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Festivals are socially and culturally significant, and this is especially true in Gujarat. Celebrations of any kinds bring people together by creating a sense of cultural unity and  brotherhood. They develop in individuals a sense of community and belonging. When our daily lives are filled with things that have to get done and things we have to do, we find ourselves working with others, or working alone, doing so in boredom or joy. Festivals, which request or sometimes even r

“Aaj Diwali kaal Diwali Gaam naa chhokraa khaay shuvaadi Khaay ne chhokraa raaji thaay Junu varash vidaay thaay…” “Today is Diwali, tomorrow is Diwali Kids in the town eat sweets, Kids are happy eating sweets, The old year says goodbye” A simple Gujarati song I grew up singing during Diwali. It say Diwali is today and Diwali is tomorrow because the festival of Diwali is five days long. Most New Year’s celebrations are a day or two long but not in the Hindu calendar. Three thi

First day of Diwali is known as Dhan Teras: This is the day of worshipping the goddess of wealth- Laxmi. The rituals and traditions are that you worship and pay homage to the symbols of wealth. Many wash the coins with milk, water and honey to purify the wealth you receive through out the year. Some choose to put haldi kanku (turmeric and kumkum red powder) on bills and notes. #diwali #diwaliday1 #DHANTERAS #festivals #celebrations #holidays #traditions #turmeric

Second day of Diwali is Kaali chaudash: This is the day of worshipping goddess Kali who is the goddess of courage, remover of all darkness. Traditions in Gujarati households is to put castor oil in your hair and kaajal in your eyes to protect you from evil eyes as it is believed all darkness comes out to worship Kali that night. This is the night the black magic worshippers pray. #diwali #diwaliday2 #KAALICHAUDASH #festivals #traditions #holidays #celebrations

Third day is the actual day of Diwali: this is the last day of the year. After the darkness gets removed the day before on kaali chaudash, Diwali is the day of lights. Many put haldi kanku on their books for the year. This is the day of keeping your accounts clear. Many light their homes with diya (lamps made with oil or ghee) around their homes. #diwali #diwaliday3 #festivals #celebrations #traditions #holidays

Fourth day is the New Year known as Bestoo varash (beginning of the year): On the first day of he new year people celebrate by bowing to their elders and receiving blessings. Many wear their brand new clothing to go temples, sing prayers, eating sweets and deep fried goodies and collect blessings (this many times is cash) from friends and family. #diwali #diwaliday4 #BESTOOVARASH #festivals #celebrations #holidays

Fifth day of Diwali is Bhai beej or Bhaiya dooj: This is another celebration to acknowledge and honors the relationship between a brother and a sister. Many brothers go visit their sisters as sisters normally get married and move to their husbands houses. Sisters prepare a feast for their brothers and receive “blessings” from them. What is your favorite part of Diwali? #diwali #Diwaliday5 #BHAIBEEJ #BHAIYADOOJ #fesitvals #celebrations #holidays