Diwali
by cierra ross
Good Morning Today i'm going to talk to you about a special holiday called Diwali, it is Indians biggest and most important holiday of the year. Meaning of Diwali the row of lights
Traditions
- Each day has different traditions. Day 1The thirteenth lunar day of the Krishna Paksh (Hindu Calendar) housewives consider it favorable to spring clean the home and shop for gold or kitchen utensils.
- Day 2 people decorate their homes with clay lamps or diyas, designed patterns called rangoli colored sand or powder
- Day 3 is the main day of the festival when families gather and pray to Lakshmi, followed by a feast and fireworks.
- Day 4 first day of the new year when friends and family visit with gifts and wishes.
- Day 5 brothers visit their married sister who welcome them with love and a meal.
Hindu Calendar
The Hindu calendar corresponds with the moon. Each month consist of 29 to 30 day by the phase of the moon. which is divided into four nights. the year is then divide out into 6 seasons.
when it is celebrated
This year it is celebrated oct. 30 th, . The date will change do to the moon. celebrated on the new moon night to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
why they celebrate it
The festival of lights, why do we celebrate it symbolizes the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness and held in honor of lakshmi, The hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. They pray to him to bring them good luck in the coming year. This is as important to Hindus or others as Christmas is to Christians.
Traditional Foods
There really is not a traditional food served because it is 5 days long but the 3 day is the feast day common meal found be shrimp curry(main dish) Indian sweet bread, Indian saffron rice, Indian coconut fudge, and a strawberry lassi. Where everyone comes around and the last day the married sister makes food for the brother. The other days the just eat their normal every day food. Most foods that they eat are really spicy and are different from what we eat.
Add on information
special clothes
Traditional outfits-Women wear elegant sarees made from a variety of materials, such as silk, crepe, chiffon and velvet. Men dress in classic but contemporary kurta and dhoti. Young girls wear brightly decorated costumes called lehengas. Boys can dress up in suits or choose to be more comfortable in jeans and tee shirts. Even little children love dressing up in colorful robes and dresses.
colors used in this celebration
There are may bright colors involved in this to decorate sand, walls, salt, lamps, and even people.
Utensils or Decorations used
History
By now your probably wondering how and why this all started. the history depends on where you live and what you believe. I deiced to talk about northern part of India.
The story of:The Victory of Rama: According to the epic Ramayana, it was the new moon day of Kartik when Lord Ram, Ma Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravana and conquering Lanka. The citizens of Ayodhya decorated the entire city with the earthen lamps and illuminated it like never before.
Diwali dance 2012! Bollywood Fusion!