Deepavali: How men celebrate the festival of lights

SHAH ALAM - DEEPAVALI is a significant festival in Hindu culture, commonly known as the "Festival of Lights".

The auspicious day is celebrated worldwide during the Hindu calendar month of Kartik, bringing people together in many different ways – from feasting to fireworks.

The celebration is not exclusively gender-specific, so men generally participate in the same traditions and activities as everyone else in their community or family.

Here's how men might celebrate Deepavali:

Spiritual Rituals: Men partake in prayers and pujas (worship rituals) at home or in temples. They might also join in chanting mantras or singing devotional songs.

Cleaning and Decorating: Leading up to the festival, men often help in cleaning the house thoroughly. They may also decorate the home with lights, lamps (diyas), and rangoli, which are colorful patterns made on the floor.

Dressing Up: Wearing new clothes is a significant part of the celebration. Men often dress in traditional attire, such as a kurta with dhoti or more modern ethnic wear.

Fireworks: Lighting fireworks is a traditional and popular activity for men during Deepavali. It represents the joy of the people living on Earth, making the gods aware of their happiness.

Family and Social Gatherings: Men spend time with family and friends, sharing meals and sweets. There is often an exchange of gifts and visiting each other's homes.

Food: They participate in the preparation and enjoyment of festive foods, which include a variety of sweets (mithai) and savory snacks.

Charity and Goodwill: Deepavali is also a time for giving and showing compassion. Men might volunteer, donate to charity, or help those in need as part of the celebration.

Business Activities: In some traditions, Deepavali marks the new business year, so businessmen will open new account books and pray for success and prosperity in the year to come.

The celebration of Deepavali is rich with cultural significance and involves a wide array of activities that are shared by the community as a whole, with no specific activities exclusively for men. It's a time of joy, togetherness, and spiritual renewal.