The festival of lights has been celebrated in Guyana since 1853 and supposedly by indentured people from India. The place was more popularly known as British Guiana and the festival of lights is celebrated as per the Hindu Solar calendar. Hindus of Indian origin constitute about 33% of the total population.
The traditions include cleaning the house and preparing Diwali sweets like mithai, pera, barfi, and kheer. Buying new apparel is also a custom and Indian clothing is available on several online marts. After bath new clothes are worn and people of Guyana believe that this is a symbol of healthy soul in a healthy body. Besides apparel people spruce up for Diwali by refurbishing their home and buying new home decoration items.
Laxmi Puja is ceremoniously performed and Prasad is distributed. At dusk the surroundings are illuminated with rows of light to welcome Goddess Laxmi into their homes. Usually friends are invited and the specially prepared Diwali sweets are distributed. Exchanging Diwali greetings is a well thought out custom which denotes the goodwill of one another.
For Indians living away from their homeland it becomes all the more important to send Diwali gifts to India for their kith and kin. Diwali gains prominence despite the influx of varied cultures. The true spirit of the festival is seldom lost and is undeniably the most popular Indian festival.
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Ever wondered if Diwali was celebrated with as much zeal as it is here in India? We are aware of the fact that Diwali is celebrated with enthusiasm in the US, Canada and a few other Asian countries. The former British colonies are not to be left behind. Colonies of Kenya and Tanzania have about 1000 Indians residing there. This constitutes about 1% of the total population.
This 1% of the population lives in close knit communities and cannot be left behind in the ethnic festivities. Diwali is one such festival which is celebrated with much gusto in Kenya and Tanzania. The traditions are similar to that seen in India with lighting of lamps, preparing Diwali sweets and exchanging Diwali gifts.
The customs and belief related to the festival are also the same. Laxmi puja is performed and friends are invited over for a meal. Diwali gifts are exchanged between family and friends. With the boom in online marts it is now possible to send Diwali gifts to India. For people living outside India buying authentic Diwali mithai and other Diwali decoration items has never been easier with the online marts.
Irrespective of the distances and cultural barriers surrounding you, the true essence of Diwali is kept alive by Indians living abroad. The togetherness and vivacity that is innate to the festival of lights cannot be missed even in foreign grounds.
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Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the southern hemisphere. It comprises of the mainland of the world's smallest continent, the major island of Tasmania and numerous other islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Since the last many centuries, many Indians have either visited India as students or settled there permanently as citizens. A majority of the Indian population in the island country are Hindus. And hence the Diwali festival is an important religious and cultural event in the annual calendar of Sydney's, festivals and fairs. Sydney is the most important and populous city in Australia.
Every year, the Hindu Council of Australia organizes a 'Diwali Mela', which is participated by thousands of Indians living in Australia. Apart from Indians, Diwali is also celebrated by the migrants from Bali, Fiji, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Kenya and South Africa in Australia.
The day is marked by gaily dressed Hindus offering pujas to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi, the god and goddesses of prosperity and wealth respectively. A huge stage is prepared for the purpose which is decorated with flowers and rangoli. This is followed by engrossing classical and modern Indian dances. People come to the venue dressed in traditional apparels and have a great time making new friends and mingling with the old. Infact, this is the perfect place for social networking for nostalgic expatriates.
Towards evening, people enjoy a spectacular show of fireworks and firecrackers that make it one of the most memorable moments of their lives.
The fair also have stalls which showcase Indian apparels, crockery products, Diwali gifts, traditional Diwali sweets and other savories.
Many use the fair and auspicious time in the Hindu calendar to launch their new products and companies. The festival usually concludes with an effigy of Ravana going up in flames. For many children born in Australia, it was an introduction to the demon God and the triumph of good over evil.
Like in India, lightening of lamps and diyas at individual homes and commercial establishments on Diwali is a common practice in Australia.
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Mauritius, officially the Republic of Mauritius, is a beautiful island nation off the coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, about 900 kilometers east of Madagascar.
Mauritian society includes people from many different ethnic groups. A majority of the republic's residents are the descendants of people from the Indian subcontinent. Mauritius also contains about 63% of the total population from India. And of these 80% are Hindus. Needless to say, the Diwali festival is celebrated with great fanfare in this Island since many years.
The festival of lights in this Island is marked with lighting of traditional diyas/lamps in the individual households and commercial establishments. Rows of twinkling candles, lamps and colorful electric bulbs of all sorts transform the island into another realm of fairytales.
The festival here represents the triumph of good over evil in Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Lord Krishna's destruction of the demon Narakasura. People here celebrate Diwali for a new beginning and exorcising the darkness of evil from their lives as well as the society. And lighting lamps and feasting is symbolic of this phenomenon.
The Diwali day in Mauritius is especially significant for the Hindu business community, as it is considered the account closing day of the year. These people on this day close their accounts and balances for the previous year, and go unburdened into the next. In the morning, people pray to their revered gods and goddesses. The female members of the household perform aarti with pooja thalis in hand and all the family members seek the blessings of the almighty for a healthy and prosperous year. They then visit their relatives and fellow Indians and share greetings and Diwali gifts.
The custom of distributing Diwali sweets to friends, and neighbors of all faith has made Diwali a popular festival in Mauritius. Those missing close ones back home during the festive occasion send Diwali Gifts to India to show their love and affection for them.
Celebrating Diwali in Mauritius truly represents its unique the multicultural spirit that has made the place heaven on earth.
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Guyana, officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana is the only nation state of the Commonwealth of Nations on the mainland of South America. Interestingly the country's aborigines consist of Indians and today Hindus of Indian origin accounts for 33% of the total population.
Hence almost all the Indian festivals are celebrated with great fanfare and gusto in the country. But of all the festivals, Diwali is the most popular and infact the day has been declared as a national holiday in the official calendar of Guyana.
Like in India, the Diwali festival in Guyana is celebrated as the festival of lights, which represents victory of good over evil. Even a few days before Diwali, Indians in Guyana clean their houses and go for shopping trips for the great day.
The Diwali day is spent with visiting relatives and friends and exchanging Diwali gifts and Diwali sweets. The distribution and sharing of Diwali Mithais has special significance for the people of Guyana as this denotes the spirit of social bonding in society. Among the most popular homemade and readymade sweets distributed during Diwali in Guyana are pedas, barfis, and kheer. Diwali greetings also are exchanged specially among kids and professional acquaintances.
Indians in Guyana believe that Diwali also brings in new beginning with new hopes, and aspirations for the rest of the year. Hence, to celebrate the festival, they wear brand new colorful apparels and also buy home decor items for adorning their house. The tradition of wearing new clothes for the people of Guyana has significance as they believe that it is the symbol of healthy souls in healthy bodies.
Diwali is dedicated to Lakshmi- the goddess of wealth in the country. And hence people make colorful rangolis and light traditional diyas to welcome the deity to their individual houses and other establishments. It is to be mentioned here that the Diwali night is the darkest night of the year and hence traditional and modern lights illuminate to welcome the revered deity.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain, is one of the most developed countries of the world. And every year it attracts a large number of Indians to its soil, looking for greener pastures. In-fact, Indians are the second largest ethnic minority in Britain.
Inspite of being miles away from their homeland, nostalgic Indians living here celebrate almost all the festivals along with their countrymen. And among all the celebrations, the Diwali is the much awaited festival of the year. Diwali is the time, when Indians in Britain go for spring cleaning their homes, and decorating them with home decorative and new home furnishings.
Prior to a few days before the onset of Diwali, people go on a shopping spree and buy Diwali gifts, clothes, fireworks and firecrackers for the Diwali day.
Like the rest of their fellow compatriots in their homeland, Indians in Britain worship Lakshmi- the goddess of wealth on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. It is believed that worshipping the goddess on Diwali brings in wealth and prosperity throughout the year. The whole day of Diwali in Britain is spent in fun and revelry with people visiting their relatives and friends and exchanging Diwali sweets and other pleasantries. The Diwali evening is marked by flickering lights of traditional diyas and candles. All the Indian apartments are aglow on the Diwali night with thousands of colorful electric lights hanging from the top to the bottom presenting a dazzling show.
Though the Diwali festival comes off on a time when Britain experience it coldest, and most chilly months, yet the Indian overcome all the hurdles to celebrate their favorite Diwali festival. So popular has the festival of lights become even with non-Indians that the British city of Leicester has become one of the places for the largest Diwali celebrations outside India.
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Diwali-the festival of lights is celebrated with much gusto in India and by Indians spread across the world. One of the strong and vibrant immigrant communities in the United States are the Indians, so much so that conventions and other get-togethers are often organized by Indians living there. And the most widely celebrated Indian festival - Diwali cannot be left behind.
The celebrations may vary depending on the state and the Indian population living there. There are ceremonies organized in community halls for people to get together and enjoy the festivities. In the year 2007, the US House of Representatives had passed a resolution recognizing the spiritual, religious and historical importance of Diwali. This came like a welcome change for Indians living in the US for years, craving for Diwali Sweets, and Diwali fireworks.
As in India, in the US, Diwali is celebrated in honor of Lord Rama, the king who returned after 14 years of exile. Akin to celebrations in India houses are decorated with earthen lamps and these rows of light look spectacular in the dark. Temples in the US are also decorated with lights and colorful rangoli. In the evenings, people gather at a community hall where cultural programs are held. Fire crackers are burst and various competitions held. The competitions include ethnic dance, rangoli and other cultural events. Diwali sweets and snacks are distributed among family and friends.
If you wish to send Diwali sweets to USA you may do so by using online marts. Diwali gifts may also be exchanged with friends and family living overseas, with the help of online marts which offer a wide range of product bouquet. If you are considering making family and close friends in the U.S feel special, then send Diwali gifts to U.S like Salwar Kameez, Sarees, Jewellery, Watches, Handicrafts through online marts. People living outside the U.S may also send Diwali gifts to U.S by browsing through the product category displayed on the online mart. The products are truly ethnic and Diwali Sweets and Puja thali are so authentic that you would want to procure one for yourself.
Whether the festival of lights is celebrated in its native land or in a distant country like the United States, the true essence of Diwali is in the unity of people observing this festival. For NRI's living in the United States, Diwali is a time of joyous celebration with a truly ethnic flavor.
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The beautiful island of Indonesia is mainly populated by Muslims. About 2% of the population comprises Hindus who celebrate Diwali zealously.
The festival of lights-Diwali is a day of great jubilation in Indonesia especially in the Bali Island which is mainly populated by Hindus. Similar to the traditions followed in India, people spruce up for Diwali by cleaning homes and buying new clothes. On Diwali day rows of lamps are lit and placed outside the house to welcome the Goddess of wealth. Families gather at one particular house and invoke God's blessings.
After Puja, Diwali sweets are prepared. In most festivals it is customary to exchange gifts. Diwali gifts are exchanged between family and friends. Friends and family living in India send Diwali gifts to India from Indonesia as a thoughtful gesture. With the boom in e-commerce now it is common practice to send Diwali Sweets to India from Indonesia, so family and friends can relish them without having to compromise on authentic flavor and the very Indian touch.
So if you wish to send your wishes to friends or family living in Indonesia make sure to avail the e-shopping facility. Not only is it convenient but has a wide array of product bouquet on display from which you may choose the gift of your choice. This Diwali indulge and let your people living abroad know that you truly care and miss them on the festive occasion by sending appropriate Diwali gifts and Diwali Mithais.
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Fiji or officially, the Republic of the Fiji Islands is a beautiful island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The country occupies an archipelago of about 322 islands, and 522 islets. The group of islands is known for its multi racial, multi lingual and multi cultural society. And a number of festivals of different countries are celebrated here that makes the social
and cultural fabric of this island really unique.
Among the inhabitants of the island country, a huge chunk of population is Hindus of Indian origin. These people observe almost all the festivals that make them nostalgic of the festivities in their native country. One such festival is Diwali, the festival of lights, which represent joie de vivre for the triumph of good over evil. The colorful festival is celebrated with great pomp and show not only by Hindus but also by the other non-Hindu population of the island country. The popularity of the festival can be judged from the fact the Diwali day is declared as a public holiday in Fiji.
The day long Diwali celebration is marked by visiting near ones and exchanging greetings, Diwali gifts and other pleasantries. Some people even prepare homemade items like Diwali sweets to celebrate the occasion. Diwali here means re-bonding with family and friends and participating in the fun with a spirit of harmony.
Children in Fiji have a blast during Diwali as most of the schools here celebrate the day with various competitions on extracurricular activities like singing, essay writing, quiz, rangoli making and Diwali greeting card designing. Some schools also organize Lakshmi Puja to celebrate the Hindu goddess of wealth.
And towards evening, like in India the whole of Fiji Island come alive with a riot of lights from traditional terracotta diyas, candles to the latest electric sparklers. Fireworks and firecrackers are burst to celebrate the colorful festival of Diwali. The diwali festival ends with feasting and merrymaking amongst relatives and friends.
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Diwali is celebrated across India with a fervor that is unparalleled. For Indians living outside India the festivities are as special. In the beautiful country of Malaysia, the celebrations are held with much enthusiasm.
Diwali is known as 'Hari Deepavali'. It is celebrated during the seventh month of the Hindu solar calendar. Homes are decorated with lights and the special Diwali sweets are prepared. It is customary to hold 'open houses'. Indian Hindu Malaysians, welcome people from different races for a sumptuous meal. This is also known as 'rumah terbuka' which is a unique practice followed by all Malaysians during festive seasons.
It is also customary to prepare the traditional 'kuih raya' or the 'murukku' which is a must have delicacy on Diwali. The other important ritual is the "ang pow" the customary gift in cash given by elders to the younger ones in the family. This apart from other Diwali gifts like new clothes is something that the younger generation looks forward to. This apart, the other traditions like cleaning up the house and buying new clothes and home decorations are similar to what is seen in India.
Invoking the blessings of God and the custom of exchanging gifts is integral to any festival. Families and friends separated by distances normally exchange gifts by availing the courier service but with the onset of the computer age e-marts are totally in. It is possible to send diwali gifts to India to friends sitting on the other side of globe through these shopping marts. Send gifts to India by availing the benefit of shopping online.
Besides gifts you may also send Diwali sweets and other goodies to friends and family living abroad as well. Diwali is indeed that time of the year when you'd want to unwind and indulge yourself in revelry. Though separated by distances Indians living outside their homeland, observe the festival with much reverence. The 'open house' celebrations speak volumes about the generosity and large-heartedness, kept alive by the Malaysian Hindus. These traditions observed in Malaysia truly hold aloft the spirit of Diwali.
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Nestled among the green and snowcapped mighty Himalayas, Nepal is one of the most beautiful countries of the World. Since the last many years, it has attracted tourists not only for its scenic beauty but also for the retention of the age-old celebrations of the Hindu culture. It is infact the only Hindu Kingdom of the world. The Nepalese celebrate all the Hindu festivals wit
h equal gusto but Diwali has a special place in the heart of everyone in Nepal. Even the Jain, Sikh, and the Buddhists community of Nepal, particularly the Newar Buddhist celebrates this festival with great joy. Diwali, the festival of lights is known as Tihar or Swanti in Nepal.
The Diwali festival in this Himalayan nation is observed to celebrate Lakshmi- the goddess of wealth and Ganesh - the god of prosperity. In Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, houses and shops are brightly lit with traditional and electric lights on Diwali. The city wears a festive look during the entire five day long Diwali celebrations and exchange Diwali Gifts. Like the Hindu communities, in the rest of the world, the Nepali Hindus too enjoy these days with family and friends and take rest from their hectic work schedules. The festival in this country denotes triumph of good over evil.
The first day of the Diwali festival in Nepal is dedicated to cow worship. On this day, the female members of the house cook special rice and feed the cows. It is believed that worshiping the cow on this day brings in blessings from goddess Lakshmi. The second day is dedicated to dogs as the Vahana of Bhairava (Lord Shiva's vehicle). Preparation of delicious food especially meant for the dog is the order of the day.
The third day is the actual Diwali day with lights and lamps lit to illuminate the entire household surrounding. With all the houses and other establishments glowing brightly, it seems as if the city wears a new glittery garb on the occasion of Diwali. Special food items like Diwali sweets of different types are prepared on this day to mark the festivity. Nowadays, traditionally made sweets are also available at different readymade packs in the market. The fireworks and crackers are used widely by both the young and the old alike, who try to forget all the worries of the world during the happy occasion of Diwali. Some people also wear new dresses and buy new home decoration items during this time.
The fourth day of Diwali in Nepal is dedicated to Yama, the Hindu God of Death. He is invoked on this day for long life. On the final day is Bhai Dooj also known as Bhhaya Dooj, dedicated to the brothers who are wished long life and prosperity by their sisters. On this day, sisters specially married ones, visit their parents’ home and apply a special 'Paanch Rangi Tika' consisting of five colors (red, green, blue, yellow and white) on their brothers’ forehead for a healthy long life. The brothers also shower lavish Bhai Dooj gifts to commemorate the eternal brother-sister bond. Diwali Homemade sweets and feasting follows the ritualistic ceremony of Bhaidooj.
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The festival of lights is celebrated with much enthusiasm in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is celebrated for five days, with the first day being observed as Dhanteras, followed by Choti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhaidooj.
People prepare for the festival, by whitewashing their homes and decorating the surroundings with traditional decorative. The women folk busy themselves with the preparation of traditional Diwali sweets. In Uttar Pradesh, Diwali is considered to be auspicious as they believe that Lord Rama returned to his kingdom on this day.
Homes are lit with Diyas or earthen lamps. Varanasi gets all decked up for the festivities. People set afloat diyas with great devotion. Statues and figures of Hindu deities are taken on procession along the streets. The procession is accompanied with firecrackers, music and dancing. The whole city looks spectacular with lightings, gaiety and laughter.
Special puja is performed in homes and the devout also throng the temples for God's blessings. The state of Uttar Pradesh is highly populated and Diwali is celebrated with much fervor in the state. The characters of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Shatrughan and Bharat are played by Brahmin boys who are trained by the liladhari, or the leader of the troupe.
Besides these special events, there is the traditional Dilwai mithai, exchange of Diwali gifts and Laxmi puja which are integral part of the festivities. Sending gifts to relatives and friends separated by distances in made easy by online marts. Send Diwali gifts to India by availing the e-mart facility. You may send Diwali gifts abroad for family living outside India, through these online marts which not only helps you select but also ships the gifts outside India with nominal charges.
Five days of fun, frolic and togetherness- the Diwali celebration in Uttar Pradesh is truly one of its kind.
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Madhya Pradesh, located in the heart of India, is known for its glorious past. Ruled by a line of great empires, the state has gone through various cultural assimilation and adaptation. This has given the state a typical character that is found in no other state in India. The fun loving tribes, the exotic landscape, the historic monuments, the colorful festivals have all contributed in making the place a much sought after destination.
Among all the festivals, Diwali is one of the most important in this State. The festive season in this State begins days before Diwali, when people go for Diwali shopping that includes new apparels, fireworks, traditional and modern lights, among many others. Houses are cleaned and whitewashed long before the actual Diwali celebration. And just after Dussehra, before a few days to Diwali is the time for sweets and snack preparation for diwali.
The 5 day long Diwali celebrations in Madhya Pradesh begins with Dhanteras. On this day, the people of the state specially the business community buy gold and silver jewelry, which they believe bring wealth and prosperity throughout the year. Shops usually remain open till mid night for late night shoppers and market places remain aglow with brightly lit colorful electric bulbs.
The second day is Choti Diwali or Roop Chaturdarshi. On this day, Diwali is celebrated on a smaller scale, with fewer lights lit and fewer crackers burst. The morning after Choti Diwali, the women of the house make beautiful, colored rangoli in the doorway and courtyard. Tiny footprints made out of rice paste are a special feature of the rangolis made for Diwali. Some families in Madhya Pradesh this day as Roop Chaturdashi, wherein the men folk of the house take bath early in the morning with specially prepared oil and body mask.
The third day is the actual Diwali day, when people light traditional lamps all around their houses and burst firecrackers and play with fireworks. Diwali gifts and sweets are an integral part of celebrations of this day. Both young and the old alike create kaleidoscopic designs against the black canvas of the sky with specially made firecrackers. Diwali is also the time for dancing to the tunes of folk music, among the tribes of this State. The Baiga and Gond tribes specially perform their traditional dances to celebrate the Diwali Festival.
The fourth day is Goverdhan Puja, which celebrates Lord Krishna's heroic feat of lifting the huge Goverdhan Mountain to save the people of his village from the onslaught of rainstorm. The womenfolk in some of the household observe this festival by worshiping cow dung replicas of the fabled mountain, and decorating it with flower petals.
The concluding day of Diwali is celebrated as Bhaidooj, the happy occasion sanctifying brother-sister bond. On this day sisters, specially married ones visit their parents place and put tikkas on their brothers’ forehead for a long life. Brothers in their turn pamper sisters with gifts and sweets.
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Diwali - The Festival of Lights spreads its radiance across India. The vivacity and togetherness of the festival must be experienced to know about it. In the state of Orissa the festival has a style of its own. The procedures vary from the other parts of the country and this adds to the charm of the festival.
People of Orissa get together and indulge in calling spirits of ancestors. An earthen pot with small windows is tied to tall bamboo poles which are erected in front of houses. These poles act as a support to hold the pot. Within the earthen pot a lamp is placed to light up the dark. Once the spirits are called, jute stems are burnt to show light in the dark path. This light is believed to show the way to the spirits, when they traverse back to heaven in darkness.
In the evening members of the family gather after dusk. A rangoli pattern taking the shape of a sailboat is drawn on the ground. Right beside the rangoli a plough, a mortar and pestle is placed which is also worshiped with devotion. The sailboat has seven chambers and in each of the chamber several items are kept like cotton, mustard, salt, asparagus root, turmeric and a wild creeper.
There is a central chamber in which is placed prasad. On top of the prasad a beautiful jute stem with a cloth wick is placed which serves as the main diya. The diya is lit at the beginning of the puja. Each of the members gathered there and holds a bundle of jute stems in their hands. They light their respective bundles from the main flame on the rangoli and raise it towards the sky with chants.
Diwali in Orissa is also special as gifts are exchanged and delectable Diwali sweets are prepared. Diwali gifts are also sent to different parts of the world to friends and family living there. After the puja people gather to burst Diwali crackers and the place lights up with festivities that the people of Orissa revel in, on the Diwali night.
As in other parts people celebrate Diwali within the confines of their home, though larger gatherings are seen. The house is decorated with diyas to welcome Goddess Laxmi. Diwali gifts are exchanged between family members, friends, and colleagues. Sending gifts to family and friends is now made easy with online shopping marts.
The lamps, firecrackers, Diwali sweets, Diwali rangoli and the traditional practices make Diwali a significant festival in Orissa.
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Goa, one of the most visited tourist destinations in India celebrates the Diwali festival with great merriment and fanfare. But unlike in other parts of India, the festival in this state is a one day affair and has a special Goan flavor.
The Diwali festival in Goa is marked by Narkachaturdashi, wherein huge effigies of Narkasura the demon, are made and burnt at dawn. The effigy making is an elaborate event with people of a locality gathering together and making paper Narkasur (demon) filled with grass, wastepaper, and crackers. This is taken out in the evening with a huge crowd following with music, and jeering. Everywhere in Goa people can see huge Narakasur wearing paper clothes and armed with swords and other armaments on this day. The procession then stops a selected place and burn the effigy with jeers from the crowd. Diwali is also known as 'Dhaakti Diwali' in Goa.
In the past, after this ritual of burning the Narkasur, the Hindu menfolk returns homes to be massaged by their wives / mothers an oil and 'utnem'. The entire family then visits the local temple and enjoys a feast of traditional and contemporary sweets together. One cannot miss the traditional 'Fauv' prepared in different varieties. The 'Taakantle' and the 'Dhudaantle Fauv' (Curd Fauv and Milk Fauv) along with 'Aambadyaachi Karam' are some of the dishes which require special mention. This ritual is however followed by only a few households nowadays.
There is an interesting legend that is associated with the Narkachaturdashi celebration in Goa. Narkasur was an evil Rakshas (demon) whose chief delight is to terrorize and kill people. When Lord Krishna came to know about it, he decided to free the people from the Demon. Accordingly, he killed him and even today people celebrate his death as Diwali.
Apart from that, the city is aglow with candles and a riot of fire works and firecrackers. They lit up their houses with 'pontis' and hung 'akash divas' above their houses. Bhaubija (celebrating brother-sister bond) and the New Year day are also celebrated as part of Diwali festival in some parts of Goa. Exchanging Diwali gifts and sweets are an integral to celebrations in Goa.
If you stay abroad, or are out of the country due to some reason, then sending diwali gifts to India should not be a problem. Therefore, if you are missing your family or the person you adore, you need not despair. The best thing that you can do is to send him or her a wonderful gift. Yes! Sending gifts to India is now simpler and more convenient than before. Infibeam.com not only provides a wide range of products but also at the least price. The selection ranges from Apparel, Watches, Chocolates & Sweets, Jewellery, Mobiles, Perfumes ... Here is the list of hot items that would be suited for a perfect diwali gift:
The online retail giant-Infibeam.com has launched 'International Shipping' in countries like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and UAE. This would enable delivery of gifts to friends and family living abroad. International Shipping will be carried out with minimal shipping charges depending on the items chosen.
International shipping is available exclusively for items like apparel, handicrafts, imitation jewelry, home furnishing, and other items in the product bouquet. Infibeam.com will have specific charges on the items shipped internationally. Now sending gifts to friends and family living abroad is made easy with this option. As the festival of lights, Diwali is fast approaching; the International Shipping options can be utilized to send Diwali gifts like apparel and home decorative items to your dear ones outside India.
Speaking at its launch the founder and CEO Mr. Vishal Mehta said "International Shipping option is a promising initiative, and is bound to receive a warm welcome from all our customers and visitors. International delivery was one of the most requested features from our customers so here it is".
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The scheduled date delivery of gifts is beneficial for recipients within India as it ensures timely delivery of Diwali gifts and sweets in all the major cities within India. The 24 hour delivery is crucial to occasion specific gifts. Gifting cakes, flowers, combos, fruits and other perishable gift items will no more take a back seat with this option. The company aims to offer wide variety of shipping options with best customer service which will encourage customers to shop online.
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The festival of lights is celebrated in the month of aipasi or thula month in Tamil Nadu. The preparation for Diwali begins the day before when the oven is cleaned, smeared with lime and a small prayer is said before applying four vermillion dots on the oven. The cleaned up oven is filled with water for the next day's bath.
The house is washed and surroundings cleaned. Intricate rangoli patterns are applied at the entrance, sometimes with rangoli powder and sometimes with kavi or red oxide. The puja thali is set with rice, betel leaves, betel nuts, bananas, incense stick, camphor, sandal paste, gingelly oil, turmeric powder and scented powder. Freshly prepared sweets and new clothes for Diwali is also kept in the puja room beside the puja thali.
The day of Diwali begins with a customary oil bath before sunrise. Gingelly oil is applied on the head and body as it is believed to be an envoy of Goddess Laxmi. In certain parts of Tamil Nadu like Tanjore, it is a custom to take a small quantity of lehiyam which is an ayurvedic paste before breakfast.
After bath members of the family wear new clothes and gather at the puja room to offer prayers to Goddess Laxmi with camphor aarti. Lord Ganesha is worshipped first as it is a ritual. Sandal wood paste is also applied as tilak on the forehead. Diwali gifts are exchanged between family members. Diwali sweets are relished and fire crackers burnt.
It is also a ritual to visit temples on Diwali day. The state of Tamil Nadu celebrates Diwali with enthusiasm and believes in getting together for the festivities. Families separated by distance also meet during the celebrations. Sending Diwali gifts abroad to relatives and friends living there is also a custom.
Diwali is observed throughout the country with equal zeal. The customs may vary slightly but the true essence of Diwali remains intact. Get-togethers, exchanging gifts, Diwali sweets and the fireworks add to the spice and dynamism of one of the most important festivals in India.
Rajasthan is well known for the numerous festivals and fairs that the state hosts. Diwali is just one of them. Nonetheless, the festival of lights is celebrated with much vigor and grandeur. The sparsely populated state welcomes festivals and fairs as it is one of the reasons for get-togethers. This shows the zest for life among the Rajasthanis. Good food, dance and music are an integral part of the festivities.
Diwali is celebrated every year in October-November and is one of the most vibrant festivals of Rajasthan. The origin is traced back to the Ramayana when Lord Rama returned to his kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. On his return the entire kingdom was lit up to welcome his homecoming. Even to this day all houses in Rajasthan are lit with decorative diyas and the city of Jaipur comes alive with lights on this day. The city of Jaipur resembles an expensive film set with exquisite illuminations.
Womenfolk flock together and prepare special delicacies like Mawa Kachori, Til Ke Laddo, Gonth ke Laddu, Piste ke Launj, Moti Pak, Pheeni, Sohan Papdi, Besan Barfi, Jalebi and Shakarpara. Diwali sweets are special in Rajasthan as they are prepared with zest, love, care and togetherness.
People in Rajasthan prepare for Diwali by cleaning the house, preparing Diwali sweets and inviting friends and relatives home. The rituals performed are akin to the rest of India .Lakshmi puja is performed in the evening. Jaipur is a land of business establishments hence Goddess Laxmi is revered with devotion. The diya which is lit in honor of the Goddess is left burning on the altar for the rest of the night. Diwali mithai is relished and Diwali gifts are exchanged
. Once dusk sets in, firecrackers are lit.
The Pink City looks spectacular on Diwali day with lighting all around. The city sparkles and it looks like nothing is more reminiscent of the Moghul Era than the extravagant decorations and celebrations at Jaipur.
Diwali - The Festival of Lights and the message that it carries, reverberates throughout India irrespective of cultural and linguistic barriers. The victory of good over evil is observed across the country. The spectacle and grandeur is synonymous to Diwali and the festival is indeed the most widely observed festival in India.
Diwali celebrations in Kerala are carried out at a smaller scale as compared to the rest of India. The tradition of celebrating Diwali was never followed among the local Keralites, as it is not part of their culture. This is because Diwali has traditionally been a festival for merchants
, and being a communist-ruled state, the Hindus of Kerala have never freely engaged in trade.
But with a cosmopolitan population in most of the cities in Kerala, Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and show in these places. Most of Indian communities residing in Kerala apart from the native population are Tamils, Bengalis and various North Indian communities. Diwali gifts and Diwali sweets are exchanged among these communities. They wear new apparels and visit temples to pay obeisance to goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Fireworks, lights, sweets and feasting are also a part of the Diwali celebration in Kerala.
Diwali, the festival of lights, fireworks, gifts and sweets is the much awaited celebration in Gujarat. Associated chiefly with Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth, this festival is especially popular in this part of India, with a majority of business class Gujarati population.
Though the actual Diwali festival in this state consists of a five day long celebration, yet the festive fervor begins weeks before Diwali, as people embark on a shopping spree for the Diwali days. Gujaratis buy home furnishings and other decorative to adorn their houses on the occasion. Some people go for a complete makeover for their homes with spring cleaning, whitewashing and renovations. The young population specially buys apparel and apparel accessories to flaunt on the occasion of Diwali.
Though the five day-long Diwali celebration has been dedicated to different occasions, yet the predominant deity worshipped remains goddess Lakshmi.
The first day of Diwali in Gujarat begins with Dhanteras like in the rest of India. On this day, people of Gujarat buy and present Dhanteras gifts like silver and gold jewelry to usher in wealth and good fortune throughout the year. In evening female members of the respective Gujarati households create designs - usually depicting nature or the gods - from natural powder colors on the entrances. These are called 'rangoli' and are supposed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi to the house. Small footprints are also drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the house for the goddess.
The second day is Kali Choudas, which celebrates the Kali - the "goddess of power". It is believed that on this day, the deity killed the wicked demon Raktavija. It represents the triumph of good over evil. Some people also offer puja to Hanuman, the monkey god to protect themselves from all the dark forces in the world. People in Gujarat celebrate the occasion by offering puja to the Hanuman with sesame seeds, ladoos and rice with ghee and sugar.
In most of the Gujarati households, the female members wash their hair and apply kohl or kajal in the ey
es to avoid kali nazar or evil eye. People offer food (locally called Nived) and water to the goddess Kali at the crossroads in the vicinity of their homes. They believe that this can cast off evil spirits throughout the year. Some families also offer food to their forefathers on this day.
The third day is Chopda Pujan, which is very significant to the business community, as this is time when ledgers and new account books are opened following a special prayer to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
The fourth day of Diwali is the most important day, and is called "Bestavarsh". This day is considered the Gujarati's New Year. This day is marked by joyous celebrations in each individual household. Gujaratis wear new clothes, jewellery and visit near and dear ones and greet each other. Sweets, dry fruits and diwali gifts are exchanged to herald the onset of a new year - a new beginning. This day is more popular among the business communities as on this day the new business year begins. Bestavarsh is also considered auspicious for shopping, inaugurations of new homes, business deals or for starting any new ventures and projects. People also visit temples to seek the blessings of their favorite gods and goddesses for a prosperous year ahead.
On the concluding day of Diwali in Gujarat is Bhaibeej celebrating the sacred bond between brother and sister. On this day, sisters specially married sisters visit their parents’ home and perform aarti (traditional ritual) and put tilak (kind of bindi) on her brother and pray
s for his long life. Those who do not have a brother perform a sort of puja to the Moon-God. Brothers in return present their sisters with varied kinds of gifts.
The Diwali is one of the most significant festivals in the state of Gujarat. Even most of the shops remain closed and the erstwhile Gujarati business community takes a long vacation from the first day of Diwali to Labh Pancham (the fifth day of the New Year). The five day long Diwali evenings are marked by lighting up streets and markets, and bursting crackers and Gujaratis indulge themselves in gay abandon.
Diwali - The festival of lights, is the one of the best occasions to bond and greet family and friends. With fireworks, sweets, lights and gifts, this festival is indeed a much awaited celebration of the year. To make Diwali shopping a memorable experience, Infibeam.com, has launched an exclusive Diwali Store with a wide range of gifts with special discounts.
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Diwali the festival of lights, color and fireworks is celebrated with pageantry, splendor and gaiety in the state of Karnataka. Though the celebrations are different as compared to the rest of India the essence remains the same.
Naraka chaturdashi is a significant day. Lord Bali had become all powerful, invincible and a threat to universal peace. Lord Vishnu then took the 'Vamana Avatar' and came to his kingdom asking for three wishes. He asked for three steps of land which the pompous king readily agreed to give him. With the first step he covered the earth, with the second the heavens and there was no place for the third step. The emperor, true to his promise knelt down offering him his head. Then Vishnu in 'Vamana Avatar' kept his foot on his head and thus defeated King Bali. This day is very auspicious for Kannadigas as they believe Lord Vishnu to be the supreme savior. The victory is observed on the day of the new moon or Amavasya.
Diwali sweets are prepared and houses are cleaned and decked up for the great day of festivities. Entrance is decorated with Torans or door decorations made of artificial flowers, beads and sequins. Puja is performed with ornately decorated puja thalis, camphor aarti, and incense sticks. In south India camphor lit aarti is an integral part of pujas. Goddess Laxmi is ornately decorated with gold jewelry and special Laxmi puja is performed on the second day. The women folk dress up in grand clothes, observe fasting and perform the puja by offering rice, flowers, sweets, sandal paste and coconuts. Offering coconuts to the Gods is also a part of almost all pujas in the state.
As Dilwali is synonymous with Laxmi Puja, lights are lit and the courtyard of houses is decorated with rows of lamps. Diwali is also known as Deepavali in Karnataka. Goddess Laxmi is welcomed into homes with rows of lamps and intricate rangoli patterns drawn at the entrance. I
n Karnataka as in other states, firecrackers are burst when it gets dark and illumination is seen all around.
The third day is Diwali and is an occasion for families to get together. Diwali gifts are exchanged between friends, family and business associates. Various gift items like apparel, Diwali sweets, Diwali decorations and gold jewelry are exchanged during the festive season. Innovative ideas are essential to make Diwali special.
Families separated by distances send gifts to each other. Sending Diwali gifts to India is made easy by online marts. Diwali is one of the very few festivals which is observed by people across India, irrespective of the religion and regional disparity. The specific deities worshipped, may be region specific but the core significance and revelry remains the same. A great day for revering the Gods, Diwali is also special as it emphasizes on pleasant family gatherings and bonding between friends.
Maharashtra, with its major chunk of Marathi population celebrates Diwali in a special way that is quite different from Diwali celebrations in North India. The four day long Diwali Festival, in this state usually begins with Vasu-baras, in honor of the female cow, representing motherhood. The rituals of this day involves married women performing puja to lactating cows with calves, offering gratitude for providing milk and in turn contributing to the overall well being of 
their children. An important tradition followed on this day is also buying gold and silver jewelries. It is believed that doing thus, ushers in wealth and good fortune throughout the year.
Another festival held on the same day is the Dhanatrayodashi, which is the Marathi name for Dhanteras. Unlike in other parts of India, on this day the Maharashtrian women light diyas in the name of each male members of the family for their long life. Known as Yama-Deep-Dan in the state, the festival involves lighting specially kneaded flour diyas in honor of Lord Yama, the god of death in Hindu mythology. There is an interesting legend related to this festival, a young prince was predestined to die on the fourth day of his marriage. But on that day, his wife kept him awake and lighted diyas at the entrance. As it was destined, god of death 'Yama' disguised as a snake tried to enter the Prince's chamber but could not complete his mission out of compassion for the young wife who lighted the diyas to pray to him. This day is hence celebrated as Yamandeepdaan and a diya is kept burning whole night in the name of Yama.
The second day is marked by Narak-Chaturdashi, another name for Chhoti Diwali in Maharashtra. This day is marked by taking special bath early in the morning after a full body massage of scented oil. The special locally abhyang-snan involves using a particular ayurvedic preparation made of sandalwood, camphor, manjistha, rose, orange peels and turmeric instead of synthetic soap. Firecrackers and fireworks add to the overall festive mood of the whole ritualistic bath. Steamed vermicelli with milk and sugar or puffed rice with curd is prepared as a part of the celebration on this day.
This celebration is related to the legend of Lord Krishna killing the wicked demon Nakarasura. It is said that after killing the demon, Krishna returned home early morning. The womenfolk massaged scented oil to his body and gave him a good bath to wash away the filth from his body. Since then the custom of taking bath before sunrise on this day has become a traditional practice especially in Maharashtra. In the evening of this day, Maharashtrians perform the Lakshmi-Pujan worshipping Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Guests are served an array of savory snacks like chivda, chakali, shankar-pale, anarse, kadaboli, karanji, shev, chirote etc. especially during this day. Diwali sweets and Diwali gifts are exchanged between near and dear ones during the Diwali festival.
Throughout Diwali, Marathi people hang traditional Akash-kandil or Akash-dive and light up panti's, or traditional diyas outside their houses. Rangolis are also very popular in Mah
arashtra during the Diwali season.
On the third day of Diwali is the Diwalicha Padva - a celebration of conjugal life between married couples. On this day, wives perform aukshan, a traditional aarti for the overall well being and long life of their respective husbands. And the husbands in return give special diwali gifts to their wives.
The last day of Diwali festival is called Bhau Bij the Marathi name for Bhaidooj, held to celebrate brother sister bond. On this day, sisters do 'aukshan' of their brothers and pray for their long life. Brothers, in their turn bless their sister and pamper them with loads of Bhau-Bij / Bhaidooj gifts.
The Maharashtrians conclude the Diwali celebrations with Tulsi Vivah, which generally comes on the 11th day of Diwali. On this day people organize ritualistic marriage of the tulsi (basil plant). The concluding day of Diwali is known as Dev Diwali.
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Punjab means five rivers in the literal sense. The state is synonymous with prosperity, cheerfulne
ss and an exuberance which is hard to miss. The lively people of Punjab cannot be left behind in the festivities of Diwali. Gaiety and merriment is so innate to Punjab that it is only natural that you expect something unique about the Diwali celebrations in Punjab. Diwali mithai and Diwali gifts almost define the festival. People spruce up for the festivities well before time and decide the kind of Diwali presents they would buy for family and friends.Diwali is celebrated with much enthusiasm in the state of Punjab. People start preparing for the festival well in advance. Homes and surroundings are cleaned and decorated. Rich and delectable sweets are prepared for the puja and the merriment that follows. Traditional motifs of rangoli are seen at the entrance. Goddess Laxmi is welcomed into each and every house.
For the natives of Punjab this day is all the more auspicious, as Guru Hargobindji was released from the Gwalior prison on the Diwali day. Earthen lamps or diyas are lit in the courtyard and the entrance. The golden temple at Amritsar wears a festive look with illumination. Trad
itional lamps of all colors festoon the temple. The reflection of the illuminated temple looks spectacular. Fireworks by professionals follow and this takes you to the bygone era.That is not all. The day after Diwali is celebrated as 'Tikka'. Winter crops are sown during Diwali time and this day is dedicated to the crop and the expected yield. It also signifies the brother sister bond. On this day sisters place a saffron 'tilak' on the brother’s forehead to ward off all evil. This ceremony is akin to 'Bahi Dooj' celebrated in the rest of India. Bhai Dooj gifts are also a vital part of the celebrations.
Diwali sweets and Diwali gifts are indispensable to Diwali. Sending Diwali gifts to India is customary during this widely celebrated festival. Family living abroad avail the online shopping option to gift relatives in India. Of late presenting Diwali gift hampers to relatives friends and business associates is also very much in vogue.
Though the element of Diwali is the same across India, the significance and approach to the festival is distinct. This variance is the essence of the cultural diversity which is innate to India. Diwali is one such festival which epitomizes this in an extravagant manner.
Along with the rest of India, West Bengal, the gateway to Eastern India celebrates Diwali - the festival of light with great funfare. And it has a unique flavor of its own in the State. Diwali in West Bengal comes off just after Durga Puja, the most important festival of the state. The f
irst day of the Diwali festival in Bengal begins with the lighting of lamps in every households and commercial establishments. In most of the Bengali households, two or even four plantain trees would be erected in the entrance and diyas are put on these using bamboo poles.
People both young and the old hold a grand display of fire and the night is filled with the hiss of rockets and the boom of crackers. In West Bengal the Dhanteras festival is confined to only a section of business community. The festivities on Diwali night have rich cultural content in this State. Gambling is socially permitted. Religious discourses, recitals from sacred books embellished with songs and expositions are held in temples. Diwali in this State formally ushers in the season of winter.
The most important part of Diwali celebration in West Bengal is the Kali Puja that is held on the second day of the 3-day long Diwali festival. It is believed that on this day, Kali, the goddess of power killed the wicked demon Raktavija. The Kali Puja is marked by lighting lamps and offering puja to this deity considered the fearful incarnation of Goddess Durga. Kali is believed to be the destroyer of all evils and people in Bengal feel that worshipping her during Diwali brings in a revival of justice in this world.
Unlike in other parts of India, Lakshmi Puja may or may not come as per the Hindu calendar during Diwali festival in West Bengal.
Feasting, drinking, gambling, family gatherings, lights and fire crackers mark the festival in West Bengal. Diwali gifts in Bengal are generally restricted to sweets and dry fruits; they do not buy other gifts items unlike in most of the States in India. And shops apart from those selling sweets and fire crackers remain closed during the festival days.
Bhai Phota also known as Bhai Dooj in the rest of India marks the end of Diwali in West Bengal. It is a festival wherein sisters apply a tilak known as 'phota' in Bengali, for their long life. The ritual also involve sisters blowing the conch shell and chanting mantras with some paddy grass known as "Dub" or "Dubya" on their brothers' heads for their well being. The festival concludes with a grand meal and the exchange of gifts.
It is to be mentioned here that Bhai Phota may not fall on the last day of Diwali in certain years, as per the timings of the Hindu calendar. Though Diwali celebration is carried out in West Bengal in its own unique way, yet it retains the basic flavor of joie de vivre like in the rest of India.
Diwali is celebrated in Bihar with as much pomp and splendor, as in the other states of India. The festivities go on for five days starting with Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi. In Bihar this day is ded
icated to Dhanvanthri the physician of the gods. Legend has it that he emerged with the 'Amrita' or nectar of immortality during the 'Samudra Manthan'. It falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Karthik month of the Hindu calendar. Dhan means wealth and Dhanteras is essentially a day dedicated to worship of Goddess Laxmi. It holds more significance for the business community.
During Dhanteras houses and business setups are decorated and entrances are made colorful with rangoli. In Bihar 'Diwali Rangolis' always have footprints made or rice or vermilion powder symbolizing Goddess Laxmi's entry into the house. It is also considered auspicious to buy utensils on this auspicious occasion. Dhanteras gifts like gold and silver are purchased. Families who own cattle clean and decorate them and offer special prayers as they are considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Laxmi.
The second day of the five day celebration is known as Choti Diwali. This is similar to the Diwali festival and is celebrated on a smaller scale. Fewer lights and crackers are lit on this day. Exotic rangoli patterns are seen at the entrance with the traditional footprint design facing towards the entrance.
The third day is dedicated to Laxmi Puja. This is the grandest occasion when Goddess Laxmi is revered. Diyas are lit and the whole house is decorated. Rangoli is applied at the entrance, door decorations are also a major part of the festivities. Torans or exquisitely designed door hangings are important decorative items. Ornate diyas or diwali lamps form an integral part of the Diwali illumination. People wear new clothes, perform puja and sing Laxmi bhajans. The gods are offered kheel, batashe and khilone and other freshly prepared sweets. After the puja, sweets are distributed as prasad. Members of the family, colleagues and friends exchange the much awaited Diwali gifts and Diwali sweets.
People of rural Bihar or the 'adivasis' worship Kali during Diwali. Consuming unripe coconut and beetle on this day is considered auspicious. In a place known as 'Chota Nagpur' the men folk walk around the village carrying baskets filled with paddy and grass. A week after Diwali the festival of 'Chhath' is celebrated. On this day people live on the banks of the river Ganga and perform rituals for sun God.
The fourth day is celebrated as the Govardhan Puja. Though it is celebrated in other states of India it is special to the people of Bihar. Devotees of Lord Krishna observe this day wi
th much reverence. It commemorates Lord Krishna's great feat of lifting the Govardhan mountain to provide shelter to people of Mathura during the rainstorm. He is believed to have protected people from the anguish of Lord Indra. Since then this day is celebrated to thank Lord Krishna.
The fifth and the last day is celebrated as 'Bhai Dooj' which is symbolic of the brother sister bond. The vermillion tilak which is applied on the brother's forehead is considered to be very auspicious.
The festival of lights may have the same intensity of significance across India, but each state has something unique about the celebrations. In Bihar it is the Laxmi Puja procedures, Bhaidooj and the Diwali sweets which are specific to the region. People across India revere the Gods and Goddesses, but the way in which they do so, makes Diwali a region specific celebration thereby adding to its authenticity.
Celebrating Diwali in Delhi, the capital city of India has a unique charm of its own. With traditional and classy neon lights brightly lit throughout the shops, houses and other establishments, the city seem to wear a new glittery garb to celebrate Diwali. With a cosmopolitan population, Diwali celebrations in Delhi represents the festival of lights with a special Indian flavor.
The 'Diwali fever' in Delhi commences days before the actual Diwali day. Just after Dussehra festival, people in Delhi start making preparations for Diwali. Renovations, whitewashing a
nd spring-cleaning both at personal and commercial establishments are carried out at full swing for the Diwali day. Even market places and shopping areas acquire a new look with streamers and banners announcing the advent of Diwali. People embark on daily trips to their favorite shops to buy new apparels, gifts, sweets, greeting cards, pooja accessories diyas, artificial lights of various hue and colors etc. for themselves and their loved ones. In keeping with the festive mood, national and international brands also offer alluring discounts for buyers. During this time, the capital city is abuzz with various fairs and melas that offer traditional stuff from clothes, pooja items to firecrackers. Firecrackers are burned in the city even a week or two before Diwali.
Online stores offer heavy discounts to its customers on the occasion of Diwali as well. These online stores have indeed made gifting easy with a wide array of gifts to choose from, without actually visiting the stores. Delhites have taken full benefit of the special online Diwali stores and buy and gift sweets, puja thalis, dry fruits, homemade chocolates, diyas, candles, wall hangings, decor items, gift hampers, jewelry, apparel, and flowers. With a huge chunk of youngsters of Delhi living abroad, online Diwali stores are a huge favorite. They can send Diwali gifts to India, via these stores to their near ones, without missing the fun and revelry associated with Diwali.
Another common trend prevalent in the corporate houses in Delhi is the giving out of corporate gifts. Corporate houses take Diwali as the perfect occasion to present their employees and clients with gifts like Diwali gift hampers, gift baskets, designer gift boxes, pen sets, diaries, watches, perfumes, mobiles, crockery and the like. Some corporate houses have also evolved upon the idea of gift certificates/ vouchers, which enable the receiver to choose gifts of their choice from selected brands. These can also be redeemed at restaurants and popular eateries. This is the right time for the corporate houses to show their gratitude and concern to the members of their establishments.
Diwali in Delhi, like in the other states of North India, is a five day long festival. The much awaited festival of the year begins with Dhanteras, wherein the people of Delhi buy kitchen utensils for a new beginning. This day has special significance for the business community, and hence they keep their shops open till late night to ensure good sales throughout the year. On the second day, are Chhoti Diwali, and Roop Chaturdashi, celebrating Diwali at a smaller scale. The third day is Bandi Chhor Diwas that has special significance for the Sikh community residing in Delhi. The fourth day is Goverdhan Puja and Annakoot celebrating Lord Krishna's victory over Indra (the god of clouds). On the concluding day is Bhai Dooj, which is celebrated only by a section of the Delhi population.
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