In
the land of festivals called India, Diwali or Deepavali is the most grand
and auspicious festival. Diwali or the 'festival of lights' is considered
most significant occasion in 'Hinduism' but the magical glow of Deepavali
traverses the limits of race & religion and celebrated all over India
with great joy and fervor. The festival of Deepavali heralds the victory of
good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, joy, mirth
and happiness in the life of every individual.
Diwali or more aptly Deepavali is enthusiastically celebrated for five
continuous days, in which the festivity begins two days prior and ends two
days after Diwali, and each day has its significance with a number of myths,
legends and beliefs. The magnificent jubilation of Diwali festival is marked
by multi-colored Rangoli designs, special pooja ceremonies, lines of lamps,
floral decorations fireworks, exchange of sweets and gifts that lends
grandeur to the occasion. Every home - lowly or mighty - the hut of the poor
or the mansion of the rich - shines with the glow of twinkling diyas or
candles to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Meaning of Diwali or Deepavali
'Diwali', also called Deepavali or festival of ligths, is the abstraction
of the Sanskrit word Deepavali - 'Deep' means diya (small pots made from
clay) or light and 'Avali', means a row - meaning a row of diyas or array of
lamps. Thus placing small diyas, candles & lamps inside and around the
home marks the festival of lights.
When is Diwali
Diwali festival is celebrated after 20 days of Dussehra. The five days long
festivity of Deepavali begins on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the
month of Ashwin (October / November).
Diwali or the festival of lights falls on the Amavasya -the 15th day of the
dark fortnight of Ashwin.
In year 2007 Diwali will be celebrated on 09th November.
In year 2008 Diwali will be celebrated on 28th October.
Traditions & Celebrations of Diwali
The First & Second Day
The First day is called 'Dhanteras' which falls on the thirteenth day of
the month of Ashwin. The word Dhan means wealth. Believing this day to be
auspicious, women purchase some gold or silver or at least one or two new
utensils. The Second day is called 'Narkachaturdashi' or 'Choti Diwali'
which falls on the fourteenth day of the month of Ashwin. This day therefore
is dedicated to lights and prayers heralding a future full of joy and
laughter.
The
Third Day
The Third day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day which
sees colors of firecrackers, lighting of lamps, delicious sweets, new
clothes and family get together exchanging gifts. On this day special pooja
ceremony is observed to worship Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi. This is the
day when the Sun enters his second course and passes Libra constellation
(Nakshtra) which is represented by the balance or scale. Hence, this design
of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and
their closing. Despite the fact that this day falls on an Amavasya (dark
night) it is regarded as the most auspicious.
The Fourth & Fifth Day
The Fourth day is celebrated as 'Padva' or 'Bali Pratipada' to commemorate
King Bali. In North India it is celebrated as 'Govardhan-Puja' to mark the
lifting of Goverdhan Mountain by Lord Krishna.The Fifth and final day of
Diwali Festival is known by the name of 'Bhaiya-Duj' that is observed as a
symbol of love between sisters and brothers on this particular day Sisters
put the auspicious tilak on their Brother's forehead, and feed them with
special dishes. This festival is known as Bhai Bij in Gujarati and Bhai
Phota in Bengali.
Legends of Deepavali
On the auspicious occasion of Diwali the lines of lamps are lit, gifts are
exchanged, jewellery is purchased, firecrackers are burst, all these facets
of Diwali festival are associated with mythological and historical legends.
Read on to know more.
Legend of King Hima and Yamraj
The son of King Hima was doomed to die on the fourth day of his marriage by
snakebite. To defeat this prediction, his wife lit lamps all over the palace
and laid the ornaments in a big heap at the entrance. When Yamraj, the God
of death arrived there in the guise of a serpent, the dazzle of those
brilliant lights made his eyes blind and he could not enter the prince's
chamber. This victory is remembered as dhanteras and people buy some item of
jewellery and keep a lamp lit nearby all night.
Legend of Lord Krishna & Demon Narakasura
Bursting crackers for Deepavali is connected with the killing of the demon
Narakasura, the evil king of Pragjyotishpur, near Nepal, by Lord Krishna.
After the killing, Krishna freed all the women who had been abducted by
Narakasura. After his victory Krishna returned very early in the morning and
was bathed with scented oils. Hence there is the custom of waking up early
in the morning, bursting at least one symbolic cracker and having oil bath
of purification.
Legend of Lord Rama, Laxman & Sita
The most popular legend of Diwali is associated with the Ramayana. After a
fierce battle Ram killed the demon Kind Ravana and recovered his wife. Ram's
return with his wife Sita to Ayodhya and his subsequent coronation as king
is celebrated at Diwali. On this dark Amavasya night, the people of Ayodhya
light up the route with rows of oil lamps to welcome their Prince. Therefore
on this glorious event lamps are lit and the festival bears the name of
Deepavali or "line of lamps".
Diwali Related Web Resources
Diwali Festival
Deepavali
Festival
Diwali Celebrations
Deepavali Cards
