Diwali 2013

 

 

 

 

Hi Everyone!! I hope you had a Wonderful Diwali, I know we did! This was the first time we Celebrated Diwali in our New Home, so this Year was very Special for us. Also, my In Laws were/are visiting from India so we were able to Celebrate together.

 

 

 

I will try to give a quick explanation of Diwali for those of you who do not know. Diwali or "The Festival of Lights" is one of the Most Celebrated Festivals for Hindus. There are a lot of traditional activities such as lighting oil lamps, letting off firecrackers, having sweets and gift giving and much more. The Festival goes for 5 days, each day has its own activities....can you imagine Christmas going for 5 Days!!!????!!!!





Welcoming Lakshmi



 

A few of my friends have asked questions as to why we do some of the traditions so I will try to break it down for you. Lighting of little clay lamps with oil signifies the triumph of good over evil. So we light the lamps at night (after the house is cleaned) and that is a sign to the Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth)  feel welcome and bless us.

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

We let off fireworks to drive all the Evil Spirits away. This was Bellas first experience with Fireworks and lets just say it didn't go over too well!! She kinda freaked out and ran back inside and started closing windows/doors. We thought it was quite humorous the way she closing everything (kinda felt bad too...lol). PS....In India the Firecrackers go late into the early morning hours (those things are LOUD).

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 Another great thing of Diwali is everybody usually dresses up in their finest clothes and most people buy new clothes to wear. I Love this part....lol!!! Bella even got a New Sari, she did very well in it.





 On the Third Day of the Festivities we worship Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth). Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead. Diwali is considered the end of the harvest for many, so we are thanking Lakshmi for the year we had and getting blessings for the upcoming year (I hope this makes sense...lol).

 

Lakshmi Pooja

 I absolutely love this Festival, and I hope you enjoy looking at the pictures and learning a little bit about our Traditions. Now on to the next Holiday (Thanksgiving).  



Bellas first Sari!!


XOXO DeAnna