Posted on August 11, 2007 in Diwali Celebrations
How is Diwali Celebrated in India?
Diwali in South India
In South India, Diwali is observed to commemorate the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon Naraka, who had spread fear and panic among the inhabitants of the earth with his ruthless oppression. It was Krishna who ultimately destroyed Naraka and freed the earth from his malevolence. The festival of Diwali in south India is observed in the Tamil month of aipasi or thula month on ‘naraka chaturdasi’ thithi, prior to amavasai.
The house is tidied for the occasion and adorned with kolam or rangoli designs made from kavi or red oxide. In the room where Diwali rituals are performed, betel leaves, betel nuts, flowers, sandalwood paste, kumkum and turmeric powder are stored. Crackers and new dresses are kept in a plate with a little kumkum or sandalwood paste smeared over them.
In South India Diwali celebrations commence early in the morning. The eldest member of the family smears sesame oil on the heads of all the family members. After this the entire family takes bath commencing with the youngest member of the family. After the bath it is imperative for all to wear new dresses. Clad in their new festive outfit they eagerly await the Diwali revelry to follow in the form of bursting crackers, which represents the slaughter of the demon king Narakasur by Lord Krishna.
In the evening, houses are decorated with lamps and people indulge in cracker bursting sessions.
The Diwali celebrations in South India entail a visit to the temples, gifts of clothes and jewelry, consuming sweets in plenty and seeking the blessings of the elders.
In northern parts of India, Diwali is observed in honor of Lord Rama, who was banished from his empire in Ayodhya, for 14 years. During his years in exile Lord Rama defeated the demon Ravana and Diwali is celebrated to mark his triumphant homecoming.
Diwali also signifies the triumph of good over evil in the form of Lord Rama’s victorious conquest over Ravana. There are several folklore and local traditions connected with this festival, but applicable to all is the illumination of homes, streets, temples, with countless tiny earthen lamps and candles. Firecrackers, believed to drive away evil spirits are also used in plenty, giving the festival a distinctive charm of its own.
On Diwali day, shops in North India are kept open till the afternoon, in the belief that bountiful sales on Diwali day could usher in prosperity and good luck in the year to follow. Sweets and dry fruits are freely distributed on the occasion together with silver coins. But exclusive gifts also include costly silver dishes and expensive jewelry that are offered to people who are special.
In north India during Diwali, Ramlilas or dramatic performance of the story of the Ramayan, continues for several evenings and glorifies the exploits of Lord Rama and his triumph over the evil demon king Ravana.In Himachal Pradesh, as also in parts of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, gambling with cards reaches an exciting pitch on the night of Diwali.
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September 1st, 2009 at 11:55 am
From shich province does Ravana hail