Happy Diwali ( Deepavali)!

Diwali is a very popular Indian festival that is celebrated by Hindu's worldwide. It is akin to Christmas and Eid. Diwali is known as the " Festival of Lights", as one of the salient features of this festival is lighting oil lamps in front of your homes. It also celebrated with lots of food , new clothing and very importantly, lots and lots of fireworks!! This is the only time in India when anybody and everybody can legally light up fireworks.

This is usually a 5-day affair. Again, the North Indians celebrate differently than the South Indians. There are also regional differences in the customs and traditions. That is the beauty of India: harmony in diversity. I am a South Indian, a Mangalorean Gowda Saraswath Brahmin to be specific and we celebrate it for 4 days only. This is how we celebrate Diwali:This year Diwali begins for us on Monday, 9 th November and continues until 12th November,2015. Wednesday, 11th November, is considered the main day or Deepavali, when a series of oil lamps are lit in front of our homes.

Monday, November 9th evening,the first day of Diwali, water is worshiped.There is a ceremonious application oil to the head and body and then a bath for all the kids. The bath is followed by a dinner in which fish is the main ingredient. This is the only auspicious event during which we are allowed to eat fish!!

Tuesday, November 10th( Naraka Chaturdashi), the second day of Diwali, adults participate in the process of oil massage and a ceremonious bath. Dhayan Phovu ( beaten rice mixed with yogurt and sugar) or Godu Phovu ( beaten rice mixed with jaggery & coconut )is eaten after the bath.

Wednesday, November 11th is the main day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja is conducted ,wherein Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped. Gifts and goodies ( read food) are exchanges amidst family and friends.

Thursday, November 12th, the fourth day of Diwali is Balipadyam when Lord Balindra and Goddess of food is worshiped and is also the day store owners celebrate it by praying to God for prosperity.

Sounds weird?? I think it is rather unique and our ancestors had good reason for all these days of celebration . It gives us reason to appreciate, celebrate and be thankful for all the good things and good people we have in our lives.

Food , especially sweets / desserts form the main part of any celebration. My blog however does not have too many of them. I have however put together a compilation of some of the desserts that are appropriate for this occasion. Just click on the title and it will take you to the detailed recipe.

I wish all of you readers a Happy and prosperous Diwali!

I am linking this to Throwback Thursday, Angie's Fiesta Friday#94 & Saucy Saturday.
Judi @ cookingwithauntjuju and Stef @ The Kiwi Fruit are co-hosting the Fiesta Friday this week!