DEEPAVALI-2012(13TH NOVEMBER)
Deepavali (better known as Diwali)
is one of the largest festivals and celebrations in the Hindu religion, with
major festivities in all parts of India, as well as in nations such as
Canada, Trinidad, Guyana, United Kingdom (UK), Fiji, United States (USA),
Mauritius, Australia, Nepal and other countries around the world. It is one of
the few festivals that is celebrated among members of all Dharmic faiths –
Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism, and is the most popular event in the
Indian calendar. Diwali means ‘row of lighted lamps’ and symbolizes Good over
Evil and Light over Dark and therefore is commonly known as the Festival of
Lights. It is a time for lighting diyas, laying out vibrant rangolis, playing
with fireworks, exchanging sweets, dancing and storytelling. Diwali marks the
end of the harvest season is most parts of India.
Deepavali is celebrated for 5 days, where the 3rd
days is celebrated as the main Diwali festival or ‘Festival of lights’.
Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated
with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles
all around their homes and businesses. They perform Laxmi Puja in the evening
and seek divine blessings of Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth. The festival of
Diwali is never complete without exchange of gifts and mitai (indian sweets).
People present Deepavali gifts and sweets to all their family members and
loved ones.
While the story behind Deepavali and the manner of
celebration varies from region to region (festive fireworks, worship, lights,
sharing of sweets), the essence is the same – to rejoice in the Inner Light
(Atman) or the underlying Reality of all things (Brahman)
The
exact day of the festival is decided by the position of the moon. According to
the Hindu calendar, Amavasya or ‘no moon day’ is considered as the perfect day
to celebrate Diwali. This dark night comes after every fortnight and in the
month of Kartik, it marks this festival of lights and diyas. As per the English
calendar, the festival generally comes in the month of November and December.
For all Hindu people, the festival holds an imperative meaning since the
festival is reckoned with Lord Rama’s victory as the King of Ayodhya after his
return to the kingdom from 14 years of exile along with his wife Sita and
brother Laxman after killing the demon, King Ravana. The festival is celebrated
by lighting diyas and candles to drive away the darkness of Amavasya.
The
festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin
their financial year. The second day of the festival, Naraka Chaturdasi, marks
the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.
Amavasya, the third day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess
of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees.
Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation
vanquished the Bali, and banished him to Patala. It is on the fourth day of
Deepawali, Kartika Shudda that Bali went to patala and took the reins
of his new kingdom in there. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also
called Bhai Dooj), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their
homes.
The name “Diwali” is a
contraction of “Deepavali”, which translates into “row of lamps”. Diwali
involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas or dipas) filled with oil to
signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear
new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends
On this day, millennia ago, Sri Ram returned to Ayodhya, victorious in the
righteous war he waged against Ravan, the King of Lanka. It also marked the end
of his exile from Ayodhya, his kingdom denied to him through deceit, and his
travails. Sri Ram received a hero’s welcome – the people of Ayodhya lit diyas
to celebrate the occasion.
That
tradition still continues, keeping alive both our cultural identity as a nation
as well as our civilisational history as a people. Deepavali, the festival of
lamps, unites us as one large family, irrespective of our caste, creed and
faith. The humble earthen diya lights up our lives with the radiant glow of
Dharma — righteousness in word and deed. It also strengthens our bonds of
kinship as Indians from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Prof. John Kurakar
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