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 Religion
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Diwali- Diwali Festival
Festival Of Lights
Diwali-A festival synonymous with celebrations in India and
among Indians all over the world, is an occasion for jubilation and
togetherness. This is an occasion for young and the old, men and women, rich and
poor - for everyone. Irrespective of their religious and economic background,
the festival is celebrated throughout the country to ward off the darkness and
welcome the light into their lives.
The word "Diwali" is made by Sanskrit word "Deepavali"
- Deepa meaning light and Avali means a row, i.e a row of light. Diwali is
celebrated 20 days after Dussera, on Amavasya - the 15th day of
the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (Aasho) (Oct/ Nov) every
year.
The legend related to Diwali is that King Dashratha had three wives
namely Kaushalaya, Keykayee and Sumitra and four sons Rama,
Bharat, Laxmana and Shatrughan. Rama was the son of
Queen Kaushalaya and Bharat was the son of Queen Keykayee. Keykayee wanted
Bharat to be the next King while the King Dasharatha wanted Rama, his eldest son
to be the King. But Keykayee made full use of the two wishes King Dasharatha had
promised Keykayee and asked for sending Rama to exile for the period of fourteen
years. During that time Lord Rama fought and won tenuous struggles in the south
part of the Indian sub-continent (which some people believe is now Sri Lanka)
killing the king of Demons, Ravana who had forcibly taken away his wife
Sita. Diwali marks his victorious return to his kingdom along with Hanuman,the
Vanar who helped him in achieving success.
People give expressions to their happiness by lighting earthen diyas and
decorating the houses to welcome Lakshmi- the Goddess of wealth and
prosperity, bursting fire crackers and inviting the near and dear ones to their
households for partaking in the luxurious feast. The lighting of lamps is a way
of paying obeisance to God for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace
and fame and it also signifies goodness. It is also marked as the beginning of
the Hindu New Year and as a brand new beginning for all. Diwali is celebrated
for five days, each day having it's own significance, rituals and myths.
The First day is called Dhanteras or
Dhantryaodashi, which falls on the thirteenth day of the month of Ashwin.
The word "Dhan" means wealth. This day has great importance for
rich community. It is believed that sixteen year old son of King Hima according
to his horoscope was doomed to die on the fourth day of his marriage by a
snake-bite .So, on that particular fourth day of his marriage his worried wife
lighted innumerable lamps all over the place and laid all the ornaments and lots
of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband's boudoir.
And she went on telling stories and singing songs through the night. When
Yam-the god of death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent the dazzle of those
brilliant lights blinded his eyes and he could not enter the Prince's chamber.
So he climbed on the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat their whole night
listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the
wife saved her husband and since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as
the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning throughout
the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of Death.
The Second day is called Narka-Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali
that falls on the fourteenth day of the month of Ashwin. The legend related to
this day is about the King Bali of the nether world that mighty power had
become a threat to the gods. In order to curb his powers Lord Vishnu in
the guise of a small boy visited him and begged him to give him only that much
land which he could cover with his three steps. Known for his philanthropy King
Bali proudly granted him his wish. So with his first step Lord Vishnu covered
the entire heaven and with the second step the earth and asked Bali where to
keep his third step. Bali offered his head and putting his foot on his head
Vishnu pushed him down to the underworld. But for his generosity Lord Vishnu
allowed him to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps to dispel
the darkness and ignorance and spread the radiance of love and wisdom.
The Third day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day of
Lakshmi-Puja, which is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi.
This day is also known by the name of "Chopada-Puja". The day
of Lakshmi-Puja falls on the dark night of Amavasya. It is believed that on this
auspicious day Lord Krishna discarded his body. One more interesting story
related to this day is of a small boy called Nichiketa who believed that
Yam, the god of Death was as black as the dark night of amavasya. He on this day
met Yam in person and was puzzled seeing Yam's calm countenance and dignified
stature. Yam explained to Nichiketa on this day of amavasya that by only passing
through the darkness of death, man sees the light of highest wisdom and then
only his soul can escape from the bondage of his mortal frame to mingle with the
Supreme Power without whose will nothing moves in the world. And then Nichiketa
realised the importance of worldly life and significance of death. Nichiketa's
all doubts were set at rest and he whole-heartedly participated in Diwali
celebrations.
The Fourth day is called Padwa or VarshaPratipada that marks the coronation of
King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day.
Govardhan-Puja is also performed in the North on this day. As per Vishnu-Puran,
the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honour of Lord Indra and
worshipped him after the end of every monsoon season. But one particular year
the young Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Lord Indra who in
terrific anger sent a deluge to submerge Gokul. But Krishna saved his Gokul by
lifting up the Govardhan Mountain and holding it over the people as an umbrella.
This day is also observed as Annakoot and prayers are offered in the temples.
The Fifth and final day of Diwali Festival is known by the name of "Bhaiya-Dooj"
This day is observed as a symbol of love between sisters and brothers. It is
believed that on this day Yamraj -the god of death visited his sister Yami and
she put the auspicious till on his forehead, they ate talked and enjoyed
together and exchanged special gifts as a token of their love for each other and
Yamraj announced that anyone who receives tilak from his sister on this day will
never be thrown. Since then it became imperative for the brother to go to his
sister's house to celebrate Bhaiya Dooj
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