Gujarat is the land of traditions and spirit of the festival continues throughout the year due to the spirituality among Gujaraties. Apart from many other rituals and traditions in Gujarat, there are fairs and festivals. Gujarat is also popular for the lifestyle and recipes that go along with the celebrations. Gujarat’s fairs and festivals are famous all over the world. The festivals here reflect the socio-cultural-religious aspirations of the people of Gujarat.
Most popular festivals celebrated in Gujarat:
- Navratri (Read here in @Tejal’s post)
- Diwali (this year on 27th, October)
- Utarayan (Kite Festival) (Read here in @iDepp’s post)
- Holi
- Janmashtmi
Today, I will talk to you about Diwali, the second most famous festival of India.
Diwali is one of the most popular festival of Hindus. Diwali also known as the “Festival of Lights”,the biggest festival in Hindu calendar. Diwali festival is celebrated in Gujarat for five days. People of all classes poor or wealthy, light twinkling diyas - small clay lamps in their homes - to welcome Lakshmi (The goddess of wealth and prosperity). Floral decorations, fireworks and Rangoli add splendor to the festival, which in turn ensures joy and happiness throughout the year.People worship with rituals on Diwali. Women make beautiful Rangoli and sweets at home. Children get involved in the fireworks activity and then distribute gifts to neighbors, family members, friends, etc.
Five days of Diwali has its own different importance.
Dhan Terash
The first day of Diwali is known as Dhanteras, which means that wealth and prosperity come at home. People buy utensils, silver or gold coins or other items on this day.
Kali Chaudas (Naraka Chaturdasi)
The 2nd day of Diwali is known as Naraka Chaturdasi which is celebrated in the myth of defeating the demon Narakasura by the Lord Krishna.
Lakshmi Pooja (Diwali)
The third day of Diwali is known as Amavasya which is celebrated in worshiping Hindu Goddess Lakshmi who fulfills all the wishes.
Nutan varsh (The beginning of Vikram Samvat, Gujarati New Year)
This is the first day of the Gujarati New Year, on this day friends and relatives go to each other’s home and send gifts and greetings to each other.
Bhai Bij
Brothers visit their married sisters, who welcome them with love and elegant meal and brother gives a gift to his sister.
The seventh day (Labh Pancham) is a good day for any good thing to start.
Significance of Diwali:
There are many myths about the origin of Diwali. According to some, Laxmi was married to Lord Vishnu on this very day. According to popular myth, Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya on this day after completing fourteen years of exile and killing Ravana, freeing Sita from his hold. The people of Ayodhya welcomed the lamps outside their house.
Another legend says that on this day Lord Shri Krishna killed the great demon Narakasur and liberated humanity from the cruel clutches.
Diwali brings hope, hope gifts faith and when there is faith, love grows in our hearts – Gujarati only spreads love and when there is love, peace will prevails always.
Wishing you and everyone in your family, a VERY HAPPY DIWALI!
It’s part of #TeamChallenge which is initiated by Connect Moderator @ermest , collaborated by our @TravellerG & Team.
#TeamGujarat #TeamIndia
Beautiful feeling 
