When I was a little girl in Mirzapur I did not understand the meaning behind the festival or rituals but we anxiously awaited for this festival.  I remember the preparation starting several weeks before the actual day and continuing for five days.  First, the whole house was thoroughly cleaned and painted.  In the process a lot of old items were thrown and donated.  Burning ten headed Ravan along with fire-work was exciting.  There were parades.  Friends and relatives came to watch from our house.  

Next day, loud sounds using metal plate and spoon were made.  We went in each corner of house and asked negativity and misfortune to leave.  I imagined scary elements hiding in the dark corners of house and believed that they would leave with the each loud bang. They were dragged out to the trash area outside of the house.  This completed preparation and we were ready for the actual festival.

First day at least one new pot was purchased and used for cooking.  In addition new clothes and jewelries were purchased. The streets were filled with clay-pot-makers selling colorful different figures which would be our new toys.  They also sold  diyas and mataki (round pot) which will be filled with popcorn and sweets.  

2nd day was easier day -getting ready.  We massaged with oil before bathing that day. Only one deeya was placed at night. 

3rd day was fully of activities.  We wore our new clothes and spent many ours in filling the clay pot with oil, adding wick and waiting for the sun to set completely.  Many delicious food to eat.  We spent many hours lighting the whole house with diyas.  Then Lakshami and Ganesha were worshiped.  We had a lot of good food and sweets to eat.  Friends and relatives visited or we visited them as family.

At night we played cards.  This was the only time when it was OK to gamble. 

Fourth day, many variety of food specially in the temples were decorated as well as piles of different grains.

Fifth day, In our small alley the god statue was made with wet clay and all women and girls gathered around to worship.  Bring that blessing to brothers for their long life, good health and prosperity.

My understanding and modification: 

My understanding, modification and suggestions: 

I realized in US, it would be difficult to celebrate as a five day festival but including important elements of the festival in one day should not be difficult. 

1. White wash was necessary in India to hygienically remove germs and other impurities of monsoon season.  But in addition to physical cleaning, letting go is a prerequisite and very important aspect of this festival.  Morning activities can be combined with mental letting go of negativity.  

• Find one deep cleaning project as well as one item to donate and/or throw. 

• Then banging ritual should be performed with loud sounds and perhaps screams. 

• making Ravana out of sticks or paper and burning symbolizes getting rid off our own negative qualities.

Imagining all negativities are gone, take first positive action towards honoring our own body. massage with oil and take a nice bath/shower. feel ready for a new beginning.  at noon, make lunch in a new pot with the thought of nourishing our own body. 

2. At dusk, light only one deeya only to honor ancestors and god of death.  Think or share with others the story of Nachiketa.

3. At night, light all deeyas. Share one of the stories: Ramayan, Ganesh-Lakshmi, Krishna, dhanwantari, vishwakarma, Ocean churning.   

• Fill up the clay pot with popcorn as a symbol of harvesting season.

• Play cards while thinking about the cause of gambling, share gifts.  

• Think about siblings and wish well for them. Meet with them or call them.

Meditate on asto ma--

In US, it would be difficult to celebrate as a five day festival but I feel we can include the important elements of the festival in one day. 

I understand that the white wash was necessary in India to hygienically remove germs and other impurities of monsoon season. 

1. But here we can find one deep cleaning project in the morning. We can find one item to donate and/or throw.  This activity should be combined with mental letting go. Then banging ritual should be performed with loud bangs and perhaps screams. This way cleansing, letting go and creating space which is a prerequisite and very important aspect of this festival can be included.   

2. After this, make Ravana out of sticks or paper and burn. this could be a fun activity.

3. Imagine all negativity gone and massage with oil with the thought of honoring your body.

4. Try to make lunch in a new pot, if possible with the thought of nourishing your body. 

5. At dusk, light one light only to honor ancestors and god of death.  Think or share with others the story of Nachiketa.

6. Fill up the clay pot with popcorn as a symbol of harvesting season.

7. At night, light all lights. Share the story of Ramayan, Ganesh-Lakshmi, cause of gambling, Krishna, Ocean churning etc.

8. Meditate on asto ma--, Eat, Play cards, share gifts.  

9. Think about siblings and wish well for them. Meet with them or call them.

Stories and 5-days Of Deepavali as I understand now...