Diwali is called a festival of lights in the sense that lights illuminate all over to expel the darkness and this festival also spreads the colour of love, bonding and affection through exchanging of gifts and sweets. The tradition of exchanging gifts is not new to everyone earlier only sweets were exchanged but today the trend is changing. Only gift items, crockery and other things were exchanged as gifts.
Festival of gifts
This is a biggest festival celebrated in India and is associated with largest gift giving and shopping festival. The basic idea behind exchanging gifts is to accelerate the bonding of love and affinity. People convey their love and respect via gifts and sweets. Some common gifts which are usually sent to people as token of love are chocolates, home accessories, image of Goddess Laxmi and God Ganesh, gold or silver coin engraved with Deity and most commonly sweets.
Present day significance
Today sending gifts is not as simple as it seems. Earlier was the time when people used to send simple gifts rather than expensive gifts items. With the coming of materialistic age importance is given to worldly things rather than small gift full of feeling. Diwali is a religious festival thus should be celebrated as a ritual rather than as a festival of exchanging materialistic items.
The other side of sending gifts can be seen as commercial act to please people and some even send gifts as a token of thanks. The commercialism is now been entertained in all way and in every field. The shadow of commercialism could be watched on the festivals too.
Gifts according to vastu
Vastu tells us which gifts we must give to our friends, relatives and colleagues. There are some gift items which must not be given strictly according to vastu principles lest it would led to enmity and things may get worse between the relationships.
Vastu suggests antique items should not be given as gifts.
According to Vastu paintings can be given but they should be placed with vastu directions like watery paintings must be placed in North east, rocky paintings must be placed in South west and fire paintings must be taken to South east.
Crystals are always good for gifts but they must be placed at specific place that is Eastern direction of house.
Stone item and metal item should take to south direction and water item fountain should be placed in north east.
Armours are associated with war, revenge and blood thus, these items and related pictures must not be given in gifts.
The leather items should not be given in the gifts as they are made of dead animal's skin and are thus considered inauspicious.
Festival of gifts
What is Vastu?
Residential Vastu
Commercial Vastu
Vastu Tips
Contact Us