Diwali, the festival of lights, fireworks, gifts and sweets is the much awaited celebration in Gujarat. Associated chiefly with Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth, this festival is especially popular in this part of India, with a majority of business class Gujarati population. Though the actual Diwali festival in this state consists of a five day long celebration, yet the festive fervor begins weeks before Diwali, as people embark on a shopping spree for the Diwali days. Gujaratis buy home furnishings and other decorative to adorn their houses on the occasion. Some people go for a complete makeover for their homes with spring cleaning, whitewashing and renovations. The young population specially buys apparel and apparel accessories to flaunt on the occasion of Diwali. Though the five day-long Diwali celebration has been dedicated to different occasions, yet the predominant deity worshipped remains goddess Lakshmi. The first day of Diwali in Gujarat begins with Dhanteras like in the rest of India. On this day, people of Gujarat buy and present Dhanteras gifts like silver and gold jewelry to usher in wealth and good fortune throughout the year. In evening female members of the respective Gujarati households create designs - usually depicting nature or the gods - from natural powder colors on the entrances. These are called 'rangoli' and are supposed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi to the house. Small footprints are also drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the house for the goddess. The second day is Kali Choudas, which celebrates the Kali - the "goddess of power". It is believed that on this day, the deity killed the wicked demon Raktavija. It represents the triumph of good over evil. Some people also offer puja to Hanuman, the monkey god to protect themselves from all the dark forces in the world. People in Gujarat celebrate the occasion by offering puja to the Hanuman with sesame seeds, ladoos and rice with ghee and sugar. Read more on Celebrating Diwali in Gujarat - The Gujarati Traditions | |||
Special thanks to Diwaligifts2indians.com and Infibeam.com for content | |||
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