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 Diwali - The Festival of Lights spreads its radiance across India. The vivacity and togetherness of the festival must be experienced to know about it. In the state of Orissa the festival has a style of its own. The procedures vary from the other parts of the country and this adds to the charm of the festival.
People of Orissa get together and indulge in calling spirits of ancestors. An earthen pot with small windows is tied to tall bamboo poles which are erected in front of houses. These poles act as a support to hold the pot. Within the earthen pot a lamp is placed to light up the dark. Once the spirits are called, jute stems are burnt to show light in the dark path. This light is believed to show the way to the spirits, when they traverse back to heaven in darkness.
In the evening members of the family gather after dusk. A rangoli pattern taking the shape of a sailboat is drawn on the ground. Right beside the rangoli a plough, a mortar and pestle is placed which is also worshiped with devotion. The sailboat has seven chambers and in each of the chamber several items are kept like cotton, mustard, salt, asparagus root, turmeric and a wild creeper.
There is a central chamber in which is placed prasad. On top of the prasad a beautiful jute stem with a cloth wick is placed which serves as the main diya. The diya is lit at the beginning of the puja. Each of the members gathered there and holds a bundle of jute stems in their hands. They light their respective bundles from the main flame on the rangoli and raise it towards the sky with chants.
Diwali in Orissa is also special as gifts are exchanged and delectable Diwali sweets are prepared. Diwali gifts are also sent to different parts of the world to friends and family living there. After the puja people gather to burst Diwali crackers and the place lights up with festivities that the people of Orissa revel in, on the Diwali night.
As in other parts people celebrate Diwali within the confines of their home, though larger gatherings are seen. The house is decorated with diyas to welcome Goddess Laxmi. Diwali gifts are exchanged between family members, friends, and colleagues. Sending gifts to family and friends is now made easy with online shopping marts.
The lamps, firecrackers, Diwali sweets, Diwali rangoli and the traditional practices make Diwali a significant festival in Orissa.
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