Jaipur is famous for its lively people, who bring the city to life by celebrating a series of fairs and festivals. People rejoice and feast with great joy, keeping old traditions alive in the form of festivals in the capital city of Rajasthan. These fairs and festivals are the best way to cultivate bonds between people from different regions and religions in Jaipur.
Diwali is one of the very special festivals of Hindus in India and abroad. Whose preparations start weeks before in India. The festival continues for five days, starting with Dhanteras followed by Roop Chaudas (Chhoti Diwali), Diwali (Lakshmi Puja), Govardhan Puja and then Bhai Dooj. Among all the festivals celebrated in Jaipur, Diwali is perhaps the only festival that makes the city a shining avatar. Jaipur is one of the popular cities in India where Diwali is celebrated with enthusiasm and vigor.
Diwali is a festival of light that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The word Diwali / Deepavali translates as “row of Diyas / Lamps” – this is a common feature of the festival. It is celebrated on Amavasya (no moon night) of the Kartik month of Hindu calendar, when it is believed that Lord Rama returned to his capital, Ayodhya on this day after 14 years of exile, and brought enlightenment to people’s lives.
In addition to the obvious fervor of celebrating the festival, Deepawali has another special place in Jaipur’s culture. The Royal Family of Jaipur considers them descendants of Kusha, who is the son of Lord Rama. And therefore, the importance of Lord Rama’s homecoming gives us another reason to celebrate this festival.
Diwali in Jaipur
Jaipuriets await Diwali all year round. It is considered the auspicious time for the purchase of goods, jewelry, gold, vehicles etc. The actual festival celebration is a 5 day event, but the preparations themselves begin a month before the festival.
The markets are adorned with a variety of beautiful lights, handcrafted items and other decorative items. There is no shortage of historic places in Jaipur and the lighting done in all these places during Diwali is the most original. It is a pleasure to see Diwali everywhere in Jaipur.
Dhanteras in Jaipur- The festival is celebrated 2 days before Diwali on the thirteenth day of the month of Kartik. the literal meaning of Dhanteras is the thirteenth day of wealth. It is the beginning of Diwali celebrations in Jaipur. This day is considered auspicious for the purchase of utensils, vehicles, fireworks, clothes, jewelry and other domestic equipment. Market decorations go live on this day.
Chhoti Diwali in Jaipur- On this day, the people of Jaipur go out to buy clothes, sweets, food, fireworks, etc. Many people in Jaipur go out to see Diwali’s decorations. Small Diwali is celebrated on the second day, by lighting 11 lamps, the arrival of Deepawali is welcomed.
Diwali Night in Jaipur- Houses, markets and shops are decorated with lights and diyas to illuminate the darkness at Kartik Krishna’s Amavasya. After worshiping Lakshmi-Ganesh-Saraswati at night, people do Ram-Ram and congratulate their friends and relatives on Diwali. At the same time gifts are exchanged. People celebrate the Deepawali festival by burning fireworks at night. Whole family, neighbors and friends get together to enjoy the fireworks. Many people take time out to see Diwali decorations in Jaipur.
Govardhan Puja- Govardhan is worshiped on the second day (Kartik Shukla Pratiprada) of Deepawali. Govardhan means the growth of cow dynasty. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Jaipur. Annakut is prepared for temple worship. Annakut means mountain of food. Annakut are offered to Lord Krishna and then served to family members. On this day, the rural women worship the calf and by sowing the field with the calf, begin the domination of Govardhan. On this occasion, women perform folk songs and perform Govardhan Puja.
Bhai Dooj/ Bhaiya Duj in Jaipur- Bhai Dooj is Hindu festival to celebrate the relationship of brothers and sisters. This is the last day of Diwali celebrations. Sisters and daughters visit their father’s homes at the festival. They put a teeka on their brother’s forehead, tie a religious thread around their wrist and wish their brothers a long life. In return, the brothers present them with gifts. Later, the whole family gets together for the feasts.
Diwali in Jaipur has a much more attractive and brighter avatar. There is a unique blend of culture and religion in the Diwali celebrations in Jaipur. Here you experience the eclectic mix of modern and traditional ways to celebrate the festival of lights. People who have witnessed Diwali celebrations in different cities say that Jaipur’s Diwali celebrations are special. That is why Jaipur is the best place to celebrate Diwali in India. The city certainly knows how to celebrate Diwali and spread good vibes everywhere.
