Diwali Festival
On the festive land of India, Diwali festival is the most significant, grand and auspicious occasion that is celebrated all over India and also in many countries of the world. Although Diwali festival is considered a very important and prosperous occasion for the Hindus but the magnificent glow of Diwali celebrations traverse the limits of race & religion and this festival is marked by all with great jubilation. Diwali is also called as Deepavali that means a line of lamps. The line of lamps on this day is associated with its significance of good over bad and light over darkness thus Diwali or Deepavali is also known as the festival of light. How Diwali Festival is CelebratedDiwali or more aptly Deepavali festival 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 celebrations 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 in 2008Diwali 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 2008 Diwali will be celebrated on 28th October.Traditions & Celebrations of Diwali FestivalThe First & Second DayThe 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 DayThe 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 DayThe 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 FestivalOn 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 YamrajThe 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 NarakasuraBursting 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".
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
www.hindufestivals.org
Diwali Festival Fun
Diwali is a time for fun and revelry. During Diwali, India comes to a standstill except for family life and feasts. Diwali means decorating the house with tiny earthen lamps, wearing crisp new clothes, bursting firecrackers, meeting family and friends and of course enjoying the scrumptious sweets and savories prepared specially for this occasion. Fun, frolic, frenzied buying. Diwali Festival imparts an unprecedented fun, hope, value, a whole platter of creativity in form of making colorful rangoli patterns, special Diwali recepies, playing cards and making greeting cards. Regardless of its origin and local interpretations, Diwali is a day of fun, festivities and joy for people of all ages, throughout India. Weeks before Diwali, every Hindu family is busy painting and decorating their homes, and shopping for gifts. On the diwali day, shops are packed with people buying freshly made sweets and fire crackers; mothers are busy preparing special dishes for the family feasts. Late evening is the time for a special Pooja ( worship) at home, and illuminating the exterior of their houses with the rows of oil lamps, candles and colourful lanterns. Streets, stores and buildings are lit with electric lights and neon signs in such a way that the dark amavasya night and every street echoes with the laughter of children. People dressed in new clothes, visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings and gifts. www.hindufestivals.org
Diwali is a time for fun and revelry. During Diwali, India comes to a standstill except for family life and feasts. Diwali means decorating the house with tiny earthen lamps, wearing crisp new clothes, bursting firecrackers, meeting family and friends and of course enjoying the scrumptious sweets and savories prepared specially for this occasion. Fun, frolic, frenzied buying. Diwali Festival imparts an unprecedented fun, hope, value, a whole platter of creativity in form of making colorful rangoli patterns, special Diwali recepies, playing cards and making greeting cards. Regardless of its origin and local interpretations, Diwali is a day of fun, festivities and joy for people of all ages, throughout India. Weeks before Diwali, every Hindu family is busy painting and decorating their homes, and shopping for gifts. On the diwali day, shops are packed with people buying freshly made sweets and fire crackers; mothers are busy preparing special dishes for the family feasts. Late evening is the time for a special Pooja ( worship) at home, and illuminating the exterior of their houses with the rows of oil lamps, candles and colourful lanterns. Streets, stores and buildings are lit with electric lights and neon signs in such a way that the dark amavasya night and every street echoes with the laughter of children. People dressed in new clothes, visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings and gifts. www.hindufestivals.org
Deepavali - www.hindufestivals.org
Religious fervour paralleled with ample fun and merry-making marks Diwali festival as one of the most famous festival of India. Deepavali- the festival of lights is celebrated almost in every part of Indian sub-continent. Dipawali, festival of lights induces a great sense joy and well-being, and perhaps for once, the starry new moon night marvels at the sight of the earth.
www.hindufestivals.org
www.hindufestivals.org
Diwali Festival - www.hindufestivals.org
Diwali (also known as Deepawali), or ‘the festival of lights’ is perhaps the most popular of all Hindu festivals. Like most festivals, Diwali has its mythological and historical bedrock. Legend has it that Hanuman (the legendary monkey-god and prime devotee of Lord Rama, the god-hero of the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana) delivered the much awaited message of Rama’s return to Ayodhya (Rama’s kingdom) after 14 years in exile. The entire kingdom rejoiced upon hearing the news and Ayodhya was washed, cleansed and dressed up with lights and shimmering earthen lamps to welcome the Lord himself. Diwali is celebrated even today to commemorate this event.
¤ Celebrated To Mark The Triumph of Good Over Evil
Before his final return to Ayodhya, not only was Lord Rama required to spend 14 years in exile, but he had to slay Ravana, the ten-headed ruler of Lanka, who abducted his wife, in order to rescue her. Thus the festival is also celebrated to mark the triumph of Good over Evil, light over darkness, sunshine after rain, laughter after pain.
Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik (around November) on Amavas, or the new moon right after Dussehra. Today Diwali is also dedicated to Ganesha (the elephant-headed God of Wisdom and Prosperity) and Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth).
¤ The Mythological Story
The mythological story of Sagar Manthan or ‘churning the ocean’ may help us understand why Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, is worshipped during Diwali. Legend has it that once all the devtas, or demigods were under a curse that made them weak in body and mind. They were advised by Brahma (Creator in the Hindu Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer) to drink amrit, or the elixir of life. But amrit could only be obtained by the churning of the ocean, which, needless to add, was no mean feat. Now the question arose as to how to go about churning the gargantuan ocean. Lord Vishnu (the Hindu Preserver of the Universe) came up with a solution saying that Mount Meru could act as the churning stick, while Vasuki (the mythical serpent) could be used as the coil around Meru. Pleased with the suggestion, the devtas went to the asuras, or demons and sought their help in accomplishing the formidable task. The devtas’ promise to share the amrit with the asuras tricked the latter into consenting to tug Vasuki from one end.
Thus ensued a phenomenal churning that, however, threatened to destroy the three worlds (Heaven, Earth and Hell). The gods simply could not let that happen, so Vishnu appeared in the guise of a giant tortoise or Kurma (Vishnu's second incarnation) and stabilised the churning by acting as a base under Mount Meru. It is said that eventually, spectacular treasures emerged from the great ocean including Laksmi the Goddess of Prosperity and Wealth, Sura the Goddess of Wine, Chandra, or the moon, Apsaras, the celestial nymphs, Kaustabha, the precious gem of Vishnu, Uchchaishravas, the divine horse, Parijata, the wishing coral tree, Kamdhenu, the wish-fulfilling Divine Cow, Airavata, the four-tusked white elephant, Panchajanya, or the conch, Sharanga, the invincible bow, and Dhanvantri, Nimi and Bharadwaj - the physicians and surgeons.
¤ The Distribution of Poison and The Nector
Then appeared Halahala, the deadly poison, that had to be extracted before it could spell doom across the universe, and finally emerged the Amrit Kumbh, or pitcher of amrit. The mighty Shiva (the Destroyer of the Universe) stepped in to consume the poison as he was the only one who had the capacity to contain Halahala. Shiva drank the poison but kept it in his neck, perhaps to prevent the poison from entering his stomach. Ever since, he has been nicknamed Neelkantha or the blackneck. Meanwhile, in order to prevent the asuras from consuming the amrit, the devtas took the priceless pot and fled, with the asuras trailing behind in pursuit. Eventually the asuras caught up with the devtas who, in turn, decided to take on the asuras. It is believed that in all this melee, a few drops of amrit fell from the pot on spots that are the present-day towns of Nasik, Ujjain, Haridwar and Allahabad, rendering indestructible and sacred for all times to come.
¤ Goddess Lakshmi -The Main Deity
Since Goddess Lakshmi was amongst the spectacular treasures that emerged from the great ocean, hence, along with Ganesha, who is customarily invoked before ceremonies are performed, Lakshmi presides over all the ceremonies that are performed during Diwali.
Days before Diwali, people get into a veritable tailspin, what with all the planning and shopping to be done for the ceremonies, especially for the grand Diwali night. They wash, clean and even whitewash their homes and shops – it seems no god or goddess blesses a mess! The women folk especially in South India decorate their homes and doorsteps with colourful rangolis (patterns made on the floor by using various coloured powders). Dhan Teras Celebrations
Two days before Diwali is called dhan teras (dhan is wealth in Hindi and teras is 13th, to signify the 13th day after the full moon).
This day is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi as it is believed that she pays each house a visit on this day of the year. People hold a Lakshmi puja (prayer ceremony) in their homes. This day is especially significant for the merchant class, and quite understandably so. Traditionally this day marked the commencement of the new financial year and is still considered to do so by some people. In urban India, many business deals are finalised around this time and business houses give a Diwali bonus and gifts to their employees on the occasion.
¤ Chhoti Diwali
The day before Diwali is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali (small Diwali). This is the day when Hanuman reached Ayodhya to deliver the long-awaited message of Lord Rama’s return. On Chhoti Diwali, people socialise and exchange sweets and gifts. There is a puja in the evening, and the puja sthan (most Indian homes have a special room or corner with a little temple in which they pray) is decorated with empty earthen lamps and newly purchased idols that are to be worshipped in it. In Bengal, people celebrate the Kali puja on this day. Kali is the Goddess of War and is highly revered by the Bengalis. In South India, an oil massage followed by a bath before dawn on this day is equated to taking a dip in the holy River Ganga. and a dip in the Ganga (the holy river of India supposed to absolve one of all sins) on this day is also considered to be an act of piety.
¤ The Shopping Day
The day is also chalked out for shopping. Markets are piled up with goodies and decorated to the hilt. Every year, there is an array of new things on display. Shopkeepers offer mega Diwali discounts to allure customers.
Firecracker stalls have every conceivable cracker and ‘bomb’, from rockets to sparklers to fire snakes, burning trains and what have you, covered in shiny golden and silver paper, for children and adults alike.
Children look forward to their shopping binge primarily for this reason. Hordes of families throng the markets of their towns and villages for the Diwali shopping spree. Clothes are bought for all members of the family.
Buying utensils on dhan teras is also a must, as doing so is considered auspicious. Lamps, candles, festoons, animal-shaped sugar candies, sweets covered with silver foil and packed in bright cardboard boxes, colourful earthen idols of various important gods and goddesses and other things adorn endless rows of shelves.
¤ The Mass Celebration of Diwali Festival
Finally the big day arrives and the excitement reaches fever pitch, especially for the children, as they can hardly wait for the night to get their hands on the crackers! But the day itself is not without its share of delightful moments.
The women of the house get their culinary act together to turn out an elaborate feast. An extensive fare is laid out for the household, and certain sweets are especially made during this festival, as Diwali is also the festival of sweets and feasting. In the evening, lamps and candles are placed all around the house after which the entire family assembles for the puja. A big earthen diya (lamp) is lit and later taken around the house to light all the candles and diyas.
Every house – big or small – participates in this ritual. Even the most modest shacks are transformed into bright households with a few diyas. Every little village and town glitters on this night. The sky is set ablaze with thousands of crackers bursting and diffusing coloured lights high into the sky.
¤ Celebrated To Mark The Triumph of Good Over Evil
Before his final return to Ayodhya, not only was Lord Rama required to spend 14 years in exile, but he had to slay Ravana, the ten-headed ruler of Lanka, who abducted his wife, in order to rescue her. Thus the festival is also celebrated to mark the triumph of Good over Evil, light over darkness, sunshine after rain, laughter after pain.
Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik (around November) on Amavas, or the new moon right after Dussehra. Today Diwali is also dedicated to Ganesha (the elephant-headed God of Wisdom and Prosperity) and Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth).
¤ The Mythological Story
The mythological story of Sagar Manthan or ‘churning the ocean’ may help us understand why Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, is worshipped during Diwali. Legend has it that once all the devtas, or demigods were under a curse that made them weak in body and mind. They were advised by Brahma (Creator in the Hindu Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer) to drink amrit, or the elixir of life. But amrit could only be obtained by the churning of the ocean, which, needless to add, was no mean feat. Now the question arose as to how to go about churning the gargantuan ocean. Lord Vishnu (the Hindu Preserver of the Universe) came up with a solution saying that Mount Meru could act as the churning stick, while Vasuki (the mythical serpent) could be used as the coil around Meru. Pleased with the suggestion, the devtas went to the asuras, or demons and sought their help in accomplishing the formidable task. The devtas’ promise to share the amrit with the asuras tricked the latter into consenting to tug Vasuki from one end.
Thus ensued a phenomenal churning that, however, threatened to destroy the three worlds (Heaven, Earth and Hell). The gods simply could not let that happen, so Vishnu appeared in the guise of a giant tortoise or Kurma (Vishnu's second incarnation) and stabilised the churning by acting as a base under Mount Meru. It is said that eventually, spectacular treasures emerged from the great ocean including Laksmi the Goddess of Prosperity and Wealth, Sura the Goddess of Wine, Chandra, or the moon, Apsaras, the celestial nymphs, Kaustabha, the precious gem of Vishnu, Uchchaishravas, the divine horse, Parijata, the wishing coral tree, Kamdhenu, the wish-fulfilling Divine Cow, Airavata, the four-tusked white elephant, Panchajanya, or the conch, Sharanga, the invincible bow, and Dhanvantri, Nimi and Bharadwaj - the physicians and surgeons.
¤ The Distribution of Poison and The Nector
Then appeared Halahala, the deadly poison, that had to be extracted before it could spell doom across the universe, and finally emerged the Amrit Kumbh, or pitcher of amrit. The mighty Shiva (the Destroyer of the Universe) stepped in to consume the poison as he was the only one who had the capacity to contain Halahala. Shiva drank the poison but kept it in his neck, perhaps to prevent the poison from entering his stomach. Ever since, he has been nicknamed Neelkantha or the blackneck. Meanwhile, in order to prevent the asuras from consuming the amrit, the devtas took the priceless pot and fled, with the asuras trailing behind in pursuit. Eventually the asuras caught up with the devtas who, in turn, decided to take on the asuras. It is believed that in all this melee, a few drops of amrit fell from the pot on spots that are the present-day towns of Nasik, Ujjain, Haridwar and Allahabad, rendering indestructible and sacred for all times to come.
¤ Goddess Lakshmi -The Main Deity
Since Goddess Lakshmi was amongst the spectacular treasures that emerged from the great ocean, hence, along with Ganesha, who is customarily invoked before ceremonies are performed, Lakshmi presides over all the ceremonies that are performed during Diwali.
Days before Diwali, people get into a veritable tailspin, what with all the planning and shopping to be done for the ceremonies, especially for the grand Diwali night. They wash, clean and even whitewash their homes and shops – it seems no god or goddess blesses a mess! The women folk especially in South India decorate their homes and doorsteps with colourful rangolis (patterns made on the floor by using various coloured powders). Dhan Teras Celebrations
Two days before Diwali is called dhan teras (dhan is wealth in Hindi and teras is 13th, to signify the 13th day after the full moon).
This day is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi as it is believed that she pays each house a visit on this day of the year. People hold a Lakshmi puja (prayer ceremony) in their homes. This day is especially significant for the merchant class, and quite understandably so. Traditionally this day marked the commencement of the new financial year and is still considered to do so by some people. In urban India, many business deals are finalised around this time and business houses give a Diwali bonus and gifts to their employees on the occasion.
¤ Chhoti Diwali
The day before Diwali is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali (small Diwali). This is the day when Hanuman reached Ayodhya to deliver the long-awaited message of Lord Rama’s return. On Chhoti Diwali, people socialise and exchange sweets and gifts. There is a puja in the evening, and the puja sthan (most Indian homes have a special room or corner with a little temple in which they pray) is decorated with empty earthen lamps and newly purchased idols that are to be worshipped in it. In Bengal, people celebrate the Kali puja on this day. Kali is the Goddess of War and is highly revered by the Bengalis. In South India, an oil massage followed by a bath before dawn on this day is equated to taking a dip in the holy River Ganga. and a dip in the Ganga (the holy river of India supposed to absolve one of all sins) on this day is also considered to be an act of piety.
¤ The Shopping Day
The day is also chalked out for shopping. Markets are piled up with goodies and decorated to the hilt. Every year, there is an array of new things on display. Shopkeepers offer mega Diwali discounts to allure customers.
Firecracker stalls have every conceivable cracker and ‘bomb’, from rockets to sparklers to fire snakes, burning trains and what have you, covered in shiny golden and silver paper, for children and adults alike.
Children look forward to their shopping binge primarily for this reason. Hordes of families throng the markets of their towns and villages for the Diwali shopping spree. Clothes are bought for all members of the family.
Buying utensils on dhan teras is also a must, as doing so is considered auspicious. Lamps, candles, festoons, animal-shaped sugar candies, sweets covered with silver foil and packed in bright cardboard boxes, colourful earthen idols of various important gods and goddesses and other things adorn endless rows of shelves.
¤ The Mass Celebration of Diwali Festival
Finally the big day arrives and the excitement reaches fever pitch, especially for the children, as they can hardly wait for the night to get their hands on the crackers! But the day itself is not without its share of delightful moments.
The women of the house get their culinary act together to turn out an elaborate feast. An extensive fare is laid out for the household, and certain sweets are especially made during this festival, as Diwali is also the festival of sweets and feasting. In the evening, lamps and candles are placed all around the house after which the entire family assembles for the puja. A big earthen diya (lamp) is lit and later taken around the house to light all the candles and diyas.
Every house – big or small – participates in this ritual. Even the most modest shacks are transformed into bright households with a few diyas. Every little village and town glitters on this night. The sky is set ablaze with thousands of crackers bursting and diffusing coloured lights high into the sky.
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