Tradition of Playing CardsIt is a very old tradition to play cards on the day of Diwali. It is not only for fun and frolic but has religious significance as well.
Especially in Hindus, it is believed that gambling with money would impress goddess of wealth (Godddess Lakshmi) and bring prosperity for the coming year.
It has a mythological connection as well. It is believed that on this day goddess Lakshmi played dice with her husband Shiva.
At the end of the game she had announced that whoever will play with money on this day, will prosper throughout the year. The tradition is followed till date, with it being slowly recognized as a means of get-together.
Tradition of Crackers:Diwali is celebrated across India with great devotion and happiness. It commemorates the superiority of good over evil.
Since time immemorial one tradition that has been associated with the festivities of Diwali is the bursting of Crackers.
Rangoli:Rangoli is an art form which includes drawing of attractive patterns on the floor, with different colors and decorative ideas.Rangloi has long been a part of Diwali celebrations.
On and before Diwali, people especially ladies make beautiful designs of Rangolis to welcome goddess Lakshmi. According to the history of Rangolis, the tradition started in Mahrashtra, which later spread to other parts of the country.
The legend behind rangoli is that a particular kingdom was in deep sorrow due to the death of the son of a priest. Entire kingdom prayed to Lord Brahma, who pleased by the prayers asked the king to draw a figure on the ground, in which he would fill life.
The king did as asked. To everyone’s surprise, the son was reborn. Since then Rangoli became very popular. These Rangolis are based on different themes. Some of the common themes are:
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Dancing figures
- Birds
- Flowers
- Swastik
- Human Figures
- Chakra
- Stars
- Geometrical figures.
Tradition of gifts:Exchange of Gifts is an integral part of all Indian festivals. On the day of Diwali, people generally worship goddess Lakshmi, light their houses with lamps and exchange gifts with their friends and relatives.
Markets are full of buyers and all shopkeepers; specially those of sweet shops offer their best varieties and see maximum sales. To dress up in new clothes and visit one’s relatives is a major attraction to everybody on Diwali.
Tradition of Lights:Diwali also known as “Festival of Lights” justifies its name as wherever one goes on that day, there is an illumination of lights and the atmosphere is filled with brightness. Traditionally it was only the oil lamps that were used, but these days many types of candles and lamps are available for this purpose.
According to the Hindu Mythology, on this day Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya and the entire kingdom was lighted up by oil lamps. This tradition has been one of the most important ingredients of Diwali celebrations.
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