Q&A for How to Celebrate Diwali

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  • Question
    Do you say “Happy Diwali” to people who are celebrating?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can say Happy Diwali. Traditional Diwali greetings often make references to the lights and colors of the holiday, so you can also say something like, “May the lights of Diwali brighten your life and surround you and your loved ones with joy!”
  • Question
    Is Diwali the Hindu new year celebration?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    In some parts of India, Diwali marks the start of a new year. More generally, it’s a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
  • Question
    How should I dress for a Diwali party?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    There aren’t any hard and fast rules for what to wear at a Diwali party. If it’s at a fancy venue, you might wear a flashy sari, gown, or Pathani suit. If it’s a house party, tone it down and wear something a little more casual or conservative.
  • Question
    Why is Diwali celebrated?
    Community Answer
    Diwali is celebrated due to the return of an ancient king named Rama. He was no ordinary guy. He was the god Vishnu in human form. He defeated an evil king named Ravana. Ravana's palace was at Sri Lanka. People were glad that Vishnu won and Ravana lost. Diwali also represents the end of the harvesting season and start of the planting season. Lakshmi is worshiped to ensure financial success. Kali is worshiped to protect against lazyness and hardship
  • Question
    What would be an appropriate gift for a Christian to take to a Diwali party in a Hindu house?
    Community Answer
    Take some traditional Indian sweets.
  • Question
    Are fireworks used to celebrate Diwali?
    Community Answer
    Yes, most everywhere. Some who are very religious and may just light deepas (candles).
  • Question
    On what date does Diwali actually start?
    Community Answer
    The Hindu calendar does not follow the monthly calendar. It follows the moon cycle and the position of the moon instead. The date is always changing.
  • Question
    Is Diwali is only for Hindus? If so, why?
    Community Answer
    Diwali is mainly celebrated by only Hindus, but it is free to be celebrated by anyone. It is also celebrated by Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains.
  • Question
    Is there anything they do only on the last day of Diwali?
    Community Answer
    The last day is known as Bhai Dooj. On this day, sisters put tilak on the forehead of their brothers, and exchange gifts. Sweets are made. There are many other customs in different regions of the country.
  • Question
    It is necessary to burst crackers in diwali?
    Community Answer
    No, it is not necessary to burst crackers. You can just light diyas and candles. Bursting crackers is just for fun.
  • Question
    How do I get pictures of Diwali from the Internet?
    Community Answer
    Go to Google Image Search, type "Diwali" in the search box, click on each image to view, and right-click and select "Save image as..." to download any to your computer that you'd like to keep.
  • Question
    What is the meaning of diwali?
    Community Answer
    Originally, the name was "Deepavali". "Deepa" meant candle, and "vali" is not a word on its own, but when added to another means festival. It literally translates to "festival of candles," but it's meant to mean festival of light.
  • Question
    How many days do I fast for Diwali?
    Community Answer
    None. Hindu families fast starting 30 days before Diwali, ending their fast 20 days before Diwali. It is a 10 day long fast in total.
  • Question
    How do I make rangoli?
    Community Answer
    Check out this article for tips: how to make rangoli .
  • Question
    What are the offerings made by people on Diwali?
    Community Answer
    The offerings made on this day are usually traditional Indian sweets.
  • Question
    How can I celebrate Diwali without crackers?
    Community Answer
    You can celebrate Diwali without cracker by lighting diyas and candles, because the crackers aren't necessary.
  • Question
    How do I decorate my house for Diwali?
    Community Answer
    You can put a garland of flowers around your door and light lamps near your sidewalk. Essentially, you can decorate your house however you please!
  • Question
    When is the Lakshmi Puja performed?
    Community Answer
    On the 3rd day of Diwali. Lakshmi is worshiped to ensure financial success throughout the year. Kali is worshiped to protect against laziness.
  • Question
    How do Sikhs celebrate Diwali?
    Community Answer
    Usually Diwali is celebrated only by Hindus. It is celebrated as described in the article.
  • Question
    How does Diwali start?
    Community Answer
    Usually with the Lakshmi and Ganesh pooja. But people also make rangoli in the evening .
  • Question
    Do I give gifts during Diwali?
    Community Answer
    Usually, yes. Sweets would be most appropriate, but if you cannot get those easily you can just give flowers from a nearby grocery store.
  • Question
    How do I make rangoli?
    Community Answer
    Consult Make Rangoli .
  • Question
    Can I go shopping on Diwali?
    Community Answer
    Yes, in fact many people wait for Diwali to go on a shopping spree. If you're in India, just don't forget to buy some diyas to lighten up the Diwali of clay workers, who work hard to brighten up your festivities.
  • Question
    What gift should I give to some friends who are celebrating Diwali?
    Community Answer
    Give them good things like sweets, clothes, toys, candles, fruit, etc. You could also ask them what they think is a nice gift for the event.
  • Question
    Does a Diwali festival start in a specific way?
    bhanu lekhala
    Community Answer
    Deepavali comes from Sanskrit words 'Deepa' which translates to 'light' and 'aavali' which translates to 'a line'. It technically means a line of lights. Everyone starts by cleaning the house a day before. The morning starts by bathing, rangoli, and performing pooja to the goddess Lakshmi. The families come together and cook dishes (mostly vegetarian) and wish the beloved ones who are away. In the evening people visit temples for blessings from God and start to lit diyas/candles and burn crackers to celebrate Diwali. The whole family ends the day by having dinner.
  • Question
    Is necessary to burn crackers on Diwali?
    Aarya Handa
    Community Answer
    No, you don't have to do that. It is simply a longstanding tradition to do so but that does not mean that you have to partake in it.
  • Question
    What do people eat on Diwali?
    Community Answer
    People prepare traditional dishes like chivda, chakli, ladoos, burfis, kheer, gulabjamun, basundi and kaju-katli.
  • Question
    Can I make a Rangoli out of paper glued together?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can but it is usually made with chalk. Traditionally it is made by scattering powdered chalk on a white pattern on pavements.
  • Question
    What type of clothes do people usually wear during Diwali?
    Community Answer
    Try ethnic wear. Girls can wear lehengas or Kurtis and boys can wear traditional dress. This totally depends on your choice of clothes.
  • Question
    Why are there five days of Diwali?
    Community Answer
    One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance". ... The five-day long festival originated in the Indian subcontinent and is mentioned in early Sanskrit texts.
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