Diwali gifts and shopping ideas

Legend has it that on Dhanteras, people worship Goddess Lakshmi in her owl form, praying to her to bless them with prosperity and well being. On this day, buying precious metal is supposed to be auspicious. Since the Gods say so... Enjoy!

The festival of Diwali is a five-day long affair that starts with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj. According to the Hindu Calendar, Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Ashwin (October/November).Legend has it that on Dhanteras, people worship Goddess Lakshmi in her owl form, praying to her to bless them with prosperity and well being.

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Candles

Lakshmi Puja is usually done in the evening, diyas are lit to drive away any evil spirits and people also decorate their houses with colourful rangolis.On Dhanteras, it is considered auspicious to purchase gold or silver coins, jewellery and new utensils. The belief is that bringing home some form of precious metal on this day will keep us prosperous throughout the year.Here’s an idea of what you could pick upWax and waneWe know. Nothing is more evocative of Diwali than terracotta diyas. But candles aren’t a very poor second. Not when they’re as lovely as these.Check out where to get a variety of candles and at what priceDress up houseWith guests at your home, just any old thing won’t do. Dress up your spaces and give ’em something to talk about.From HT Brunch, October 23