Indians celebrate many festivals. Based on mythological, traditional and economic reasons, some festivals are considered very important. Diwali is one such festival. It is the festival of lights. This festival is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety. Diwali is also called Deepavali, especially in the Southern parts of India. It is celebrated by evderybody, rich and poor, in all parts of the country in the fervent hope that Diwali would drive away darkness from their lives and bring them prosperity.

Traditionally, it is on Diwali day that businessmen open their new account books. Marking the occasion, they invite friends and relatives to the puja (worship) of Goddess Lakshmi, who brings prosperity. They distribute sweets and send gifts to their business associates.

The celebration of the festival lasts four days. It commences on Aswiyuja Bahula Chaturdasi (the fourteenth day during the month of Aswiyuja, the seventh month of the year) and concludes on Kartika Suddha Vidiya (The second day of Kartika). The first day of the festival is Naraka Chaturdasi, the day on which demon Naraka was eliminated by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.

According to mythology, Naraka, son of goddess Bhudevi, was bestowed with immense power by Lord Brahma who blessed him following a severe penance. Armed with such awesome power, Naraka unleashed a reign of terror in the kingdom of Kamarupa, troubling celestial beings. Unable to tolerate the oppression of the demon, they pleaded with Lord Krishna to protect them the menace of Naraka. It was not possible to kill Naraka as he had the boon that his death would be brought about only by Bhudevi, his mother. Hence, Lord Krishna asks his wife Satyabhama, a reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer during the battle with Naraka.

At one stage during the battle, Lord Krishna feigns unconsciousness after being hit by an arrow from Naraka. This prompts Satyabhama to take the bow and shoot arrows at Naraka, killing him instantly. The slaying of Naraka by Satyabhama is indicative of the triumph of good over evil. The message of Naraka Chaturdasi is that when evil reaches greater proportions in society, God takes it upon himself to root it out and restore peace and order. To express their joy at the destruction of evil, people burn crackers. That is the reason why Diwali is also called the festival of crackers.

Commemorating this joyous occasion, people greet each other, meet friends and relatives and exchange gifts. In case you intend to celebrate Diwali in a traditional manner and want to send gifts to your friends and relatives in India and abroad, you can contact us. We’d be happy to deliver your gifts and you can bank on us for timely and proper delivery of the gifts.