“Diwali transcends the mere act of lighting diyas, it’s a profound celebration of the triumph of light over darkness,” explains Ganga Gargi Aggarwal, founder of Energetic Essence Co. With her extensive background in Reiki, tarot reading and crystal healing, Aggarwal sits down with Tatler to talk about the festival’s spiritual meaning, mythological origins, contemporary practices, Diwali customs and more, especially focusing on the significance of jewellery as not merely adornments but “as a vessel of divine energy”.
How do mythical tales connect jewellery to Diwali?
Ganga Gargi Aggarwal is a holistic healer deeply rooted in traditional healing practices like Reiki, tarot reading and crystal cleansing (Photo: courtesy of Ganga Gargi Aggarwal)
Diwali is steeped in rich mythology, with numerous stories highlighting its significance. Aggarwal says, “There are so many stories attached to Diwali. It is not just about Lakshmi; who is the goddess of wealth, there’s also Lord Dhanvantari, who represents health and abundance.” She also mentions the well-known tale of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon Ravana, “symbolising the victory of light over darkness, and that’s why we light diyas during Diwali”.
One of the lesser-known mythical stories associated with Diwali involves Mahalakshmi and a humble farmer. Aggarwal says, “Mahalakshmi and Lord Narayan once visited Earth with the condition that she would not look southward or engage in earthly pleasures. While wandering through a mustard field, Mahalakshmi became captivated by its beauty and inadvertently looked south, walking toward the farmer’s home.
“As a result of this transgression, Lord Narayan declared that she would stay on the farm for a year and help out. During this time, the farmer experienced a remarkable increase in prosperity due to Mahalakshmi’s presence. When the year concluded, Lord Narayan returned to take her back, but the farmer pleaded for her to remain, believing she was his lucky charm.
Mahalakshmi then revealed her true identity and promised to visit him annually, provided he honoured her. Each year, the farmer would declutter his home, light diyas, and decorate with fragrant flowers to welcome the goddess, who praised him for his devotion.”
This story underscores the significance of cleaning one’s home during Diwali. Aggarwal states, “By honouring Mahalakshmi through rituals and offerings, we can invite abundance into our lives.”
Why is buying jewellery auspicious on Dhanteras or Diwali?
Diyas or clay lamps that light up homes during Diwali (Photo: courtesy of Udayaditya Barua / Unsplash)
“If I had to explain it in one sentence, Goddess Lakshmi is the divine energy that represents luxury and Diwali is a celebration of luxury in the Hindu calendar,” says Aggarwal. Dhanteras [which falls on October 29 this year] marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations and is traditionally considered an auspicious day to buy jewellery. Aggarwal emphasises that buying gold or silver on this day is believed to bring Mahalakshmi’s blessings into one’s home. “Jewellery is seen as a vessel for her prosperous energy,” she says. “When we buy jewellery during Dhanteras, we are not just making a purchase; we are inviting divine energy into our homes.” This belief transforms the act of buying into a spiritual practice that resonates deeply with the festival’s theme.
Aggarwal elaborates on the significance of gold in Indian culture: “Gold is not just a metal; it represents prosperity and abundance. In various scenes from Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi is depicted as holding a vessel overflowing with golden coins.”
But she acknowledges the socio-economic diversity of her audience: “I understand that not everyone can afford gold or silver. But remember, it’s the intention behind the purchase that matters most. Even if you can only buy a small steel utensil or a silver coin, you are still inviting abundance into your life.”
She encourages people to embrace these rituals with joy rather than obligation: “Buying jewellery should be seen as an investment in your spiritual journey. It’s about celebrating life and inviting positivity into your home.” This perspective invites luxury consumers to approach their purchases with mindfulness and appreciation for their deeper significance.
What rituals should one perform during Diwali?
Traditional rangoli floor art done at the entrance of homes during Diwali to ward off evil and bring colour into the lives of the people (Photo: courtesy of Ashutosh Diwan / Unsplash)
The rituals performed during Diwali are rich in symbolism and intent. Families typically clean their homes to welcome prosperity and light, set up altars for worshipping deities like Lakshmi and Ganesha, and light diya (lamps) to dispel darkness. Aggarwal emphasises that the intention behind these rituals is crucial: “What you bring into your home reflects your energy,” she notes. Each act serves to align one’s spirit with the festive energy of Diwali.
“Cleaning your home isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about creating space for positivity,” she adds.
During Diwali, you can enhance your celebrations by incorporating several meaningful rituals that invite prosperity and positivity into your home. Start with Dhanteras on October 29, when it’s customary to purchase gold, silver or even symbolic items like mustard seeds if you’re on a budget. As Aggarwal says, “It’s not like if you cannot get gold or silver, Ma Lakshmi is not going to come into your home, do as much as you can and have good intentions.”
Clean and decorate your space to welcome the goddess, using rangoli (colourful floor art) designs at your entrance to attract good fortune. Lighting diyas on Choti Diwali on October 30 and the main night signifies the victory of light over darkness, a key aspect of the festival, which falls on October 31. On this day, perform a puja for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, placing any new jewellery or cash on your altar for blessings. Additionally, placing raw rice in four corners of your home invites prosperity; Aggarwal says that “rice has a huge significance because Ma Lakshmi resides in it. Collect the rice the next day, wrap it in red cloth and keep it in your jewellery box for added blessings throughout the year.”
Set clear intentions as you engage in these rituals—your mindset plays a crucial role in attracting abundance. If you acquire new jewellery, purify it by dipping it in raw milk or holy water and place it at the Diwali altar. For those interested in crystals, consider using pyrite or green jade, which are associated with wealth and can amplify your intentions when placed on your altar during the puja. Lastly, “express gratitude for your blessings and maintain a beautiful, decluttered environment at home throughout the year to keep the energy flowing positively”.
What roles do crystals play during Diwali?
Aggarwal encourages people to offer a pyrite crystal at your Diwali altar to invite prosperity into your homes (Photo: courtesy of Calvin Chai / Unsplash)
Crystals play an essential role in enhancing spiritual practices during Diwali. Aggarwal recommends incorporating money crystals such as pyrite and green jade into one’s jewellery collection. “These crystals are readily available and can amplify intentions related to wealth and abundance,” she explains. By wearing or placing these stones around the home, individuals can attract positive energies aligned with their desires for prosperity.
“Crystals like pyrite are known as ‘fool’s gold’ but carry powerful energies that can help manifest financial goals,” she notes, emphasising their importance during this festive season.
What kind of jewellery shapes must I invest in for Diwali?
Women often wear gold jewellery to celebrate the festival (Photo: courtesy of Pexels / Lara Jameson)
Inverted triangles represent shakti or divine feminine energy that is believed to be auspicious (Photo: courtesy of Pexels / Natalie Bond)
In addition to materials, Aggarwal highlights the significance of shapes in jewellery design when it comes to attracting positive energy during Diwali. The expert advises investing in pieces that embody specific forms associated with abundance and protection. “Shapes like circles represent infinity and wholeness,” she explains. “Wearing circular designs can help create a continuous flow of positive energy in your life.” This notion of continuity is essential, especially during the festival, as it aligns with the idea of inviting ongoing prosperity into one’s home.
She explains that inverted triangles, which symbolise shakti or divine feminine energy, are powerful representations of empowerment. “The reverse triangle is ashakti symbol, and when worn as a pendant, touching the skin, it is believed to activate our energy and heart chakra,” she says.
Conversely, she notes that regular triangles symbolise Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, representing stability and strength. “Investing in jewellery that incorporates these shapes can enhance your intentions during this auspicious time,” Aggarwal adds.
What are the alternatives to investing in jewellery or precious metals?
Coriander leaves are believed to bring luck and prosperity into homes as well (Photo: courtesy of Magdalena Olszewska / Unsplash)
For those who may not have the means to purchase gold or silver during Diwali, Aggarwal assures that there are alternative rituals that can still invite abundance. “You can use mustard seeds, coriander leaves or even a broom as symbols of wealth,” she suggests. The yellow colour of mustard seeds represents prosperity and aligns with Mahalakshmi’s energy.
She explains that these items carry their unique energetic significance and can be incorporated into rituals without financial strain. In Aggarwal’s words: “As we embrace this festive season, let us remember that intention is key, every piece of jewellery worn or ritual performed carries the potential to transform our lives and invite abundance into our homes.”
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