Festivals and Celebrations questions and answers

The festival Diwali is always special to me because it makes me more happy with the meeting of all relatives at one place.There will be exchange of gifts and past memories.

Apart from lighting of varieties of crackers,there will be more varieties of sweets to enjoy.Each one of my relatives bring in some special sweet and we will take care that no sweet is being bring in by others.Even in buying clothes there will be exchange of new clothes.So we will buy clothes for other relatives and they buy for us.This gives immense satisfaction to all,and gives us a memorable feelings among us.

Also in the evening the whole house of us is being decorated with lights,which we will keep during the next 3 days also.

Top experts' rating:   (8 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

1. Very religious people start any new business or important work specially at this time as the five days of Diwali (LABH PANCHAM) are considered very auspicious.

2. Children play with fire crackers and love the glitter of lights. They also have special feelings attached with Diwali as it is this time when they get many days vacation when they can enjoy to the fullest.

3. It marks the beginning of beautiful winters in India which are much awaited in major parts as major parts of India have warm climate.

4. Its shoppers time: With sale and discount schemes everywhere, shoppers never miss to have their piece of cake through this beautiful time. Also, among the traditional hindus, each day of Diwali has its own set of lovely things to be bought as a custom. On Dhanteras we buy utensils or home decoration, for Diwali we buy Diyas, electric lights, crackers etc.

5. The thought of Diwali is irresistibly mouth watering as it is accompanied by sweets. We eat and distribute sweets as a ritual of celebrating Diwali. In traditional Indian families, sweets are made in bulk at home by hiring professional "Halwai", these are distributed among friends and relatives as a gesture of affection and care.

Overall, Diwali has a very special meaning in every Indian's heart. Although we celebrate it in many different ways and have many different reasons to be fond of it, there is one thing in common for all those who celebrate Diwali--- The memories of it, we always cherish in our hearts. Even if we leave our country and settle in far off lands, we make sure we light a ceremonial lamp in our house to participate in this wonderful event.

Top experts' rating:   (9 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

Then comes the most special night of the week long festival - Diwali night although considered the darkest night of the year is made beautiful with everyone lighting lamps and candles and bursting fire crackers. It looks as if beautiful stars are shining all over the sky and and the Gods, through them are showering all their blessings on us which give us health, wealth, prosperity, love and harmony throughout the coming new year....

Top experts' rating:   (9 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

Top experts' rating:   (9 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

This festival of lights is a storehouse of lovely memories for every Indian..On every Diwali, i get reminded of those lovely childhood Diwali's, school vacation, great food, sweets, and my siblings very happily celebrating with me..

On this wonderful occasion, I remember the last Diwali, which was perhaps the last good time in life for me and my family..my life changed horribly in this exact 1 year, has been full of disasters..!..but again, perhaps i was so occupied with my job for the last few years that i had forgotten the value of these special occasions, only to learn now that life if precious and v must cherish each wonderful moment with all our loved ones..

This Diwali is special to me..as now i hav learnt the value of life..I have already started making candles and new decoration pieces for home..I will be making some sweets too myself..what all i will make myself and u all can try these simple things:

1. Candles (decorative and usable, both types). 2. Simple sweets like coconut barfi and besan ke laddoo. 3. Clay decoration items..a very enjoyable craft..i dont think its a child's play : P 4. Traditional wall hangings using patch work. 5. Design new dress for myself..(u can use ur tailor too).

I havent been able to meet some of my close friends for years, just bcoz i always had just "no time"..this time, I plan to meet all my friends and wish them a happy year ahead..I would convey to them the lessons i have learnt from life in this past year..I will thank those friends who have always been very supportive, and forgive those who had ever hurt my feelings..in short, this Diwali should mark a new beginning for relationships for me..

I dont know what the next Diwali has in store for me, where the disasters in my life will lead me to..so I will try to make this Diwali as special as i can, for my whole family..

Would again remind all my Ammas friends too, Diwali is a time to remember all those who ever loved u...dont waste this time sitting in ur offices (like i did for years) or in ur rooms, move out and add lovely memories of this occasion for ur future..for all ur future Diwali's to come FOR TIME NEVER COMES BACK : )

Top experts' rating:   (8 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

Diwali or Deepavali means an array of lamps (Deep = Lamp, Vali =Array). This is one of the major festivals in the Hindu calendar.Diwali, the festival of the diya or lights, marks the victory of good over evil. The soft beam of a diya radiates hope in an often evil world.

For me, Deepavali is when all the family members meet and celebrate the festival together.All my father and mother siblings meet at our house on Deepavali day and have lunch together. Later, all the children burst crackers together. "For us, it is very important to take our elders' blessings. Deepavali is the only day the entire family eats together. It is a wonderful experience.

For me on Diwal "It is not the amount of money spent on clothes, crackers or sweets that matters.It is the amount of happiness what we share together. Tradition dictates that Diwali is celebrated by making sweets and savories at home.It is our tradition that we burst crackers early in the morning before and after we have our oil bath. So we buy crackers for that purpose only.

What I enjoy most about the festival is celebrating it with my uncles, aunts and cousins from my mother's and father's side."

Top experts' rating:   (9 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

The arriavel of Diwali being felt with the smelling of paints in busidings and houses, officers and maintenance and repairs at its peak a week or two weeks before Diwali, cleaning works every where, electrical repairs and maintenance etc every where - this is the memory giving hint and the first signal about diwali is reaching - in our childhood.

About Diwali in our childhood years - As the years passed by, my love for the crackers began to decline. I lost complete interest and we stopped buying crackers for diwali. Then various sweets and namkeens were prepared to add to the store bought mountain of sweets- all prepared to please the palate of Goddess Laxmi- who was shamelessly wooed and cajoled with all kind of goodies to come over and partake of these and shower our home with prosperity. The most important moment that was a big highlight of our childish minds and desire was the big lump sum of cash allotted to purchase new clothes and fire crackers, not to touch books and study materials for a couple of days. I think now with the increase in consumer products, cost of living, cost and prices of every thing getting high throughout year and a special peak right at the time of festival season people are forced to think to control expenditure by limiting purchases and crackers etc. reducing this festival's glamour and the volume of celebration too much.

Now with the adaptation of new and high tech methods and the shortage of time to spare, the naturality is getting decreases year after year in all festivals. But the nostalgic feeling associated with it will ever remain in our memory.

I WISH TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF OUR AMMAS.COM'S FAMILY A VERY VERY HAPPY AND PLEASANT DIWALI AND A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

Top experts' rating:   (8 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

Top experts' rating:   (9 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

last year he is too small...and now he is 20 months old and am going to enjoy with him as am afraid of holding large crackers...so my son and am going to rock with so many small crackers with no sounds....(hehe we hate sound pollution)

i have so many memorable memonts on past diwali days ...

as i cant even forget celebrating with my dad,mom and my sis and bro.. we enjoyed like anything as the crackers didn't get complete even on nagulachavithi....

and last year my bro and babi came to my place...and alonhg with my mom and my hub,son and myself enjoyed and rocked on diwali day..

this is all my memorable moments...

Top experts' rating:   (9 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

all indians buy new clothes and new gold items as goddess lakshmi wishes us to give more and more in coming future .

Diwali has a very special meaning in every Indian's heart.even if we are in foreign countries now,we celebrate here also as we celebrate in india.

I'll spend time with my parents n all friends.take bath and do laxmi pooja in evening and lit deepams around the house and start burning crakers.i like less sounds Firecrackers.i will also go to temple.Family tour also will be there.

i like most for any festival,the new dresses and new jewelry,putting henna to hands and making sweets and eating them & fire crackers in evening.and going to friends houses and eating in their houses, their sweets and celebrate with them the festivals.and i wish to attend any mela if available in our place.

A colorful festival that is celebrated by all Hindus worldwide is Deepavali,which is also known as festival of lights.according to Hindu mythology,Godess Laxmi was produced from churning of milk ocean,during Deevali festival,the festival of lights.This festival usually falls around late October and November.One important practice that Hindus follow during the festival is to light oil lamps in their homes on Deepavali morning.By lighting the oil lamps,the Hindus are thanking gods for the happiness,knowledge, peace and wealth that they have received.The Hindus consider Deepavali as one of the most important festivals to celebrate.

The Legend :-

There is even an interesting legend behind this festival.The story goes that Narakasura,a demon,ruled kingdom of Pradyoshapuram.Under his rule,villagers suffered a lot of hardship as demon tortured people and kidnapped the women to be imprisoned in his palace.Seeing his wickedness,Lord Krishna set out to destroy the demon and the day Narakasura died was celebrated as Deepavali,triumph of good over evil!

Preparations:-

Preparation for Deepavali starts usually at least 2-3 weeks before the festival.It is known that the Hindus will be busy cleaning their houses to prepare for festival.Some would even renovate their houses to prepare it for Deepavali.Usually family will shop for new clothes and for accessories to decorate their homes.Prior to the festival,Indian shops will be selling festive items like Deepavali greeting cards,carpets,Punjabi suits and flowers.The Hindus will frequent go to these shops when they are shopping for Deepavali.

Celebrations:-

The Hindus usually awake early in the morning of deepavali around 3am and the first ritual will be having an oil bath,which is an important feature of Deepavali.Hindus will be dressed in their new clothes on Deepavali.Most of the ladies would be clad in silk saris or Punjabi suits of various bright shades.Hindus particularly dislike dressing in black on that day,as they consider black an inauspicious color for the festival.Hindus would also pay their respects to elderly and most families would go to the temple after having breakfast.This is also an important practice for them.The reason why they would be going to temples is to pray to get happiness and prosperity on Deepavali.houses would be decorated with oil lamps and children will play with firecrackers to celebrate the festival.On the first day,they would not go visiting but would stay at home to welcome the guests who visit them.

Food :-

Visiting Hindus during Deepavali will be an interesting activity,as u will get to taste a wide variety of delicious food.In every home that you visit u are bound to be served with a tempting spread of sweets.Some of popular sweets are halwa,burfi and laddu.Hindus love eating spicy food and for non-vegetarians they indulge in favorites like chicken tandoori,prawn sambal and fish curry.In homes of Hindus who are vegetarians popular dishes like thosais,idlis and naans are prepared and many more sweets are prepared and will distribute among friends and relatives.

Deepavali,or Diwali,is a major Indian festival,and a significant festival in Hinduism,Sikhism and Jainism.Many legends are associated with Diwali.Today it is celebrated by Hindus,Jains and Sikhs across the globe as the "Festival of Light," where lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being.The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists of Nepal,particularly Newar Buddhists.

According to one theory Diwali may have originated as a harvest festival,marking last harvest of the year before winter.In an agrarian society this results in businessmen closing accounts,& beginning a new accounting year.deity of wealth in Hinduism,goddess Lakshmi is therefore thanked on this day and everyone prays for a good year ahead.This is common factor in Diwali celebrations all over the Indian subcontinent.

In many parts of India,it is the homecoming of King Rama of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest.The people of Ayodhya(capital of his kingdom)welcomed Rama by lighting rows(avali)of lamps(deepams)thus its name,Deepawali,or simply shortened as Diwali.Southern India marks it as day Lord Krishna defeated demon Narakasura.In western India it is also in honor of day King Bali went to rule nether-world by the order of Vishnu

Diwali is celebrated on the first day of lunar Kartika month,which comes in month of October or November.

In Jainism it marks nirvana of Lord Mahavira,which occurred on October 15,527 BCE.The Sikhs celebrate Diwali for a different reason;on this day,the 6th Guru,Guru Hargobind Ji,was freed from imprisonment along with 52 Hindu Kings(political prisoners)whom he had arranged to be released as well.after his release he went to Darbar Sahib(golden temple)in holy city of Amritsar.There,he was greeted by Sikhs and many other people.In happiness they lit candles and diyas to greet the Guru.In India,Diwali is now considered to be a national festival,and aesthetic aspect of festival is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith.

The festival marks victory of good over evil,& uplifting of spiritual darkness.Symbolically it marks homecoming of goodwill & faith after an absence,as suggested by Ramayana.

On the day of Diwali,many wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks.Some North Indian business communities start their financial year on Diwali & new account books are opened on this day.

Top experts' rating:   (8 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

Most importantly, Diwali to me, symbolizes new be beginnings, hope, and blessings from LAKSHMI for the future.

While Deepavali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light".

Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Atman. Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Deepavali is the celebration of this Inner Light, in particular the knowing of which outshines all darkness (removes all obstacles and dispels all ignorance), awakening the individual to one's true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With the realization of the Atman comes universal compassion, love, and the awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This brings Ananda (Inner Joy or Peace).

Diwali celebrates this through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship. While the story behind Deepavali varies from region to region, the essence is the same - to rejoice in the Inner Light (Atman) or the underlying reality of all things (Brahman).

Diwali celebrations are spread over six days in some of North India and Nepal. All the days except Diwali are named according to their designation in the Hindu calendar. Diwali being festival of lights, across India people celebrate it via symbolic diyas or kandils (colorful paper lanterns) as an integral part of Diwali decorations. Diwali being festival of lights, across India people celebrate it via symbolic diyas or kandils (colorful paper lanterns) as an integral part of Diwali decorations.

1. Vasu Baras (27 Ashvin or 12 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Baras means 12th day and vasu means cow. On this day cow and calf is worshipped. Since it is believed that cow is symbol of God, Diwali is begun by worshipping cow and calf. 2. Dhanatrayodashi or Dhan teras (28 Ashvin or 13 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Dhan means "wealth" and Trayodashi means "13th day". Thus, as the name implies, this day falls on the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month. It is an auspicious day for shopping of utensils and gold.This day is also regarded as the Jayanti of God Dhanvantri who came out during the churning of the great ocean by the gods and the demons. Dhanvantri Jayanti 3. Naraka Chaturdashi (29 Ashvin or 14 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Chaturdashi is the fourteenth day on which demon Narakasura was killed. It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness (Gujarati: Kali Chaudas). In south India, this is the actual day of festivities. Hindus wake up way before dawn as early as 2:00 in the morning, have a fragrant oil bath and wear new clothes. They light small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate kolams /rangolis outside their homes. They perform a special puja with offerings to Lord Sri Krishna or Lord Sri Vishnu, as he liberated the world from the demon Narakasura on this day. It is believed that taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy Ganges. Hence, when people greet each other in the morning, they ask "Have you performed your Ganga Snaanam?". After the puja, children burst firecrackers heralding the defeat of the demon. As this is a day of rejoicing, many will have very elaborate breakfasts and lunches and meet family and friends. In the evening, lamps are again lit and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped and offered special dishes. This being a no moon day, many will offer special tarpana (offerings of water and sesame seeds) to their ancestors. This day is also called as Roop Chaturdashi 4. Lakshmi Puja (30 Ashvin or 15 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Lakshmi Puja marks the most important day of Diwali celebrations. Hindu homes worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesh, the God of auspicious beginnings, and then light lamps all across the streets and homes to welcome prosperity and wellbeing. 5. Govardhan Puja (1 Kartika or 1 Shukla Paksha Kartika) : Also called Annakut, is celebrated as the day Krishna defeated Indra. Lord Krishna taught people to worship nature, as mountains bring rains to earth. That was the reason to stop worshiping Indra. His was the message that we should take care of our nature. For Annakut a mountain of food is decorated symbolizing Govardhan mountain lifted by Lord Krishna. In Maharashtra it is celebrated as Padva or BaliPratipada. The day commemorates King Bali. Men present gifts to their wives on this day.In Gujarat, it is celebrated as New Year, as Vikram Samvat starts on this day. 6. Bhaiduj (also Bhayyaduj, Bhaubeej or Bhayitika) (2 Kartikaor 2 Shukla Paksha Kartika): on this day, brothers and sisters meet to express their love and affection for each other (Gujarati: Bhai Bij, Bengali: Bhai Phota). Most Indian festivals bring together families, Bhaiduj brings together married sisters and brothers, and is a significant festive day for them. This festival is ancient, and pre-dates 'Raksha Bandhan' another brother-sister festival celebrated in the present day.

As per spiritual references, on this day "Lakshmi-panchayatan" enters the Universe. Sri Vishnu, Sri Indra, Sri Kuber, Sri Gajendra and Sri Lakshmi are elements of this "panchayatan" (a group of five). The tasks of these elements are:

* Vishnu: Happiness (happiness and satisfaction) * Indra: Opulence (satisfaction due to wealth) * Kubera: Wealth (Generosity; one who gives away wealth) * Gajendra: Carries the wealth * Lakshmi: Divine Energy (Shakti) which provides energy to all the above activities

WISHING EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY DIWALI!

Top experts' rating:   (8 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

The planning starts at least 2 weeks early. Everyone will provide details about a particular cracker say for example Parachute, rocket etc., there was even a kind of green flower pots, which when lit will start making the entire place look green in color. The parachute will fly to the sky giving different color sparkles and then the parachute returns to the ground. It was a fancy item and caught our fancy. There was the onion cracker (vengaya vedi called locally) which when thrown towards the compound wall will explode. The serpent eggs, sparklers, chakkars and the flower pots were kept for diwali night after all the bombs get emptied. Daily we will go to the nearby cracker shop. Even if it were a small purchase of a single cracker we will go, see all the crackers available there, enquire about any new cracker available etc and then return. Such was our curiosity towards crackers.

Diwali is incomplete without sweets viz badusha, gulab jamun or mundiri kathili. Eating sweets in between bursting crackers is what we did. Every time we burst a cracker we would take a piece of sweet. The first cracker in the diwali day would be an Atom Bomb and that would be early in the morning. The bursting of crackers will continue till the “Oliyum oliyum” kind of program that starts. It would be telecast at around 9 or 10 am. At that time people will be glued to their television sets to watch new songs. Immediately after the finish of the program again bursting of crackers would begin. Some kids would get tired by now that they will continue to watch TV eating the special food prepared on diwali day. We used to burst crackers all day long with no break. There are always bijili crackers to fill the time gap. For a small amount you could get a pack of 100 bijilis. We used to throw it from our hands (not recommended if you are a novice). Rocket Bomb, Lakshmi, Nethaji, Double sound, Indian King are some of the names of the crackers with noisy explosion. We used to wear new dresses on Diwali only after sandalwood paste and kumkumam is applied to them in the corners.

As the sun sets we would take out all those fancy firework items like flower pots, Vishnu chakkars, wire, pencil etc. The entire street would be filled with lights of the fireworks. Rockets will be flying like anything. At about 8 pm most of the crackers would be finished. If something remained it would be burst the next day.

Every year there would be rain during the diwali season. We always loved getting wet in the rains. Even now while I am writing this it’s heavily raining. What more do you need? Rain, sweets, new dresses, crackers, lots of television programs all made our diwali a happy occasion. When Diwali is over we would start dreaming or planning for the next diwali. Such was our enthusiasm towards diwali.

Top experts' rating:   (9 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

My mother made some of the best sweets I've ever had. I am in US this Diwali with my husband of one year and missing all the family fun. But for me it is going to be the most important Diwali as it is the first after my marriage with my husband. Although here in US we are going to miss all the fun of crackers but I am planning on an elaborate pooja and prasad at our residence all done by me. It is going to be very special for me because far away from home and our own unique culture here in US I will try to keep our festive spirit alive and preserve the cultural value of our festivals.

One thing that pains me is that today the terror and law situation in India is so bad that people are scared to go to temples for festive celebrations. When we here of the stampedes and the attacks, we feel as if it is best not to venture out. I wish this Diwali would strengthen the bond of brotherhood amongst our people and remind everyone that we are a united nation with a great culture and tolerance towards all. I wish everyone a very happy Diwali and hope that it will bring only goodness in everyone's life. Thanks to Ammas.com which gave us this platform to express our feelings.

Top experts' rating:   (8 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

One is that, on that day Lord Rama returned triumphant to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

The second legend goes thus. Narakasura, a monster, ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. He was a trouble-maker to the gods and the pious sages and would disturb their penance or create havoc during the rituals. To prove his power, Narakasura usurped some territory of Aditi, (the king of Suraloka and a relative of Satyabhama, Lord Krishna's wife). Vexed with this harassment, Indra and other gods approached Lord Krishna and pleaded with him to protect them from the demon Narakasura. Satyabhama appealed to Krishna to give her the golden chance to destroy Narakasura, as Narakasura was given a curse that he would be killed by a woman. Krishna granted her a boon to fight with Narakasura. With Krishna as the charioteer, Satyabhama entered the battle field and killed the demon, Narakasura. The killing of Narakasura was a victory of good over evil. It is interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain Narakasura, declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and rejoice. Since then, Deepavali is being observed by people every year with joyous celebrations and lot of fun and frolic, and fire works.

The third myth says that on this auspicious day, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune visits the houses of people. In the evening Lakshmi Puja is performed with great devotion.

The making of various sweets is the order of the day. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed and lamps are lit, giving a magical and radiant touch. There is an atmosphere of joy and festivity.

Normally according to dharma shastram, one is not supposed to take an oil bath before sunrise on any day. But on Deepavali, there is an exemption. People get up early in the morning and have an oil bath in hot water specially before sunrise. This is equated to having a bath in the Ganges.

According to one theory Diwali may have originated as a harvest festival, marking the last harvest of the year before winter. The deity of wealth in Hinduism, goddess Lakshmi is therefore thanked on this day and everyone prays for a good year ahead. This is the common factor in Diwali celebrations all over the Indian subcontinent.

This is a festival that connects us to our mythology and history directly. I perceive it as a very important celebration especially in view of the current trend of western thought which questions all kinds of cultural events.

I have seen how in the last ten years things have changed so much in our country that festivals today mean only the give and take of gifts and commercial materialism. Youth today are unaware of the true stories,legends behind such celebrations. Festivals have only one meaning-shopping and crass materialism. This is not a very good indication of what our future generations are going to be like/. I miss the old days when Diwali meant an offering of devotion to the Lord and an acceptance of righteousness.

Top experts' rating:   (9 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

Diwali is a festival of lights. The most special diwali in my life will be the one celebrated after crackers are banned and the children employed in cracker production are allowed to lead a safe life like children who are not into this.

Lighting lamps at home is the best way to celebrate diwali along with enjoyment of sweets and new clothes.

This diwali is special to me because this is the first diwali after the demise of my grandmother.

Fondest memories of past diwali are the ones when I celebrated with my grandmother. This diwali i recollect the moments i enjoyed with my grandmother. I hadnt recalled those moments when she was with us.

This diwali i learn a new lesson in life. I understand that we ignore everything around us and everyone around us when they are with us, but when they are not with us we recall. I learn I should enjoy every moment and respect every moment i spend with those around me for we dont know how long that boon will last.

Good Luck.

Top experts' rating:   (7 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

I love lighting diyas in my home. On that day, I make a rangoli on my doorstep and place the diyas on it. I also light diyas in the balcony. Sweets are of course a hot favourite, and Diwali sweets are definitely special. The best part is eating the "legium" - a digestive which is eaten early in the morning just before having sweets. I've always spent Diwali with my parents. We visit relatives on that day, but that's just about it. In the evening, I like watching the kids bursting crackers (with both my fingers glued to my ears!!).

Since childhood, I've always been travelling to different places. I have experienced different cultures and the way they celebrate their festivals. One thing I've realised, Diwali is the only festival where people celebrate it just the way we all do, irrespective of religion, caste and creed!

There is no fond memory of Diwali as such, since every year it is the same. But, there were 2 years of my life, when I was forced to sit and study, since the CA exams begin on November 1st! We are the only unfortunate souls who sacrifice all the joy of the festival to sit with our books!

This year, it is going to be the same. My exams are coming up, and I am, of course, glued to my books! So it is going to be a quiet Diwali for me!

So here's Wishing all the Ammas Team and Members a Very Happy Diwali and A Prosperous New Year ahead! Enjoy the festive season ahead!

Top experts' rating:   (9 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

Besides giving a new look to your house this diwali try giving a fresh bright and ethnic decor to your room. This deepawali decorate your room in your own special way reflecting your personality and taste. Here are some tips to decorate your room:

* Before starting with the decoration it is most important that you clean your room thoroughly. Make sure that you get rid of all the unwanted things, trash, spider webs, etc. from your room. * After disposing the trash its time to plan the diwali decoration of your room. In case your room looks dull and dark its time to get it painted with bright colors. Make sure that you select color which reflects your taste as well as it should go with your decoration plan. * Instead of opting single color for the entire room you can go for 2-3 shades of a color. Select brighter shade for the darker corners of the room, brighter shade will illuminate the room and will make the room look spacey. * To add personal touch to your newly painted walls you can paint some design of your choice at a corner of the wall. In case you want to give ethnic touch to your walls then you can go for tribal wall painting or warli painting. * Now to match up your room colors choose bright and contrasting colors for your bed-covers and cushions. It is better to select color really bright. To add ethnic touch you can use saree borders or zari borders on the cushion covers. * You can use your old silk, chiffon, jorjet and crepe sarees as your window curtains. Prefer bright colors and material with good fall, bright colors will make your room look bright and spacious. * After completing the basic decoration now its time to do the main decoration and give a completely different decor to your room this diwali. Since deepawali is festival of lights so be creative with the light arrangements of your room. * You can use different types of earthen lamps or diyas, paper lanterns or kandil to light your room. You can place diyas of different shapes and sizes and a lantern at the corner of the room. Prefer a dark corner for the assortment of diyas and lantern. * You can use flowers for decorating your room. You can go for fresh or dried flowers. You can use inexpensive earthen flower vase. Placement of the vase and urns totally depends on your style and taste of decoration. * Another exciting way to add brightness to your room is to use candles. You can use different shapes, size and colors of candles to decorate your room for the special day. You can even use floating candles and aromatic candles. * You can also decorate the entrance of your room with a colorful rangoli design. Even inside your room you can make beautiful rangoli design. You can use the usual rangoli colors or different flower petals. You can even place diyas around your rangoli.

These are some of the ideas to decorate your room for diwali. There could be many more ideas and tips to decorate your room the special way. You simply need to be more creative and try to give your personal touch to your room.

Top experts' rating:   (9 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

We would get identical dresses stitched/bought ( new frocks), get up for an early oil bath which was mandatory, burst crackers early in the morning and wake up the neighbourhood, who would have warned us when a day before about bursting early morning crackers off.... and disturbing their sleep...:)

After being given all the bakshanam ( sweets and snacks), with a heavy dose of marundu ( a nasty tasting medicine like thing so that stomach is protected after eating so many sweets), we would distribute the sweets that my grandmom had made/ordered from a cook, amongst friends and neighbours and also take some to visit our cousins. We would visit friends. Then as we were South Indians living in Delhi and the Diwali in Delhi is celebrated a day later,we would save up the bursting of crackers for the next day along with the other North Indians (as they would celebrate it on Amavasya and we would finish ours by Chaturdashi). We would also light up candles....The main attraction was the new clothes, food, visiting relatives, friends and of course bursting crackers.

Last year we visited dear ones and finished celebrating our Diwali on Chaturdashi in Delhi. But on Amavasya we were trekking up to Vaisno Devi, and the aarti there is beautiful , it is for 2 hrs on the Diwali evening compared to 1 hr other days. We were overwhelmed.....

Top experts' rating:   (10 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

DIWALI is a world festival which has no bias to particular sect . The world Diwali immediately brings happiness to the Children to burst crackers and eat sweets , enjoy with friends , family etc., How many children enjoy these things ????...

Well this remains a question mark ...The wise man on this earth enjoys every festival . Diwali can bring light to all the people who stay in buildings and Houses . Still there is some population without shelter .How do they celebrate Diwali. According to Hindu Custom the first Diwali after marriage is considered auspicious for the couples . How many couples stay together after marriage not only the border people but also people who go abroad and work for family..

Diwali is a family union festival how may old people have been pushed to oldage homes without affcetion..

When Diwali is to share sweets with neighbours but some part of people not even have leaves to eat. When all this come to the mind one should realize only the Creator can change this and hence to make this diwali a special one .

I will be praying for these people who are deprived any happiness and to ask God to bring them atleast a small "DIYA" in their life .

Let us all pray for these people to make everyone enjoy this Diwali...

Top experts' rating:   (10 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(0 ratings)

Top experts' rating:   (12 ratings)

Public rating: (click on stars to rate)

1 2 3 4 5

(1 ratings)