Diwali - The Festival of Lights.
Diwali or
Deepawali is the festival of lights. It illuminates our houses and hearts and
preaches the message of friendship and togetherness. Light is the depiction of
hope, success, knowledge and fortune and Diwali reinforces our faith in these
virtues of life.
In India, Diwali
is a five day long celebration that commences with 'Dhanteras' that is held on
the 13th lunar day of the Krishna paksha of the Indian month of Ashwina. It
ends with the celebration of Bhai duj that falls on the second lunar day of the
Shukla paksha of the Indian month of Kartik. According to the English calendar,
Diwali is usually celebrated in mid-November every year.
The Story
behind Diwali
Since Diwali is the resemblance of everything that is
'good', this festival has been the centre of many mythological stories.
- Lord Rama returned to
Ayodha on this day along with sita and Lakshman after he attained victory
over Ravana, the ten headed demon king of Lanka. On this occasion, the
local people lit earthen lamps and burst crackers to welcome their King
and queen back to the throne.
- This day is also
celebrated as the union of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu in heaven.
- In Bengal, this day is
celebrated to worship the most powerful Goddess of 'shakti' - Devi Kali.
- In the Jain culture,
this day is of utmost importance as Mahavira attained the final 'nirvana'
on this day.
- In ancient India, this
day was celebrated as the harvest festival.
- Diwali also marks the
death anniversary of Dayanand Saraswati, the 'hero' of the Arya Samaj.
Rituals
of Diwali
Diwali is celebrated all across India in different forms
and is thus an important National holiday too.
- Diwali starts with
Dhanteras—the beginning of a new financial year, the second day is Naraka
Chaturdasi, the day Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura; the third
day is Amavasya, the day Goddess Lakshmi , the deity of wealth and fortune
is worshipped. The fourth day is Kartika Shudha padyami and the last day
is celebrated as Bhai duj, the day sisters worship their brothers and pray
for their long life and well being.
- Feasting, gambling,
exchanging gifts among friends and families and bursting fire crackers are
a must during Diwali. People also wear new clothes and worship Goddess
Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on this day.
- In Southern India,
Diwali marks the home coming of their ancient King Mahabali and people
decorate their houses with flowers and cow dung to welcome the King.
Govardhan Puja is done on this day.
- In Bengal and other
parts of Eastern India, Goddess Kali is worshipped on this day. This is
known as Shyama puja.
- In Maharashtra, Diwali
starts with the worshipping of cows and their calves. This is known as
Vasu baras.
- Big Diwali fairs are
held across the country. These fairs are centers of business and many
artists and acrobats are seen performing in these events.
2017 Date : 19th October.
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