Diwali Festival Traditions in India

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, in its original form is also commonly known as "The Festival of Lights". It is a celebration of and a reverence to the Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, who is said to shower wealth and prosperity on those who worship her.

Over the years, Diwali has adopted certain traditions and customs, which have no significance to the religion. The tradition of sending cards on Diwali is done to strengthen and renew bonds between loved ones. Some of the cards will read, "Hope the Festival of lights enlightens your home and heart with peace and serenity." Others read, "May the Goddess of Wealth and the God of Knowledge bless you with their choicest blessings on this Diwali."

Many schools all across India encourage children to make handmade cards. The children learn about the traditions and customs in this way and they understand the importance of Deepavali and the importance to exchanging cards during the Diwali Festival. Exchanging cards creates a feeling of a new beginnings, good will and love.

These days, many Indians are away from their home country during Diwali, and cards, either real paper greeting cards, and now E-Cards, with the introduction of technology,have become popular. There are many free E-card websites, where you can now send loved ones E-greetings, or even real paper cards, along with gifts of sweets.
In India, many orphanages also allow their children to create cards, which are sold. The money obtained from selling these cards made by the orphans will go back into the organization to benefit the children. Many people sympathize with the children and buy charity cards, knowing that the money will be used toward a good cause.

The pictures used on Diwali cards, are mostly Diyas, signifying the light overcoming darkness, as well as discovering our own enlightened beings. Many cards have Rangoli designs on the cards. Rangoli is a special art form, done with colored sand and is an auspicious art project done at the entrance of each household. Rangoli is said to draw in the Goddess Lakshmi, where she will come into the home and bless the people with wealth and prosperity on Diwali night. Other cards have images of Lord Ganesha, the protector of wealth and the destroyer of ignorance; as well as Goddess Lakshmi, often seen sitting on a Lotus flower with coins at her feet.

In the end, Diwali is also a time for family and friends to absolve their issues, and to start over. Exchanging cards creates an atmosphere of good will, and allows one to convey their best wishes to their loved ones, by giving them the most beautiful Diwali cards.