One of the most significant festivals in Indian culture and mythology, Diwali, the festival of lights, has relapsed once again here in this week. The festival is being celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains for a variety of reasons across the globe where Hindus, Sikhs and Jains community are more in numbers, although the main theme which runs throughout is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil .But this Diwali celebration is being enjoyed by all the people in unison as one of the most important national festivals regardless of their religion, nationality, caste and language.
How is Diwali celebrated?
To celebrate, houses are painted or cleaned with water properly to have a fresh look and decorated mostly with ”Thoran” made out of mango leaves and garland of flowers, “ Traditional clay Diyas” and different varieties of” Rangolies” are drawn in front of the houses. Different coloured “Khandeels (Goodu Deepa) are hung in front of each and every houses is the another specialty and significance of Diwali celebration.
In recent days in most of the places wax candles and colourful lights like miniatures are also being instead of’ Traditional clay Diyas and new clothes to be worn at the time of the festival.Taking oil bath in the morning is the another custom.
Huge colourful firework displays of different varieties are the main attraction of this celebration. While the families busy preparing various sweets to feast at home and to share with relatives, friends, neighbours and well-wishers. The celebration however features various rich savoury and sweet dishes, and while eating out is popular .Visit of guests and exchanging of gifts is the another important part.
This is the only one of the occasions, where all the family members are gathered together and festival is celebrated with full of vibration, joy, enthusiasm, gaiety, togetherness and happiness. This will bring positive energy in our mind by depleting negativity.
During Diwali, families and friends share sweets and gifts and there is also a strong belief in giving food and goods to those in need. It is also traditional for homes to be cleaned
What is Diwali?
Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
The actual day of Diwali is traditionally celebrated on the festival’s third day. The festival usually falls between the middle of October and the middle of November, although this is decided upon by the Hindu lunar calendar.
While each faith has its own reason to celebrate the festival, one of the most popular stories told is the legend of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom in northern India from exile after defeating the demon king Ravanna in the 15th century BC.
Diwali festival is also believed to be the symbol of Goddess Lakshmi coming home and Lord Ganesha. On this day as they are believed to bring good luck, prosperity and wealth.. Thus people celebrate by lighting many clay lamps called ‘diyas’ around their homes. This signifies the victory of good over evil
Significance and Importance of 5 Days of Diwali
Diwali celebrations go on for five days and each day has its significance.
Dhanteras:
Diwali begins with the first day known as ‘Dhanteras’ or the worship of wealth. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day and there is a custom to purchase something precious
Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali :
The second day is Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali. People wake up early and apply aromatic oils on them before taking a bath. This is said to remove all sins and impurities. They wear new clothes, offer Puja and enjoy by lighting diyas and bursting few crackers.
Lakshmi Puja :
The third day is the main Diwali festival. Lakshmi Puja is performed on this day. Goddess Lakshmi is believed to enter homes and bless people with good fortune. Tiny oil diyas, candles and electric lights are placed around the house. Families exchange gifts and gather together to burst crackers.
Govardhan Puja or Padva :
The fourth day is Govardhan Puja or Padva. It is the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra by lifting the huge Govardhan Mountain. People make a small hillock, usually of cow dung, symbolising Govardhan and worship it.
Bhai Dooj :
The fifth and last day is Bhai Dooj. On this day sisters invite their brothers for a lavish meal and perform a ‘tilak’ ceremony. Sisters pray for their brother’s long and happy life while the brothers give gifts to their sisters.
People display fireworks during Diwali but it should be kept in mind as to not create noise and air pollution which can harm the environment.
“WISHING ALL THE KANNADIGAWORLD READERS A VERY HAPPY DEEPAVALI AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR”.
Shekar Moily
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