Diwali: Songs to celebrate the festival of lights

Legend has it that when Lord Ram returned from Lanka with Sita and Lakshman after defeating Raavan, the people of Ayodhya lit up the streets with clay lamps, to welcome them. It was a new moon night, a dark night but the visual display of thousands of lamps dispelled the darkness. Darkness has since, come to mean in figurative terms, ego, evil, fear and ignorance. In India, Diwali is celebrated as the ‘festival of lights’ in many states. Each state has its own rituals and traditions that are followed with great joy and reverence.

Being one of the biggest festivals, Diwali celebrations commonly follow a pattern that starts with prayers to the Almighty, family gatherings with sumptuous food, card parties and dancing.

Here is a list of songs that are recommended as essentials on everyone’s playlist – a song for every phase of the celebration!

Happy Diwali – ‘Home Delivery’
A simple, sweet Diwali themed ditty sung by children in the movie that has been composed by Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani. The children encourage people to spread love during the festive season – ‘Yeh Din Jahaan Mein, Har Kahin, Bhar De Roshni, Usi ke Pyaar Ki’.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghum – ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghum’
As the day progresses, families get together for the evening Diwali Pooja. This song is one that expresses gratitude, for the Lord’s blessings through the year and prays for the family’s wellbeing. The lyrics (written by Sameer Anjaan) are almost like a prayer song, sung with fervour by Lata Mangeshkar (composed by Jatin-Lalit).

Ghoomar – ‘Padmaavat’
A lilting, soothing melody, Ghoomar is most appropriate for personal, home celebrations. The visuals are spectacular, with lamps lit all over the palace and Deepika Padukone’s dance adding spark to the sequence. Composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, written by A M Turaz and Swaroop Khan, it has been rendered beautifully by Shreya Ghoshal and Swaroop Khan.

Nachde Saare – ‘Baar Baar Dekho’
As the festivities shift to an evening of dance and merriment, Nachde Saare is an ideal ice breaker to open up the dance floor. Written by Aditya Sharma, composed by Jasleen Royal, the vibrancy of the song with an ethnic flavour lends itself to a joyous celebration of a festival. The song features Katrina Kaif and Siddharth Malhotra and has been sung by Jasleen Royal, Harshdeep Kaur, Siddharth Mahadevan.

Gallan Goodiyaan – ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’
The ultimate family song, this one has been shot as such, with every member joining in at different points to celebrate their togetherness; couples, friends and cousins, irrespective of their dancing abilities! Written by the legendary Javed Akhtar, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, this energetic song is an ideal finale to a Diwali well spent in the company of family and friends. It features almost the entire ensemble cast of ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’.

Dhaagon Se Baandhaa – ‘Raksha Bandhan’
The week of Diwali ends with Bhai Dhooj. It is an occasion that celebrates the precious relationship between brothers and sisters. Dhaagon Se Baandhaa depicts this relationship beautifully. Composed by Himesh Reshammiya, written by Irshad Kamil, it features Akshay Kumar, Sahejmeen Kaur, Deepika Khanna, Sadia Khateeb, and Smrithi Srikanth. The song has been sung by Shreya Ghoshal, Arijit Singh and Himesh Reshammiya.

Diwali celebrations are always special. It adds the sparkle of love and the shine of togetherness that people remember and hold so dear. It signifies the advent of a new year and new beginnings.

By Tejusvini Varadachari