News India-Times

Diwali is celebrated in Gujarat with great gusto and aplomb. As Gujarat develops into one of India's fastest growing business and trading hubs, Diwali has, in recent times, seen phenomenal commercial activity during the period. Lakshmi puja, again central to Diwali celebrations, usually takes place 18 days after the end of Navratri (Dusshera), and lasts for five days.

The first day of this five-day celebration begins with Dhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi), followed by Narakachaturdashi, which is also known as Kalichoudas. The third day is chopda pujan while Gujarat's New Year (Gudi Padava) normally occurs (depending on the Hindu calendar) on the fourth day and Bhathru Dwithiya on the last day. There is a belief that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are well lit.

Therefore, all Gujarati families decorate their houses with light, flowers, festoons, candles and diyas. They create rangolis and also draw small footprints with rice flour and vermilion powder inside their homes. Shopping is a huge affair with the whole family dividing up tasks.

Hence, the markets in Gujarat liven up a month before Diwali - from jewelry, clothes, sweets and gift items to firecrackers. However, the markets of Gujarat down their shutters on Dhanteras, two days before Diwali until Labh Pancham. For traders and businessmen, this is vacation time.

Labels: celebrations, diwali, festivals, indian temples, laxmi puja

# posted by PressMart Team @ 1:12 AM