subject: Diwali Celebrations, Vadodara Style! [print this page] Diwali is a festival celebrated by those of the Hindu, Jain and Sikh faiths. It is also known as Deepavali (In Sanskrit). It literally means row of light and as such has become the festival of light. Each vein of believers attributes different stories as to how the festival came about. However the underlying principle is the victory of good over evil which is signified by the lighting of little lamps.
The Diwali celebration, as per the Hindu Lunar calendar is traditionally 5 days long. During which the 6 main stories attached to the festival are celebrated in turn. Traditionally this festival falls anytime between mid October and mid November. This period also signifies the end of the harvest period in most regions that celebrate Diwali. As such wealth and prosperity have become part of the wishes of this festival. So much so, that most businesses open their yearly accounts on the day of Diwali.
The buying of new clothes, and vehicles, lighting of fire crackers, making and eating of special sweets, carnival activity, applying mehendi on the hands of women, are all part of the various traditions of Diwali followed in various parts of the world. India being one of the main countries that celebrates this festival does so in diverse ways depending on the regions and its majority religion and culture.
Vadodara is no exception. This 'city of the banyan trees' as is its literal meaning, is Gujarat's cultural hub. Steadily achieving fame for its industrial activities, Vadodara is equally enthusiastic about celebrating every kind of Indian festival. Each festival receives pomp and splendour as the locals concentrate on truly celebrating the glory of their faith.
