The glitters and the gaiety, the wishes and the prayers.
The time when our hearts leap in joy.
The celebration of goodness' victory.
Diwali or Deepavali, is a five day festival which starts on Dhanteras(Dhantrayodashi). The third day is celebrated as the main Diwali festival or 'Festival of lights' on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu calendarmonth Ashwin and ends on Bhaubeej, Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around their house. Laxmi Puja is performed in the evening and divine blessings sought of The Goddess of Wealth. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali falls between mid-October and mid-November. Celebrated on second lunar day of Shukla paksha (bright fortnight) of the Hindu calendar month Kartik, Diwali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji.
The name "Diwali" or "Divali" is a contraction of "Deepavali" (Sanskrit: दीपावली Dīpāvalī), which translates into "row of lamps". Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (dīpa in Sanskrit: दीप) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. These lamps are kept on during the night and one's house is cleaned, both done in order to make the goddess Lakshmi feel welcome. Firecrackersare burst because it is believed that it drives away evil spirits.During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and sharesweets and snacks with family members and friends.
Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali or 'Deepawali.' Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen year long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.
The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year. The second day of the festival is called the Naraka Chaturdasi. Amavasya, the third day of Diwali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The fourth day of Diwali is known as Kartika Shudda Padyami. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya also called Bhai Dooj in most parts of India, and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes. While in the North Eastern State of Manipur, Bhai Dooj is celebrated as Ningol Chakouba where daughters of the family are invited by their parents/brothers. (This happens to be the biggest festival of the state.) Each of the five days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a different tradition, but what remains true and constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment and goodness.
*** Diwali is the time when the Mother Goddess blesses us with happiness, joy and prosperity. May the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi be with every single person in this world!! Happy Deepavali to all !!!***
*** Diana Raj Kumari ***
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