Every year we eagerly wait for this special day, according to Hindu religion, called Diwali i.e. festival of lights. No matter where you live, but I'm sure all Indians feel a different vibe on Diwali. After living in States for about 10 years, we have developed our own way of celebration and keeping the tradition alive.
Our Diwali starts on the first day of Diwali, Dhanteras, by cleaning up the whole house and prepare or buy sweets from Indian stores. In the evening the true essence of Diwali comes with lighting the Diyas and decorating the home with them. Buying some Gold/Silver on this auspicious day of the year is a custom.
Diwali bring joy and happiness in our lives. It rejuvenates our enthusiasm to live and look forward to it. By telling the stories behind Diwali celebration to our kids is the tradition we started and will be done each year.
The whole family's involvement is the key to this festival. That's what we have seen since our childhood. On Diwali night we perform Laxmi poojan wearing new clothes and gathering all possible Poojan samagree (puja items). Indian sweets and mouthwatering snacks are main attractions of Diwali. After Laxmi poojan at our places , we have a tradition from many years to gather at any of our friends' place for Dinner or playing with firecrackers. The Dinner is usually Potluck to try delicious recipes of everyone participating.
The Dinner is followed by the fun tradition, playing cards or any other game as a group. This is one festival that we all celebrate the very same day, the Diwali is, regardless of weeknight/weekend night.
We all hope to enjoy Diwali every year together keeping all the traditions alive.
Happy Diwali.
