Diwali, or as it is called, Deepavali is a Hindu festival which is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy all across India. This celebration is a 5-day occasion with each day reflecting back to the rituals and customs of Hindus. If we take the literal translation, it means ‘rows of lights’ and hence, Diwali is characterized with brightness and lighted lamps. This is to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Even before the actual celebration, temples and houses are cleaned thoroughly so that decorations can be continued.
Falling typically in October and November, all of India witnesses lights being adorned in every corner of their city. The actual date keeps changing each year in accordance with the lunar year. From cleaning places, decorating houses to exchanging greetings and taking part in religious ceremonies, there is a lot that occurs.
Essence of Diwali: Illuminate Joy and Prosperity
Diwali is a complex time with a lot of aspects. From food to clothes, everything is creative yet traditional. More than just being a festival, it is a celebration of values and love. It brings people together and is an auspicious time for everyone. Whether it is money or love, every person stands to gain something from this. It does not matter whether you celebrate it by the books or not, all you need to be doing is spread love.
This festival of lights makes a considerable impact on the economic sector every year. Its influence spreads farther than just conventions. The deep-rooted traditions and spirit of togetherness symbolize the victory of everything good. The most important message that it passes through is that no matter how hard times might be, light will always shine through.
Diwali’s Traditions and Significance
Historical Significance
Depending on the regional beliefs, Diwali has a lot of historical significance. In North India, it is believed that Lord Rama returned to his home, Ayodhya, after 14 years of exile, within which he also freed people from the demon king, Ravana. In South India, Diwali is celebrated for the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. In communities like Jains, Diwali is the start of Lord Mahavira’s enlightenment and Nirvana. Hence, each community and region has a different reason to take part in this celebration. Some celebrate victory; some celebrate the return of their king while some hail their lord for Nirvana.
Religious Significance
Diwali is typically rooted in Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities. Hindus take this time to worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lordess of wealth while Sikhs celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind from prison. Jains also honor Lord Mahavira for enlightenment and some Buddhists mark this time as one where King Ashoka converted to Buddhism.
5 Days of Diwali: What Do They Signify?
Dhanteras (Day 1)
Dhanteras is the worship of Dhanvantari. As the story goes, He is the physician of Devtas. During Samudra Manthan, he emerged holding a pot full of the nectar of immortality, Amrit. This day is dedicated to prosperity and hence, extra focus is put on cleanliness of the house. It is also considered auspicious to buy gold and silver on this day.
Narak Chaturdashi (Day 2)
Popularly known as Choti Diwali, this day celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. To ward off evil spirits and welcome good luck, people make rangolis and light their houses with diyas. People also wish each other and exchange gifts.
Lakshmi Puja (Day 3)
This is the main day for Diwali. Also called Badi Diwali, most families take part in a worshiping ceremony for Lordess Lakshami. They seek blessings for health, wealth and prosperity. This is probably the favorite day for children as the evening is filled with fireworks. Bursts of lights and happy sounds are all that is heard on this day.
Annakut/Govardhan Puja ( Day 4)
There is an excerpt which depicts how Lord Krishna lifts the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from the violent rain shower. To express their gratitude, the villagers offered a large variety of food to Lord Krishna, which was named Annakut and on this day people do Govardhan Puja.
Bhai Dooj (Day 5)
Very similar to Raksha Bandhan in terms of feelings, Bhai Dooj is a day when sisters prepare something for their brothers to eat followed by a small puja. In short, it is a very cute day filled with fun and games.
Diwali Customs: A Walk towards the Religion
- Lamps: There is not one single corner of India that you will find coated with darkness. Hence, lamps make-up for a large part of this festival.
- Firecrackers: Bursting fireworks is a way of celebrating victory of light over darkness. This adds a note of cheer and fun to the whole ordeal as well.
- Rangoli: As mentioned before, people decorate their houses in a lot of creative ways. Rangoli is one of the most colorful and innovative ways for this.
- Gifts: Diwali gifts are an integral part of every festival. Diwali is no different, exchanging gifts is an important part here. This also teaches the Indian culture of hospitality to little kids.
- Sweets: Along with the feast laid out on this day, sweets form a different section all together. Ladoos, Barfi, Halwa and so much more is a common part for this celebration.
- Greetings: Happy Diwali Wishes are also a form of spreading love. From professional wishes to personalized ones, there is a type for every situation.
Greetings for Diwali: From Words to Love
There are a lot of innovative ways to send Diwali wishes. Take a look.
- Shubh Deepawali or Shubh Diwali
- Happy Diwali
- Diwali ki Dher Saari Shubhkamnaye
These were examples of simple yet profound wishes. They are perfect for friends and family who are not very close to each other. They are also great conversation starters.
- Diwali ki Hardik Shubhkamnaye. May this festival bring love, light and laughter in your life.
- Happy Diwali. Hope you have a great year ahead. May you get everything you wish for.
- Wishing you a year full of love and happiness. Happy Diwali.
These wishes are meant to be sent as forwards or to be printed on Diwali greeting cards. They are cordial and yet positivity shines through them.
- Happy Diwali to family [name] from family [name]. May this Diwali give you the opportunity to do everything you wish for.
- Wishing you a Diwali filled with love, laughter and joy [name].
- [Name], May this Diwali make all your wishes come true. Sending love.
For personalized Diwali greetings, these are the best options you have. They work even when you have to invite people over for a Diwali party at your place.
- Happy Diwali! May this year prove to be prosperous and lucky for you.
- Best wishes for Diwali to the team. May all of you have a successful year ahead.
- May the Diwali lights brighten your life this year. Happy Diwali.
These greetings are tailor-made for professional settings. They are short, crisp and clear. They are suited for wishing your employees a very happy Diwali.
Diwali Celebrations
In the modern era, not everything is done by the books. People are unable to meet their family and friends for various festivities due to multiple reasons. Hence, virtual celebrations are just as exciting as physical ones are. Families connect through a lot of innovative ways. Some of which are:
- Video Calls
- Greeting Cards
- Sending Gifts
- Online participation in Events
Not being with family does not mean dismissal of a whole event. Apart from India, people in London, Sydney and more major cities often host parties to gather all Indians. They have everything arranged, from fireworks to food.
Economic Impact of Diwali: Fireworks and Finances
Retail
It is obvious that a lot of shopping for different things takes place during these 5 days. From clothes to decorative items, people go all out. This is also due to the huge bonuses and discounts being given out on all platforms.
Production
Mainly referring to fireworks and decorative items, Diwali gives a lot of employment chances to people. The demand for these products increases each year and hence, this is a seasonal market which makes a huge impact.
Travel
Many people come back to their hometown while some travel to witness the legendary celebrations. This increases engagement with the tourism sector, hotels and restaurants. To attract people, special menus and offers are also put up.
Financial Sectors
For natural reasons, finance sectors such as banks notice an increase in activity. This festival, mainly based on Goddess Lakshmi, pushes people to invest in mutual funds and stocks. Even banks and other related sectors give out tons of festive offers which can be beneficial for consumers.
Rural Sectors
Small scale industries and rural areas also engage in production of traditional products. This is a great time for them to make money. Events and functions are held for them to showcase their items. This period makes for a significant time for them to earn money.
Diwali Wishes in English
- Wishing you new heights, achievements, projects, and a new era. Wishing you a very Happy Diwali!
- We wish that Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi bless our professional association and we grow together in synergy. Warm wishes on the occasion of Diwali to you from our company.
- May the festival of Diwali sparkle your life with sparkling lamps and crackling fireworks and infuse it with happiness, success, and health. Warm Diwali wishes to you and your family.
- May Diwali fill your life with light, love, and laughter.
- Happy Diwali to all my friends and followers! May your year be filled with light, love, and laughter.
- May you, I, and our team grow in our endeavors by leaps and bounds. Let this Diwali be the year we conquer our inner demons and reach a point in our lives where we strive and thrive. On behalf of Team [company name], we wish you and your family a very happy Diwali.
- Wishing you a blessed, healthy, and prosperous Diwali.
- Celebrate the festival of lights with #Diwali! Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous holiday season.
- The most beautiful season of the year is right here. The warmth and brightness of this time always give us more energy and excitement to work harder in the coming days. May this Diwali be filled with joy and celebrations full of vitality, and may you be graced with a special glow. I wish you and your family a happy Diwali.
- Sending you a burst of love this Diwali. Let’s fill our homes with happiness and our hearts with love. Happy Diwali!
- To my online family, may your lives be filled with the cheer and fervor of Diwali. Shine on! #HappyDiwali.
- This festive season, do what you love and love what you do. Prioritize work-life balance and mental wellness, and live life to the fullest! Sending you and your family my warmest greetings on the joyous occasion of Diwali.
- Do not forget to light a lamp of hope and blast the chain of negativity. Make this Diwali memorable by praying for prosperity and happiness from the Almighty. Happy Diwali to you and your family.
- To all dearest colleagues, let us pause and take the time to enjoy the warmth of our family, friends, and colleagues around this pleasure time of year. Happy Diwali.
- All the lights of the world cannot be compared even to a ray of the inner light of the self. Merge yourself in this light and enjoy the festival of lights. Happy Diwali!
- May this Diwali bring a season full of reasons to be happy to you and your loved ones.
- Your out-of-the-box ideas are always on time and have saved us countless times. We hope your success will soar to new heights and your commitment and expertise will help our company grow. Now that Diwali has arrived, it’s time to unwind. Enjoy Diwali, and here’s a corporate gift. Will meet after the holidays!
- The biggest prime value of our business is you. You are the reason we exist; we strive hard to build the best employee experience you will ever get. We build and adapt according to your likes, preferences, thoughts, and feedback. We are in this together; let’s be a family and celebrate this festive season together. Happy Diwali!
- To my dearest loved ones, wishing you a Diwali that is sparkling, blissful, and memorable.
- May this Diwali bring you joy, peace, and good fortune.
- May the lights of Diwali inspire endless innovation and bring forth a year of impressive achievements. Happy Diwali to you and your family.
- Just like the colours of rangoli, I hope this Diwali brings new smiles, undiscovered avenues, different perspectives, and unbound happiness. Have a wonderful Diwali and a great New Year!
- May this Diwali bring you joy, peace, and good fortune.
- To my online family, may your lives be filled with the cheer and fervor of Diwali. Shine on! #HappyDiwali.
- Happy Diwali! May the lights of Diwali guide you on the path to happiness and success.
Conclusion
Diwali is much more than ‘just a festival’. The beauty of its significance and traditional ceremonies plays a vital role in India. It has the ability to bring people together casting all the differences aside. So, let us all get together and have the best Diwali this 2024.