Hi students,

The most awaited festival of the year is just around the corner. Despite the gloom of this pandemic, Diwali brings hope and shines a light in this darkness. One of the reasons Diwali is illuminated is because it takes place during the new moon. Diwali embraces cultures and stretches over five days of fun and merriment. Before we dive into how India is preparing for Diwali during COVID -19 pandemic, let?s understand the significance of Diwali!

The Five Days Of Diwali

Day 1 - Dhanteras

As the name suggests, ?Dhan? means wealth. On this occasion, people buy gold, silver, precious gems, utensils and new clothes. Hence the festival is quite popular among traders as well. Houses are renovated and decorated with colourful decorations. The Hindus offer a diya to Yamraj, the Lord of Death. Rangoli designs are created in front of the house to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. Footprints are drawn in the place to indicate the arrival of the goddess. This festival is also known as Dhantrayodashi in honour of Dhanvantari. He was the Hindu God of Ayurveda and an avatar of Vishnu. The legend states that he rose from the ocean with the elixir of immortality.

Day 2 - Choti Diwali

Choti Diwali is celebrated a day before Diwali and is also recognised as Narak Chaturdasi or Kali Chaudas. Kali Chaudas is mainly observed in Gujarat. According to mythology, Lord Krishna killed Narakasur, thus freeing the world from his fear.

Day 3 - Diwali or Deepawali

This is the primary day of the festival of lights. The Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped along with Ganesha. This marks the victory of good over evil, and Diwali will always triumph over darkness. This day is celebrated with crackers, diyas and all forms of light. This time is spent with families and loved ones, and together they visit holy places.

Day 4 - Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja is celebrated with grandeur in the Northern states of India. The devotees prepare meals and offer it to Lord Krishna. Govardhan Puja is celebrated as many lives were saved from the torrential rains in Gokul when Krishna picked up the Govardhan hill on his little finger. In Gokul and Mathura, this festival is celebrated with enthusiasm and pleasure. All over India, the temples of Krishna are decorated, and puja meals are distributed among people. In many places, cows and bulls are cleaned in the morning and decorated in the evening with garlands and saffron.

Day 5 - Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dhooj or Bhai Beej is the last day of the festive season. In mythology, Yamraj visited his sister Yamuna and gave her a blessing that whoever visits her on this day will be absolved of their sins. On this day, brothers visit their sisters, and the tika ceremony is performed. They wish their brothers a long, happy and healthy life blessed with immense success. The brothers bestow their sisters with gifts. This day strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters.

Celebrate An Eco-Friendly Diwali 2020

What if we told you there?s an environmental-friendly way to celebrate Diwali in this pandemic. Here is how you can still go green and enjoy the festivity:

Burning firecrackers leads to air, noise and land pollution. It is inconvenient to older citizens, people with ailments and animals. While this affects the quality of the air we breathe and releases high amounts of carbon that affect the environment, we continue to light firecrackers. Explore the market for pollution-free crackers that can be enjoyed by all.
Use safe colours for rangoli. While many people have opted for organic rangoli, others find it heavy on the pocket. You do not need to restrict yourself to powdered colours. You can use petals of flowers and leaves or watercolours to create your work of art.
Diwali is about spreading happiness and cheer. Donate clothes, utensils and share sweets with other children and people. Celebrate Diwali together and be a beacon of love during this time.
Put a stop on the use of plastic and wooden cutlery; instead, opt for washable and durable ones. This is one of the best decisions you could take for the love of the environment.
Packaging contributes heavily to waste that cannot be reused. Instead, wrap a ribbon around the gift and stick drawing and personalised messages on the gifts.
Gift healthy eatables to your loved ones. While a touch of sweetness to everything has been the habit, you can opt for healthy and salt-free nuts and seeds, whole fruit, dried fruits and anything that says ?Your health matters, eat well!?
Switch to lights that consume less electricity, such as LED lights. This switch will definitely brighten up your home and heart.

Wish you all a warm, heartfelt and blessed Diwali!

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