FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT – DIWALI FESTIAL OF LIGHTS.

On the dark, new moon night of Karthik Amavasya, we celebrate Deepavali, the festival of lights. This festival is symbolic of the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. It is a festival of joy, pomp, splendor, enthusiasm and happiness and is very popular, especially among children, as it is associated with buying new clothes, bursting crackers and lots of sweets and goodies to eat. The preparations for the festival begin well in advance and people clean their houses thoroughly to welcome Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth.

The name of the festival is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’. Which etymologically means a row of lights (Deep – light and Avali – a row). There are many legends associated with the celebration of Deepavali. The most popular one is the return of Lord Rama, King of Ayodhya, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, to Ayodhya. They were sent to 14 years of exile by Rama’s stepmother Kaikeyi. In the forest, Sita was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana. Lord Rama killed the ten-headed demon and rescued Sita and returned to his kingdom, Ayodhya on the dark, new moon night of Karthik Amavasya. The people of the kingdom decorated the whole city & lit thousands of earthen lamps or diyas to welcome their king and express their joy and also light up their path in the dark night, thus beginning the tradition of the festival of lights. Deepavali also commemorates the killing of Narakasura, an evil demon, who created havoc, by Lord Krishna.

Sikhs celebrate Deepavali to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone for the Golden Temple in 1577.

It is also known as ‘Bandi Chhorh Divas’. The Mughal Emperor Jehangir arrested the Sikh Guru Hargobind and imprisoned him in Gwalior. Later Jehangir relented and released the Guru. To the joy of the Sikhs the Guru returned to Amritsar on Deepavali so the followers celebrate the day with joy. On this day they light small earthen oil lamps (Deeve`) and decorate the Gurudwaras with ‘Deepmalas’. The Sikh pilgrims take a dip in the sacred tank while reciting the ‘Tapji Sahib’ & then pray at the Golden Temple.

Deepavali is also a special occasion for the Jains as Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, attained ‘Nirvana’ on this day at Pavanpuri. Five days of fun! Deepavali is celebrated for 5 days and each of the 5 days has a special significance andimportance. The first day is a called ‘Dhanteras, Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhantrayodashi. This day marks the beginning of the Deepavali celebrations. Buying of silver or gold coins, vessels or ornaments is considered to be auspicious on this day. From this day onwards ‘diyas’ are lit and placed everywhere in the house to welcome Goddess Laxmi. The second day is called Naraka Chaturdashi. Taking an early morning bath after applying oil is a tradition on this day as it is believed that after killing Narakasura, Lord Krishna returned very early in the morning, massaged with scented oils and tookabath. The third and the most important day of Deepavali is marked with Laxmi Pujan. On this day the whole family comes together to worship Goddess Laxmi to achieve the blessings of wealth and prosperity.

According to legends, Goddess Laxmi was incarnated on this day during the churning of the ocean (Samudra-Manthan), hence the association of Diwali with Goddess Laxmi. The puja is performed at an auspicious time. Some people perform the puja in ‘Simha Lagna’ which is considered the most auspicious time that starts only after the midnight hour and lasts for 1½ to 2 hours. It is believed that if one performs the puja in ‘Simha Lagna’ for 12 consecutive years, he will be blessed with wealth and prosperity throughout his life. This day also marks the last day of the financial year for many traditional Hindu business families & businessmen perform ‘Chopda pujan’ for their new account books on this day. It is considered to be an auspicious day to start any new business venture. The stock exchanges also follow this tradition and an hour of ‘Mahoorat Trading’ is held every year on this day. The fourth day is called Padwa or Varsha-Pratipada or Govardhan Puja and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The fifth day is known as ‘Bhai-Dooj’, Bhaiyaduj, Bhaubeej, Bhai-tika or Bhai Fota. On this day, sisters put ‘tika’ on their brothers’ forehead and pray for their safety, well being and prosperity. This day marks the end of the Diwali celebrations.

Colourful Rangolis are drawn outside the houses on all the five days to decorate the house and give a warm welcome to all the guests who come to exchange greetings and gifts. Do you know that Rangoli is known by different names in different parts of the country? Aalpana in Bengal, Aripana in Bihar, Madana in Rajasthan, Rangoli in Gujurat, Karnataka and Maharashtra, Chowkpurna in UP & Kolam in Kerala & TN, Muggu in AP.

COLLECTED BY BHASKAR L. POOJARY.