Diwali During Covid
Phatakas (Fireworks), parties, sweets, Divas (lamps, lanterns), happy new year, colorful designs (rangoli) are all words associated with Diwali! Without one of these words, Diwali may seem incomplete.
You may wonder what is Diwali? Yes, you may have heard it but are not sure of it, then you are in the right place.
Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil. It is a time when people like to make a fresh start, a new beginning. It is also a time for family bonding time. Diwali is the festival of Light since the glow from the light of a lamp brings brightness into the world and removes all the darkness and negativity around you.
Though there are different stories as to how Diwali started, the main thing to remember is Diwali marks the new year for a lot of us since we follow the moon calendar.
As the world celebrates New Year on Dec 31 or a lot of people celebrate Chinese New Year, Diwali is also a time to celebrate New Year. So, we are lucky to celebrate New Year twice!
This Diwali is a bit different for many of us due to Covid, but that doesn’t stop me from celebrating and sharing my joy and celebrations with you every day.
The Days of Diwali:
Dhanteras
It marks the start of Diwali. ‘Dhan’ means wealth or money and ‘Teras’ means 13th day. Therefore, this is the day, when people will buy some sort of gold, jewelry, property, new car, or anything new. Usually, before Diwali, people will clean their houses, getting rid of old stuff, or donating it.
Choti Diwali/ Narak Chaturdashi/ KaliChaudas
This is the day when light overcame darkness or when you can kick out all the negativeness from your life and fill it with positivity and happiness. It is said that on this day Goddess Kali killed the demon Naraksura. Goddess Kali is worshiped since she gives you strength to fight evil and protects you.
You may feel during Covid how is it possible to be happy, but I say it can be done. This is by starting to find small moments in your life that give you that happiness. By cherishing them, you will start enjoying and seeing life from a different view.
Lakshmi Puja/ Chopda Pujan
People worship Goddess Laxmi on this day. She symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Chopda, means accounting books; therefore, people will usually start their new accounts on a fresh new book as good luck. After the puja is done, people will exchange sweets and gifts with other families.
Saal mu Barak – Happy New year
Like any new year, it is the time to start fresh, forget all bygones, ill-memories, and create new happy memories. With this new year awaiting us, it is time for us to move on, be strong and positive. This is the day when we bond with family, wear new clothes, have lunch or dinner with your loved ones, and do fireworks.
Bhai Bij/ Bhai Dhooj
Bhai Bij is known by quite a few different names. It is the day to celebrate the beautiful bond between a brother and sister. They are best friends, protectors, well-wishers, and admirers of each other. Yes, though they may quarrel, their love, bond, and care for each other do not go away. On this day, usually, sisters invite brothers over to their house and prepare a meal for him. Sisters will pray for their brothers’ longevity and well-being while the brother will carry out his responsibility and duty towards his sister.
