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It’s nearly Deepavali, because you see people already starting on their shopping and you’re getting reminders from your family about what to get for them.

If you’ve not started on your prep work yet, here’s a look at some Deepavali traditions that are considered a must-do:

#1 Cleaning the house

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Those who celebrate Deepavali will be busy cleaning their house before festivities start to get the blessings of the goddess Lakshmi. There’ll also be plenty of visitors coming over, so it’s always a good idea to keep one’s house sparkling clean.

#2 Taking an oil bath

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On Deepavali morning, a lot of households take an oil bath to commemorate Lord Krishna’s victory against the demon of filth, Naraksura. Some of the items needed to do this are coconut oil, sandalwood powder and rice flour. 

#3 Preparing sweets and cookies

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Sweets, cookies and snacks are abundant during Deepavali. Murukku, jilebi, ladoo and halwa are some of the favourites you’ll see in a house that celebrates it. As it’s a day where families and friends get together to catch up, they’re great to munch on while everyone is chatting away!

#4 Decorating your house with Rangoli

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You’ve probably seen a Rangoli decoration at shopping malls before. It’s usually made using coloured rice, and often placed at the entrance of a home. The Rangoli is done to remove negative energy and attract positivity.

#5 Lighting oil lamps

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Deepavali doesn’t mean the festival of lights for nothing. Also called diyas, oil lamps are lit in most houses as it signifies purity, good luck, goodness and power.

#6 Pooja  

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Some houses will be used for a big gathering where families will perform Deepavali prayers together. There’d be a designated section of the house for this, and items such as coconut, betel leaves, sandalwood paste and candles are used.

#7 Exchanging gifts

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Gift-giving is normally done between families to strengthen relationships. They can come in the form of giving angpow or items such as sweets, clothes and decoration items.

Need some help in making your Deepavali perfect? Get all your shopping down at the Wonders International Deepavali Festival from 26 October to 5 November at Brickfields Nu Sentral Open Car Park. You’ll find all the items you need there—clothes, accessories, decoration items, and more!