subject: Diwali Festival In Malvan Is A Unique Experience For Its Visitors [print this page] Diwali is one of the main festivals of India and celebrated in different states with great enthusiasm. According to Hindu calendar, it begins on thirteenth day of Ashwin month and ends on second lunar day of Kartik. In Gregorian calendar, it falls usually in November and during this festival, most of the offices and educational institutions remain closed. In Maharashtra, Diwali celebration is a grand affair, with people cleaning their houses and shopping for new clothes much before the advent of this festival. Children are more enthusiastic as they start bursting firecrackers as soon as their holidays begin. Celebration of Diwali festival in Malvan is no different as people are engaged in various rituals and festivities for five days. A festive mood can be seen all over this region as bright lamps and bursting crackers light up the evening sky. People distribute sweets among friends and family members, conveying their best wishes.
A typical Maharashtrian household begins its Diwali celebrations with 'Vasu-baras' which honours cows. A cow is regarded as mother by Hindus and married women perform certain rituals as a means of gratitude towards cows. First day of Diwali festival in Malvan is celebrated as Dhanatrayodashi. On this day, mothers and wives prepare a lamp for each living male in the family. These lamps are made out of kneaded flour and lit in the evening before offering them to Lord Yama. Narak Chaturdasi or smaller Diwali is celebrated on second day to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over demon Narakasur. Womenfolk make beautiful patterns called rangoli with various colours in the doorway or courtyard of their homes on this occasion. On the day of Diwali, which is the third day of celebrations, people worship Goddess Lakshmi to bring wealth and prosperity into their homes. Varshapratipada falls on fourth day of festivities when newly-weds are invited over to homes of girls' parents. On this day, businessmen open their books of accounts afresh and all kinds of transactions are postponed. Fourth day is known as Bhaubeej, which celebrates the unique bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters worship their brothers on this day and they, in turn, offer presents to their sisters as a token of their love. Sisters perform a ritual called 'Aukshan' and wish their brothers a long and healthy life, offering them various kinds of sweets. Those who do not have brothers perform a special ritual honouring Moon-God.
Every year, Malvan attracts many tourists with its beautiful sandy beaches and several other attractions. They can forget all their worries and relax in the midst of pleasant surroundings that are characterized by marvellous beaches and a clean coastline. The famous Sindhudurg Fort offers them a glimpse into a glorious past of this region. Visitors to Malvan can also indulge in boat rides at Tarkali beach and have a memorable stay in any of its hotels or resorts that offer comfortable accommodations for them. Some of them provide all the luxuries that tourists would ask for, and they are fully equipped with modern amenities. A visit during Diwali festival in Malvan can enable tourists to witness grand festivities of this region. Tourists can travel to this amazing town without any hassles as it is well-connected to cities nearby. A festive mood which is prevalent during Diwali would be a unique experience for them.
