May this Diwali your home and life sparkle with happiness, health, peace, and wealth.

From our family to yours,

Have a loads of fun and masti. Have a Happy Diwali!

What is Diwali?

Diwali is the most important festival which is celebrated all over the India by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs.  It is also known as festival of lights and is being celebrated over 5 days.  Diwali is celebrated with good food, gifts, decorations, and new clothes.  Hindus celebrate Diwali as a day when Lord Rama with his wife Sita & his brother Lakshman returned to his hometown Ayodhya after defeating the evil demon King Ravana.  

Pre-Diwali Celebration Day 1

For many Gujarati, the Diwali celebration began with Rama Ekadashi.  Gujarati believe that if you fast on this auspicious day, all your sins are forgiven and you attain salvation.  Some people fast without consuming food and others intake restricted foods.  Grains, lentils, beans, onion, garlic, asafetida, mustard, fenugreek and many vegetables are not allowed on Ekadashi day.  On this day, cleaning house and decorating it would be an ideal thing to do.

Pre-Diwali Celebration Day 2

Vagh Baras is on the 12th day of the lunar calendar during the Kartik month.  On this day cow and calf are worshipped.  Vagh means debt.  Therefore all the debts are being cleared and a new transactions are done in new account books after Labh Pancham.  On this day, Goddess Saraswati is being worshipped for language and knowledge.  Goddess Saraswati would be worshipped before Goddess Lakshmi.  Goddess Saraswati will bless us with good deeds, good words, and help us control our tongue against any evil or hurtful words that we may utter. 

Pre-Diwali Celebration Day 3

Dhanteras is the 13th day of the lunar calendar during the Kartik month.  On this auspicious day, ragoli design are done and home are decorated at the entrance.  Also, Goddess Laxmi is being worshipped at home.  During Laxmi puja, coin, gold ornaments are also offered to Laxmi.  On this day, Gujaratis believe that gold, silver or a kitchen utensils are being bought brings prosperity to their families and homes.  Many Gujaratis prepare yummy sweets along with rice, puri, sabjis, and savory dishes.  

Pre-Diwali Celebration Day 4

The 14th Day is called Kali Chaudas.  Kali means dark and chaudas means 14th.  The day is devoted to Kali Ma.  It is believed that Kali Ma killed the wicked Raktavija on this day. It is also the day it is believed that Lord Hanuman put the whole sun in his mouth thus causing darkness. When he was a baby he was feeling hungry. Thinking that the sun is a fruit he flew up to the sky and put the sun in his mouth. Lord Indra had to hit him with his vajra so that the sun could be released from Hanuman’s mouth.  Many Gujaratis make special food on this day such as doodh pak, puri, and bhajias.  On this day, we remembered our ancestors by offering them food prepared and placed on the roof top.

Diwali Day

Diwali is being celebrated on the 15th day of Kartik month.  On this asuscipicus day, families and friends are invited home.  Special Diwali food is prepared and enjoyed with families.  Gifts are exchanged with friends and families.  Everyone enjoys and have fun with bursting fireworks.    

Happy New Year

After Diwali, Gujaratis celebrate Bestu Varsh or New Year.  Wearing new clothes and visiting relatives for their blessings, and eating food during celebration.

Bhai Beej

The day after Bestu Varsh is called Bhai Beej.  A day when brothers are invited to their sisters homes for a meal and blessings.  In return the brothers shower the sisters with gifts and love.