Today is the day of Diwali so happy Diwali everybody!! It is a day of happiness and celebration and lots and lots of food. Today celebrates the return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after defeating the ten-headed demon and you can read the full story of Diwali here.
Traditionally, we have a big family feast together in the evening – this year we’re all heading to my sisters house to celebrate and I can’t wait to see what she’s cooked up! We exchange cards and presents, light up the divos and stay up late into the evening, playing cards and spending time with family. We also often light fireworks and sparklers to celebrate the new year.
Many business people start a new accounting book on this day with a special ritual called chopda poojan. At an auspicious time in the day, they draw a satyo (swastika) on the first page, do a chandlo on a coin and pray to Lakshmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity), Saraswati (goddess of education and knowledge) and the god Ganesh (the remover of obstacles).
However you’re celebrating today, wishing you and your families and very Happy Diwali!