Design By shilpi: Votives for coming Festive season

Diwali literally means a "Row of Lights."

Stain glass bottle lamps

The Festival of Lights, Diwali, is a very bright,colorful and happy celebration.
We all do prepare our homes months in advance for the special festivities that symbolizes the victory of spiritual goodness and the lifting of spiritual darkness.
Firecrackers are set off to drive away evil, n that's enjoyed by the kids and adults equally..........
Oil lamps(diyas) are lit, not only in front of "Lord Ganesha n Goddess Lakshmi" but all around the house......
Flower garlands are made, esp. from "Gende kaa phool" Merigold flower nad mango leaves.....
Candles float in bowls of water outside homes and sweets are shared as part of the festivities.....

Stain glass n glitter VOTIVES

Diwali can also represent the awareness of inner light within a person when ignorance is pushed aside by understanding and enlightenment.

Gold n glitter VOTIVES

The Five Days Of Diwali

Day 1 – Dhanteras – Diwali is celebrated in five days and each day has its own significance, with one or other legend attached to it. The first day of Diwali is known as 'Dhanteras' or ''Dhan Trayodashi'. On this day, people offer prayers to goddess Lakshmi and buy silver utensils.The start of the financial year for most Indian businesses and is also the day of worship of the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdasi – The second day of Diwali is known as 'Narak Chaturdashi', which is popularly known as 'Chhoti Diwali'. This is the day of cleansing. Oil baths are taken, people put on new clothes and food delicacies are prepared.
Day 3 – Diwali – The third day, which is the main day of Diwali, is also known by the name, 'Badi Diwali'. It is on this day that people perform pujas dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi for her blessings. The day of the new moon – Amavasya – and the official day of the Diwali holiday.
Day 4 – Kartika Shudda Padyami – On the fourth day of Diwali, people offer Govardhan Puja.The day recognised for when the tyrant, Bali, stepped out of hell and ruled the earth.
Day 5 – Bhai Dooj (Yama Dvitiya )-The fifth Day of Diwali is popularly known as 'Bhai Dooj'. This day is mainly celebrated to strengthen the brother-sister relationship.Along with "Rakhi" this day is the day when love is symbolised between brothers and sisters.

Golden stain glass VOTIVES

Although these days of celebration occur in many places, in north India, Diwali celebrates Rama’s homecoming and his coronation as king. In Gujarat, the festival honors Lakshmi, and in Bengal, Diwali is associated with the goddess, Kali.

Gold n stain glass VOTIVES

Regardless of the differences across the land, the exciting theme for all places is the renewal of life and the lifting of darkness, and it is a happy festival of lights.