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Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most celebrated occasions in India and around the world. It is a time of joy, prosperity, and gratitude, as well as a time of shopping, gifting, and decorating. In this blog, we will explore some of the customs and traditions of Diwali, as well as some of the best places to shop for Diwali essentials in India.

Customs and Traditions of Diwali

Diwali is a five-day festival that commemorates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Each day has its own significance and rituals, but some of the common customs and traditions of Diwali are:

• Cleaning: Before Diwali, people clean their homes and offices thoroughly, as a way of welcoming Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Cleaning also symbolizes the removal of negativity and the renewal of positivity.

• Lakshmi Pooja: On the main day of Diwali, people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, and seek their blessings for a prosperous and successful year ahead. They offer prayers, flowers, sweets, and lamps to the deities, and chant mantras and hymns.
• Decorating: Diwali is a festival of lights, and people decorate their homes and surroundings with colorful lights, candles, diyas (earthen lamps), rangolis (colorful patterns made on the floor), and flowers. These decorations create a festive and vibrant atmosphere, and also signify the dispelling of darkness and the spreading of joy.
• Shopping: Diwali is also a time of shopping, as people buy new clothes, jewelry, gadgets, appliances, furniture, and other items for themselves and their loved ones. Shopping is considered auspicious during Diwali, especially on the first day, known as Dhanteras, when people buy gold and silver items.
• Gifting: Diwali is a time of sharing and caring, and people exchange gifts with their family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. The most popular gifts are sweets, dry fruits, chocolates, candles, diyas, and handicrafts. Gifting is a way of expressing love, gratitude, and goodwill.

Best Places for Diwali Shopping in India

India is a diverse and colorful country, and each region has its own specialties and attractions for Diwali shopping. Here are some of the best places to shop for Diwali essentials in India:

Chandni Chowk, Delhi: This historic market in Old Delhi is a treasure trove of traditional décor and festive essentials, such as earthen diyas, vibrant decorations, festive lights, and rangolis. It is also a great place to buy traditional clothing, such as sarees, lehengas, kurtas, and sherwanis, as well as jewelry, spices, and sweets.

Johari Bazaar, Jaipur: This market is known for its exquisite jewelry, especially gemstones and antique pieces. It is also a good place to buy Rajasthani artwork, such as paintings, puppets, and pottery, as well as traditional clothing, such as bandhani, leheriya, and gota.

Crawford Market and Colaba Causeway, Mumbai: These markets offer a diverse and eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary items, such as decorative items, candles, stylish home décor, festive clothing, and gifts. They are also famous for their street food, such as vada pav, pav bhaji, and chaat.

Varanasi Local Markets, Uttar Pradesh: This holy city is known for its spiritual and cultural significance, as well as its silk sarees, brassware, carpets, and handicrafts. The local markets are full of colorful and intricate items, such as diyas, lamps, idols, and paintings, that are perfect for Diwali.

New Market and Gariahat Market, Kolkata: These markets are known for their Bengali delicacies, such as sandesh, rasgulla, and mishti doi, as well as their terracotta items, such as pots, lamps, and figurines. They are also good places to buy sarees, especially the famous Baluchari and Tant varieties.

Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad: This market is known for its lac bangles, which are colorful and embellished with stones, pearls, and mirrors. They are a must-have accessory for Diwali, as they add a touch of glamour and sparkle to any outfit. The market also offers other items, such as perfumes, jewelry, and fabrics.

Law Garden and Rani no Hajiro, Ahmedabad: These markets are known for their Gujarati specialties, such as bandhani, mirror work, and embroidery. They are also good places to buy traditional items, such as torans (door hangings), chaniya cholis (skirts and blouses), and dandiya sticks (used for a folk dance)1.

Diwali is a festival that celebrates the diversity and richness of India’s culture and heritage. It is a time to indulge in shopping, gifting, and decorating, as well as a time to reflect on the values and virtues of life. We hope this blog has given you some insights and inspiration for your Diwali shopping.

Apart from the above markets, many people have their own small businesses that they run and exhibit some really beautiful products that one may find unique especially for gifting purposes. Supporting small businesses is not just a financial transaction, but a way to contribute to the local community and economy.

This Diwali, make a conscious choice to shop from small businesses, artisans, and local vendors. They offer unique and handcrafted products that reflect the rich cultural heritage of India. By purchasing from these small businesses, we can help them thrive and sustain their livelihoods. So, while you’re shopping for Diwali essentials, consider exploring the local markets, independent boutiques, and online platforms that support small businesses. Let’s celebrate Diwali by supporting the dreams and aspirations of our fellow entrepreneurs and artisans. Together, we can make a difference and create a stronger, more inclusive economy.

Happy Diwali from The WriteFluence Editorial Team.

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