The preparations for Diwali 2012 actually start a few weeks before the actual day. It is a celebration of joy and all the good that is present on the earth. People from all over the world welcome the festival of lights with great hope that the gods in heaven will bless their homes with wealth and prosperity.
The most important part of Diwali celebrations is the puja or prayers offered to the gods and goddess. It is much more than a simple festival; it is a mark of new beginnings. According to the Hindu calendar it is the start of New Year. If you look at it with a logical point of view Diwali comes in the month of Oct- Nov which is after the rains in India. Everything has a new look, the trees have new leaves, and it’s the time for the farmers to sow the seeds for next year crop. Therefore there are lots of legends and beliefs associated with this festival.
There are many parts of Diwali celebrations. The right way to begin with them is to start by making a list of things you need to do and buy in order to prepare for the celebrations. This list should include: Sweets which you want to prepare or pre order them from a sweet shop (quantity and type), firecrackers that you will need, lighting which includes traditional diyas, candles, lanterns, lamps, electric strings etc., new clothes to wear for puja, and the items you will need to perform the puja, new items for your house (utensils, decorative items etc.).
Once you have made the list it will give you a fair idea of how much you need to spend. This means that you can now easily plan your budget. Before you go out and hit the markets with the things you will need, give your house a good spring clean up. Throw away all the old newspapers and scrap. Change the curtains, bed sheets, cushions etc. if you do not want to buy new ones use the fresh ones. Polish and clean the ornamental items. Do all this at least a week before Diwali so that you have enough time to prepare for the puja and other preparations.
In addition, when you have a list in your hand it will make it easy for you to choose from the various items and attractive goods offered by the shops and street markets. You will be able to complete your shopping in time to prepare for Diwali day.
About Anukriti Parsai
Anukriti Parsai+ is a contributing member of the Diwali Network which provides event news, media, articles and Blogs for the community who celebrate Deepavali annually.
Anukriti loves every aspect of the Diwali celebration and looks forward to the preparations as well as the event every year.
