The aromatic scent of saffron laced delicacies, the glowing array of fairy lights embellishing homes, the eager and enthusiastic faces of family reuniting after ages, topped off by the awing battering of thousands of fireworks that cast an illuminating glow over the festive night skies. This is a summary of a perfect Deepavali celebration at my home. 

The word 'Diwali' originally comes from the Sanskrit word 'Deepavali', where 'deepa' means 'light' and 'vali' means 'row'; thus, a row of lights, which is exactly what is seen in houses during this time of the year - rows of lights in celebration of the festival. This festival usually lasts for four to five days, and the date is set according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar - on Amavasya. Amavasya is known as the ‘darkest night’ among Hindus and is regarded as a powerful force for both good and evil. A South Indian Hindu myth describes a cruel demon king, Narakasura, who oppressed the citizens of his kingdom by instilling fear in them. These citizens then prayed to Lord Krishna, one of the many Hindu deities, who responded by engaging in battle with Narakasura and eventually killed him. Deepavali is therefore also known as Naraka Chatthurdasi, which means celebration to commemorate the day the demon king was slain. Decorations of lights come into play as Narakasura was likened to darkness, and his slaying was seen as the dispelling of darkness and a welcome to light. Hence, the setting up of lights acts as a reminder that darkness can be removed through light. 

However, Deepavali is celebrated differently in the North of India and is instead known as ‘Diwali’. The story behind this celebration differs as well and is linked to the Indian epic, Ramayana, which revolves around Lord Rama of Ayutha, who was dispossessed of his rights to the throne and exiled to the forest for 14 years. Lord Rama then defeats the demon Ravana and returns with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana to claim his throne. His triumph is then celebrated with firecrackers and lighting up homes with diyas (clay lamps), hence the typical Diwali celebrations. Many Hindus also believe that Goddess Lakshmi was born on Diwali during the churning of the cosmic ocean. Overall, even though the origin of Deepavali varies throughout India, the essence still remains the same, which is that it is the commemoration of new beginnings and the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. 

My Deepavali starts off with the artful ceremony of decorating the house, in which the doorway is the first to get smothered by my mom’s brightly coloured ornaments. First, hand-painted clay diyas are placed on either side of the doorway to bless everyone who enters. Then, on the porch afront, my mum performs the expert task of drawing a beautifully detailed floral pattern out of coloured rice grains, known as rangoli. I, on the other hand, not being as artistically patient, usually take on the more Herculean task of lining the outside walls of our house with colourful fairy lights, all in the attempt of creating as much brightness as possible. It is important to note that the elements of diyas and rangoli come with significance, as diyas are said to attract auspicious energies into homes and ward away evil. Having a rangoli drawn is key as well, as it displays an act of charity since the rice grains act as food for ants, birds and squirrels. 

The next course of events are prayer incantations and pujas (prayer rituals), in which the goddess Lakshmi is commemorated, and this is conducted afront the family shrine. This is also known as the Lakshmi puja and is performed to invite Goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, into our house. Throughout the day, as the house rings with these melodious hymns in the background, relatives come by to pay their yearly visits and are first greeted with ladoos, which is a sphere shaped, sugary Indian delicacy. Sugary delicacies play a huge role for me and my family’s Deepavali, as my mom spends an entire day preparing them the day before and is something everyone is aching to eat when the time finally arrives. Just the mere thought of the spongy spherical cakes of syrupy goodness in gulab jamuns, is making my mouth water and stomach rumble for some. After a heart-warming, action-packed day of bonding with family, the festivities of the day are concluded with the lighting of fireworks - which also happens to be my favourite part. 

For me, Deepavali means much more than a yearly custom. The luxury of not being able to live close to my grandparents and cousins has made me cherish the one time of the year I get to spend time with them – which is during Deepavali. In my opinion, Deepavali is a time to appreciate my culture and celebrate its uniqueness, as it’s not something one pays attention to on a daily basis. As you grow older, and gradually get more occupied with studies or work, you tend to get caught up with the chaos life offers and you end up losing connection with your roots. This is why I feel that it’s important to make an effort to practice your culture when you get the opportunity to, just to remind yourself of your identity. Plus, the celebration of colours and lights gives you the chance to take a break from the mundane rituals of life. That being said, I hope all my Hindu readers have a divine and safe Deepavali celebration filled with prosperity and happiness. Happy Deepavali!