Diwali on Whatsapp

As you all know, social media is a big thing in India. During the exchange projects with Germany various groups have been created in which the Indian students, parents and teachers are able to talk to each other and to organize the different trips.

During Diwali these groups were full with the usual greetings and wishes for a “Happy Diwali”, but in between one could also find pictures of families creating colourful rangoli or holding pujas. And if you really looked closely one got the glimpse of one or two Germans in traditional Indian dresses doing an aarti or kneeling in front of the gods. 

The following gallery is just a small, random selection of these pictures:

Happy Diwali 2017

Unfortunately we are not in India during the 2017 Diwali celebration due to our departure to Noida which is not until October 27th. But all our good wishes travel ahead and therefore we wish you and all your families a happy Diwali!

What is Diwali?

According to the Ramayana, the book about the life of Lord Rama, people lit a line of oil lamps to lighten the way of King Rama, his beloved wive Sita, and his brother Lakshmana. All three returned from 14 year long exile and could only find home due to the little diyas the people prepared for them.

To celebrate this story the people still put lights in their windows, the corners of their apartment and decorate their whole house with blossoms and even more lights. To celebrate that four day lasting festival you even burst crackers, perform pujas and visit family members. 

Whoever gets the chance to come to India during Diwali should embrace the opportunity and happily enjoy the sounds, colours and smells. 

How about you?

But everybody celebrates Diwali differently. What are your family traditions? Tell us in the comment section!