Diwali has different norms of celebration in many regions of our country. It has many religious legends related to it. It was first celebrated by the people of Ayodhya to welcome the return of Lord Rama after 14 years of banishment. They lit rows of Ghee Diyas (clay lamps filled with ghee) and used fireworks for Diwali celebration. It also signifies the victory of good over evil.
Another interesting legend is of The King Bali. He was a kind ruler and he had aimed to perform a Yagya to make the Gods appear before him. Gods were worried because if they had appeared in front of him then he could have demanded for anything. With the help of Lord Vishnu, Gods had Bali sent to Pataal-Loka. The day next to Diwali is celebrated as Prati-Pada to remember Bali.
Indians offer their wishes to their friends and relatives and Diwali gifts are exchanged. People send Diwali sweets to each other. Some send Diwali cards, online Diwali gifts and online crackers to greet distant their relatives.
Businessmen have a special importance for this occasion as they expect this to be the most profitable occasion throughout which sales of designer candles, Diwali fireworks, Diwali gift hampers and Diwali gift baskets go sky high as a lot of people do Diwali shopping. Hindus worship Lakshmi through Diwali Poojan, which is the most vital part of the festival. This day the Goddess was reincarnated from the sea through churning. Lakshmi herself chose Lord Vishnu as her Husband. Lakshmi is worshipped in three forms which are Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati. Lord Ganesha is also worshipped along with them. People offer prayers and worships to achieve success through their blessings.
The process for Diwali Poojan goes as follows;
Pooja room should be cleaned and bathe the Idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha with water and bit of Gangajal.
One should do Diwali Decoration in the Pooja room and on the entrance of the house to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
Diwali Pooja Thali is prepared by placing the idols in a small Thali along with a Kalash half filled with water and few mango leaves in it. Put some flowers for Diwali pooja in the room.
Light a Deep (clay lamp) filled with ghee and a cotton wick in it. One may also light some Candles in the Pooja room.
Prepare panchamitra with 5 ingredients milk, curd, ghee, sugar and honey and place some Diwali sweets and fruits for Prasad and offer some dry fruits for Diwali poojan too.
Ganesh pooja is a must to be done before all the Gods and Goddesses and perform a Ganesh aarti.
For Lakshmi Pooja offer some flowers and a silver coin. With some flowers in hand Lakshmi aarti is performed.
After the Poojan have the Prasad and lit the Diwali Candles all over the house to drive away the darkness and children go out and have fun with their Diwali Crackers.
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