Every Indian eagerly waits for Diwali as it is the best of all festivals. It is known as ‘Festival of Lights’ and is observed with lot of enthusiasm and is celebrated through out the India. Diwali is a 5-day festival which occurs on the fifteenth day of Kartika (October-November). In 2009 Diwali falls on 17th October 2009.
Significance of Diwali:
Diwali signifies the victory of good over the evil both within and without. Lights or lamps symbolize knowledge, wisdom and eternity. The spirit of Diwali is “Tamasoma Jyothirgamaya ..â€, “Let me go or advance from the darkness to the lightâ€.
Darkness here means ignorance that manifests as envy, enmity and hatred amongst one another. These are the detrimental traits in a human being and they are also reflected in human society. Human society can be peaceful and worthy if the fellow beings live in harmony, imbibed with the moral values of human behavior. Diwali is the festival that brings joy to the heart of everyone with profound philosophy of light, peace and happiness in the human society.
Diwali Celebrations:
Diwali is celebrated irrespective of caste, creed and religion. It is celebrated with same vigor and pomp in Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism. It is celebrated in all parts of India. In North India, people celebrate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhaya after defeating Ravana. In Gujarat there is elaborate Lakshmi Pooja to honour Goddess Lakshmi. In Bengal, Kali, Goddess of Time is worshipped with awe and reverence. In South India, Diwali is observed to commemorate the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon Naraka.
Volumes can be written on Diwali celebrations as Diwali is celebrated in different ways in different locations. Here we present a brief summary on the jubilations of Diwali:
- Every house is made clean and tidy few before the Diwali day. Generally all houses are white washed during this period and all the wearied out things are thrown away or sold off.
- Elaborate Diwali shopping is done where everyone buys new clothes and accessories. Women buy new jeweleries and men buy traditional dresses.
- On the day of Diwali people get up early in the morning and have ritual or holy bath with oils and scents. They don new clothes and women prepare choicest dishes for family and friends.
- In the evening, light small oil lamps or “diyas†are placed around the home. All the lights are turned on. Special lightings are also employed to enliven the spirit of Diwali.
- Lakshmi pooja is performed with utmost devotion to seek the blessings of the Goddess of Wealth. The Deity of Lakshmi is embellished with flowers. Fruits, sweets and dishes are offered to the Goddess. Aarti is performed with prayers to bestow health, wealth and happiness to all.
- Gifts and sweets are exchanged with close friends and family. Fireworks are exploded and games of cards are played for fun.
