In every region there are different norms to celebrate Diwali. Legends say that Diwali was first celebrated to welcome the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. Rama was an obedient son to fulfill the wish of his step-mother and for the honor of his father’s word he agreed to go for 14 years of banishment. Having their loved prince and future king back, people were Ayodhya were happy and full of joy. They celebrated this day to express their love and happiness by lighting Diyas and with fireworks for Diwali.
This day is celebrated by Hindus with a great enthusiasm. A tradition of exchanging Diwali gifts has been followed in India for a long time now. Most people send Diwali sweets, Diwali Cards, Online Diwali gifts and Online Diwali Crackers to their friends and relatives and present Diwali fireworks to children as they are most excited about them. Diwali pooja is performed in temples, homes and business places.
Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi of wealth and prosperity for her blessings. \Pooja room is cleaned and Diwali Pooja Thali is prepared with idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh, a Kalash, some sweets and dry fruits for Diwali pooja. A lamp is lit filled with ghee. Some flower for Diwali poojan can also be kept in the room. Diwali Decoration must be done in the house and on the entrance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Diyas and Candles are also lit all over the house. Lord Ganesha is worshipped first and his aarti is performed before beginning Diwali Poojan.
It is said that Lord Shiva was away for the war between the Gods and the Demons. Goddess Parvati was alone at home and for protection she created a son through her divine powers, Ganesh. She gave him the duty to protect the house. One day Parvati was inside the house and Lord Shiva returned home. Ganesh did not let Shiva in which made Shiva angry and he beheaded Ganesha. When Parvati saw her son dead, she was shocked and grieved. To calm her down Lord Shiva promised to bring back the head of the first animal he found. It was an elephant he found first and his head was cut off and placed on the body of Ganesha. Ganesha was revived and Lord Shiva endowed him the powers of a God and declared that any work will begin with Ganesha’s blessings and every work shall begin with Ganesh Poojan.
Businessmen especially devote prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi because Diwali can be the most profitable festive season for many of them. Throughout which they expect to have the highest sales of various products in demand like decoration material such as designer candles, Diwali fireworks, Diwali gift hampers and Diwali gift baskets. Shop keepers pray for the blessings and wish for a profitable Diwali as a lot people do Diwali shopping these days.
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