Deepawali
or Diwali, is a festival of lights symbolising the victory of
righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word
'Deepawali' literally means rows of diyas (clay lamps). This is one of
the most popular festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on
the 15th day of Kartika (October/November). This festival
commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing
his 14-year exile.
The most beautiful of all Indian festivals, Diwali is a celebration
of lights. Streets are illuminated with rows of clay lamps and homes are
decorated with colours and candles. This festival is celebrated with
new clothes, spectacular firecrackers and a variety of sweets in the
company of family and friends. All this illumination and fireworks, joy
and festivity, signify the victory of divine forces over those of
wicked.
The Goddess Lakshmi (consort of Vishnu), who is the symbol of wealth
and prosperity, is also worshipped on this day. In West Bengal, this
festival is celebrated as Kali Puja, and Kali, Shiva's consort, is
worshipped on the occasion of Diwali.
In the South, Deepawali festival often commemorates the conquering of
the Asura Naraka, a powerful king of Assam, who imprisoned thousands of
inhabitants. It was Krishna who was finally able to subdue Naraka and
free the prisoners. To commemorate this event, people in Peninsular
India wake before sunrise and make imitation blood by mixing kumkum or
vermillion with oil. After crushing underfoot a bitter fruit as a symbol
of the demon, they apply the 'blood' triumphantly on their foreheads.
They then have ritual oil baths, anointing themselves with sandalwood
paste. Visits to temples for prayers are followed by large family
breakfasts of fruits and a variety of sweets.
Another story of king Bali is attached to the Diwali festival in
South India. According to the Hindu mythology, King Bali was a
benevolent demon king. He was so powerful that he became a threat to the
power of celestial deities and their kingdoms. And Lord Vishnu came as
the dwarf mendicant Vamana, to dilute Bali's power. Vamana shrewdly
asked the king for land that would cover three steps as he walked. The
king happily granted this gift. Having tricked Bali, Vishnu revealed
himself in the full glory of his godhood. He covered the heaven in his
first step and the earth in his second. Realising that he was pitted
against the mighty Vishnu, Bali surrendered and offered his own head,
inviting Vishnu to step on it. Vishnu pushed him into the nether world
with his foot. In return Vishnu gave him the lamp of knowledge to light
up the dark underworld. He also gave him a blessing that he would return
to his people once a year to light millions of lamps from this one lamp
so that on the dark new moon light of Diwali, the blinding darkness of
ignorance, greed, jealousy, lust, anger, ego, and laziness would be
dispelled and the radiance of knowledge, wisdom and friendship would
prevail. Each year on Diwali day, even today, one lamp lights another
and like a flame burning steadily on a windless night, brings a message
of peace and harmony to the world.
What do people do?
Diwali celebrations may last for up to five days. Many people
decorate their home and workplaces with tiny electric lights or small
clay oil lamps. Bowls of water with candles and flowers floating on the
surface are also popular decorations.
Many people make a special effort to clean their homes and yards
before Diwali. They may also wash themselves with water and fragrant
oils, wear new clothes and give gifts of sweets to family members, close
friends and business associates. Fireworks are set off in the evening
in some areas. Melas (fairs) are held in many towns and villages.
People in different regions in India may celebrate Diwali on various
dates. This is because traditional lunar calendars can be interpreted in
different ways. For example, Deepavali in Tamil Nadu is celebrated in
the Tamil month of Aipasi.
Public life
Government offices, post offices and banks are closed in India on
Diwali. Stores and other businesses and organizations may be closed or
have reduced opening hours. Transport is usually unaffected as many
locals travel for religious celebrations. However those wishing to use
public transport on the day should check with the local transport
authorities on public transit schedules.
Background
Deepawali or Diwali is a festival of lights symbolizing the victory
of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word
“Deepawali” refers to rows of diyas, or clay lamps. This is one of the
most popular festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the
15th day of Kartika, according to the Hindu calendar. This festival
commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing
his 14-year exile. The myths around Rama and Ravana are told during
another holiday, known as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.
The Goddess Lakshmi was Vishnu’s consort and she symbolizes wealth
and prosperity. She is also worshipped on Diwali. This festival is
celebrated in West Bengal as "Kali Puja", and Kali, Shiva's consort, is
worshipped during Diwali. The Diwali festival in southern India often
commemorates the conquering of the Asura Naraka, a king of Assam who
imprisoned many people. It is believed that Krishna freed the prisoners.
Many Buddhists in India mark anniversary of the Emperor Ashoka’s
conversion to Buddhism around the time of Diwali. Many scholars believe
that Ashoka lived between 270BCE and 232 BCE. Many people who observe
Jainism mark the anniversary of Mahavira's (or Lord Mahavir) attainment
of nirvana on October 15, 527 BCE. Mahavira established the central
spiritual ideas of Jainism. Many Jains celebrate the Festival of Lights
in his honor.
Bandi Chhorh Divas, which is the Sikh celebration of the sixth
Nanak's (Guru Har Gobind) return from detention in the Gwalior Fort,
coincides with Diwali. This coincidence has resulted in the similarity
of celebrating the day among many Sikhs and Hindus.
Symbols
Electric lights, small oil lamps made of clay and flames are
important Diwali symbols. They represent both physical and spiritual
aspects of light.
