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Diwali – The Festival of Lights: Significance & Celebrations

Diwali is an annual festival that takes place on the new moon day that follows the Hindu month of Kartik, which lands in October or November of each year. The date changes each year, based on the Hindu calendar. This South Asian holiday is also known as the festival of lights, and it celebrates one of the most significant events in Hindu mythology. However, the festivities don’t stop there. Some key elements of Diwali, nicknamed the festival of lights, include lights, sweets, colors, dances, love, and of course – cleanliness. Plan: B Cleaning wishes you and your family a Happy Diwali as we strive to embrace diversity in Fishers, Indiana, and the nearby areas we serve. Check out this blog for more information regarding the significance and celebration of Diwali, as well as more cleaning tips!

Significance of Lights

Lights are an important part of Diwali celebrations. Light is said to be a representation of good over evil. The story goes that when Lord Rama returned home from exile after defeating Ravana, the people of Ayodhya lit diyas, special lamps, and candles, to guide his way back home. Lighting lamps is also a way of welcoming Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, into the homes. The light of the lamp is said to chase away darkness and ignorance while bringing in the good. Often, those who celebrate Diwali decorate the inside and outside of their homes with string lights, tea lights, candles, and more. They enjoy watching fireworks in the sky, as well as hand-held sparklers together.

Significance of Colors

In India, colors have always played a significant role in culture and tradition. They are believed to represent different aspects of life. For example, white is associated with purity and cleanliness. And during Diwali, the Festival of Lights, people decorate their homes with white lights to signify the triumph of good over evil. Furthermore, they use colored powder to make mandalas and other festive shapes like flowers, peacocks, om symbols, and more. These colorful decorations are made inside the homes’ floors as well as outside, on the doorsteps and entrances!

Significance of Dance and Performances

Another important aspect of the festival is the traditional Indian dances. Talented dancers will tell the tales of Hindu mythology through their dance movements, formations, and facial expressions. They often also wear intricate costumes. And at parties, anyone can dance to have a good time! These dances are another way to express joy and happiness and to symbolize the victory of good over evil. The dance is also a way to connect with the Hindu gods and goddesses. The traditional Indian dance is an important part of the Diwali festival, and it is a beautiful way to celebrate the light, cleanliness, and good that is at the heart of the festival.

Significance of Sweets & Gifts

Sweets and gifts are a significant part of most holidays! One of the key aspects of Diwali is the giving of traditional sweets and gifts. This is a way to show your loved ones how much you care for them and to also spread the spirit of happiness and goodwill. So if you are celebrating Diwali this year, be sure to give your friends and family plenty of sweets and gifts! Sweets and gifts also play an important role in Diwali puja or worship. The giving of sweets and gifts is a way to honor the deities and express gratitude for blessings throughout the year.

Significance of Love and Unity

Diwali is a time when people come together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and enjoy the festivities in the company of their loved ones. The festival is for gathering with family, and also a time for making new friends and reuniting with old ones. Love and unity are celebrated between families, friends, and the culture as a whole.

Significance of Cleanliness

The significance of cleanliness and newness in Diwali celebrations is twofold. First, Hindus believe that Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, only visits clean homes. So, in order to welcome her into their homes, Hindus clean and decorate their homes beforehand. Secondly, Hindus believe that cleanliness and newness represent a fresh start or a new beginning. Therefore, by cleaning and decorating their homes for Diwali, Hindus are hopeful that the goddess will bless them with a prosperous new year. They celebrate by cleaning and decorating and also wearing new, beautiful clothes. This cleanliness and newness is the perfect way to celebrate and ring in the Hindu new year.

If you would like to deep clean your home for the auspicious occasion of Diwali, you know who to call!

Contact Us!

Contact Us! You do the holiday decorating, we’ll do the cleaning! If you are looking to hire a cleaning service to treat yourself or your loved ones this Diwali or holiday season, you know who to call!

We recommend signing up for a one-time, weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleaning service with Plan: B Cleaning. This will give you the time to do what you love most and enjoy the holiday festivities in Fishers, Indiana. Plan: B Cleaning serves the Hamilton County area in Indiana, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist. Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit our website at www.planbcleaning.com.