very rightly Diwali is said to be the day of prosperity.
For businessmen, this is the end of the financial year too. They make
new leisure note book and before using them they are put before the
Goddess Lakshmi for an auspicious start.
Thus, Diwali in contemporary times is celebrated in manifolds. Not only
in India but people outside India too indulge in merriment thereby
keeping alive the spirit of Diwali. In today's fast paced lives,
festivals like Diwali give a nice excuse to sit with loved ones and
create some fond memories to cherish life long.