Diwali or Deepavali is a three-day festival, celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil. It is observed each year at some point during mid-October to mid-November in many countries including here in Fiji, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Nepal, or where there are large Indian communities living such as in Canada, Britain, South Africa and New Zealand.
Just as Christians celebrate Christmas, or Muslims during Ramadan, Diwali is also a special and important holiday.
It is a festival that has as much meaning for Hindus. Aside from Hinduism, other religions that celebrate this festival are Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Whatever your faith, you can join in the festivity that is “The Festival of Lights.”
How to celebrate diwali
Diwali is a festival to be celebrated with your loved ones. The best way to do so is to plan a get together on Diwali. We help you plan your Diwali get together with unique ideas. When it comes to planning a party on Diwali, you’ll need to arrange for the decorations, fireworks, food, games, and party favors. Read on to get ideas on how to make these arrangements for your party.
* Clean your home and business premises thoroughly before the first Diwali day, or the Dhanteras. Visit Morris Hedstrom which offers a wide range of cleaning materials that you will need.
From laundry baskets, basins, buckets, and cleaning materials, MH got most of these on specials during this season.
Decorate your home by buying new sets of flower vases, and other home decorative items that is available in selected MH stores.
* Go shopping. It is a custom to buy new utensils or any kitchen items on the first day of Diwali. Morris Hedstrom got you covered with full range of stainless steel ware in lose or in gift sets ready to wrap for your loved ones.
* Light lamps every night during the festival. Morris Hedstrom has the affordable festive lights to suit your budget. We have 20 meter rope light and other LED lights to make your home stand out. Scented candles and decorative candles are also available in selected stores, so you can light these up and place around your home. The lamps symbolise knowledge or one’s inner light, which brings about inner peace and fights off any traces of darkness and ignorance.
* Light some firecrackers and fireworks. These are a common part of Diwali, used to symbolise warding-off evil from your surroundings.
They are usually set off in greatest numbers on the actual day of Diwali (the third day). You can check out all MH stores for the most affordable firecrackers from kid’s favorite pop pop, sparklers, 25 & 36 shots cake which are on special this week! Just follow all safety precautions along with the fireworks so celebration will be more fun.
* Wear new clothes and jewels on the second and third days. For ladies, try to obtain a sari, the traditional Indian dress for women or a salwar-kurta (Indian flowing tunic with matching pants/leggings and long shawl/scarf). Men normally wear kurtas, this is a knee-length (usually embroidered) silk or cotton tunic and matching pants. MH fashion department in MHCC also offers fancy jewelries to complement your clothing.
* Make some sweets, snacks & savories. MH got a wide range of cookware at very affordable prices. Check out the stainless steel steamers, al tope, non-stick pans, idli cooker, & stainless steel pots either for own use or as gift during this festive season. Morris Hedstrom also offers different types of sweet containers and servers according to your budget.
* Perform a “Lakshmi pooja”. This is a ritual performed on Diwali day (the third day) in order to seek divine blessings from the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, who helps those who strive to achieve wealth. It consists of an elaborate ritual using grains, leaves, coins, and idols to prepare a ceremony.
During this ritual, you can invoke the Goddess by reciting the Vedic mantras or by thinking of her being showered with gold coins with two elephants standing one each side of her as you chant her name. Offerings are made and at the end, the aarti is performed quietly and a peaceful atmosphere should accompany the entire ritual.
Wishing everyone a Happy and prosperous Diwali from your Morris Hedstrom Family.
