Diwali
Festival of Lights.
Light is significant in Hinduism because it signifies goodness. So, during the Festival of Lights, 'deeps', or oil lamps, are burned throughout the day and into the night to ward off darkness and evil.
The first day of five day long Diwali celebrations is of great importance to the rich community of western India. Houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Designs to welcome Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
On second day there is a traditional practice specially in Maharashtra of taking bath before sunrise with oil and fragrant powders.
ON THIRD DAY Lakshmi-Puja is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits, devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung and Naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess.
On fourth day Govardhan-Puja is also performed in the North on the fourth day. This day is also observed as Annakoot meaning 'mountain of f
On fifth day newly married daughters with their husbands are invited for special meals and given presents. Diwali celebration is a very happy occasion for all.
Diwali also means the worship of the Indian Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi and the god of good fortune, lord ganesha who brings wealth and properity to the home. Is is believed that lord ram chose this auspicious day to return home from his long exile, after defeating the demon lord ravan in a long drawn battle. Diwali is also the time for families to get together and this is one time in the year when even scattered families try and make it home to celebrate the festival with their near and dear ones. Every family member from the young to the old in an enthusiastic participant in the festival as crackers are burst and the sky illuminated with thousands of fireworks. New clothes are bought, gifts exchanged and sumptuous feasts are laid out in every household, this is one occasion where the distribution and exchange of sweets is a must in in every household and piles and piles of sweets are cooked or bought for this purpose. Diwali is also a handy excuse to really gorge on food as people visit each others homes and are plied with food and sweets.
This unique festival is all about light, noise, mirth, ebullience, joy and giving to the less fortune. It is the most awaited festival in india and along with its religious connotations Diwali is a time for unshackled revelry and fun. The festival of Diwali (aka: Diwali, Dewali, Deepavali) is celebrated on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Ashwin / kartika but on the Gregorian / western calendar the date for Diwali varies.
While the festival is always celebrated in October or November, there is a difference of opinion abouth exactly when, since there is not universally accepted hindy calendar
The Origins of the Hindu Festival of Diwali
The biggest ok all Hindu Festivals; Diwali is known in India as the Festival of Lights. This multi-day festival, whose name literally means “row of lighted lamps”, is celebrated during the Hindu month of Kartika.
For five days, the country is illuminated in the glow of dazzling- from modest oil lamps and candles to spectacular fireworks.
Diwali most likely began as a harvest festival, although there are numerous legends about the festival’s origins. For example, some believe Diwali marks the anniversary of the marriage ceremony between Lakshmi, the Buddha. In Indian culture, wealth is viewed as a reward for person who has done good deeds in a past life. This is karmic understanding of wealth therefore makes Lakshmi a key figure in the Hindu faith.
Because there are so many regions in India, each with its own language and other cultural features, there are equally numerous traditions for the celebration of Diwali.
In fact, even the Gregorian date for Diwali varies around the country. The festival is always celebrated in October or November, but there is a difference of opinion about exactly when, since there is not one universally accepted Hindu calendar.
There are certain traditions, however, which are universal. For example, families light candles or oil lamps, and exchange gifts with family and friends. As finances will allow, most families host lavish festive meals, as well.
And many families will completely clean their homes and throw open their windows, as a way of welcoming in the Lakshmi goddess.
