The Five Magical Days of Diwali

Name: Diwali Countdown Box
Brand: Mor
Price: 55.00 USD
Availability: InStock

September 6, 2024

Day 1 - Dhanteras: The Shiny Start

The first day marks the start of Diwali festivities, families buy gold and silver to bring luck and prosperity. They clean their homes and make colorful rangoli patterns filling their doorstep with bright designs to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, wealth and abundance. In the evening they worship Goddess Lakshmi as well as some of the family owned jewelry. In South India, families worship Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurvedic Medicine & Health.

Day 2 - Choti Diwali: Decorating Day

The next day is Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas in different parts of India. Families get busy decorating! They make beautiful rangoli designs, light diyas, and enjoy sweet treats while hearing tales of how Lord Krishna defeated the wicked demon Narakasura. This day is about getting rid of bad things and making way for the good. It’s also called Small (Choti) Diwali because it prepares us for the main celebration.

Day 3 - Diwali: The Big Festival of Lights

The third day is the biggest and brightest of all—Diwali! This day marks the return of Lord Ram to his kingdom after 14 years and shows the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. Families dress up in new clothes, light up their homes with lots of twinkling diyas, and burst colorful fireworks that light up the night sky. They also share yummy sweets and gifts with everyone. During the day, business owners perform Chopda Puja (Sharda/Muharat Pujan), a special ceremony to bless their accounting books and ensure a prosperous new financial year. It is a day full of light, love, and joy!

Day 4 - Govardhan Puja: Feast Day

The fourth day is all about food and family fun! Everyone cooks a big, delicious feast. In some places, people make little hills out of cow dung to remember a story about brave Lord Krishna who lifts a mountain (Govardhan Hill) to save his village. It is a day to remind us of the power of goodness and faith. In Gujarat, this day is known as Annakut, where a huge variety of food items are prepared and displayed in the shape of mountains to offer to Lord Krishna at the temple. It also marks the start of the Gujarati New Year (Nutan Varsh). They wish each other Happy New Year or Saal Mubarak!

Day 5 - Bhai Dooj: Brothers and Sisters Day

On the fifth and final day, this day celebrates the special love between brothers and sisters, showing how much they care for each other. Brothers and sisters celebrate this day with enthusiasm as they pray for each other’s happiness, health and prosperity and they exchange lovely gifts. There are several different names for this day including Bhai Bij, Bhau Beej, and more. However, one thing stays constant, it is a day filled with love, care, and lots of smiles!

Each day of Diwali is very special! It is celebrated in so many different and magical ways across India that it is nearly impossible to capture it all here. Rituals, traditions and ceremonies vary across different regions & religions. Diwali is celebrated by multiple faiths, including Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.

Our Diwali countdown box will help you teach your little ones the meaning of Diwali. Show us how you and your family celebrate Diwali with Mor by tagging us!

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Diwali Coloring Cards

Spark creativity and fun with this activity kit for Day 1 of Diwali! Perfect for little ones, this kit includes Diwali themed coloring cards, an engaging word search, and word unscrambles. Each kit comes with a set of crayons, making it easy to dive into the festive fun right away. Ideal for keeping kids entertained while they learn about the first day of Diwali!

Did you know? Rangoli, a traditional Indian art form, involves creating intricate and colorful patterns on the ground using materials like colored powders, rice, or flower petals. This decorative practice is especially popular during festivals such as Diwali, where rangoli designs are meant to welcome guests, invite good fortune, and celebrate the festive spirit with vibrant, artistic expressions.

Happy Diwali Puzzle

This unique puzzle features the bold, colorful style of Indian truck art, with intricate patterns, floral designs, and bright hues that capture the spirit of the festival. As you piece together the puzzle, "Happy Diwali" emerges in a lively design that brings the joy and charm of India’s roadside art to your home.

Did you know? Indian truck art is not only a form of creative expression but also a way for truck drivers to personalize their vehicles and bring good fortune on long journeys. These colorful and intricate designs often include religious symbols, folk motifs, and protective phrases like "Horn OK Please" reflecting a blend of culture, spirituality, and humor on the roads of India.

Paint your Own Diya

Unleash your creativity this Diwali with the Diya kit! This kit includes a traditional clay diya, along with vibrant paints and brushes to design your own unique masterpiece. With this hands-on activity, kids can get crafty, have fun, and add a colorful touch to the festival of lights!

Did you know? The tradition of lighting diyas during Diwali is closely associated with the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the defeat of the demon king Ravan. The people of Ayodhya lit rows of oil lamps to celebrate their return, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Mandala Block Printing

Dive into the traditional art of block printing with our hands-on activity! Using intricately carved wooden blocks, you can create your own unique patterns on fabric or papter. This activity is perfect for all ages, offering a creative and cultural experience that shows the beauty of handmade designs.

Did you know? Block printing has been practiced in India for over 2,000 years with its origins tracing back to Gujarat and Rajasthan. These regions have maintained the tradition, passing down the craft through generations, and are still famous for their exquisite hand-printed textiles today.

Diwali Elephant Ornament

This craft kit includes pre-cut foam pieces in bright, festive colors, complete with sparkling rhinestones and googly eyes to bring your elephant to life. Easy to assemble, this ornament adds a playful, decorative touch to your home.

Did you know? Elephants hold great significance in Indian culture and religion, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and prosperity. They are closely associated with Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity worshipped during Diwali as the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings. Elephants are also featured in Indian art, folklore, and temple rituals, believed to bring good fortune and protection.