Guest guest Posted October 23, 2003 Report Share Posted October 23, 2003 Tuesday, October 21, 2003 1:17 AM [mantra_tantra] Diwali & celebrations Forward of Rohit Anand post... Diwali is a festival of celebrations in India and among Indians all over the world. It is an occasion for happiness and togetherness. This is an occasion where everyone, irrespective of their religious and economic background celebrate Diwali. It teaches us to uphold the true values of life, to destroy ignorance that prevents humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. The word “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali”. “Deep” means light and “Avali” means a row, ie. A row of lights. Diwali is celebrated 20 days after Dussera, on New Moon Day. It is the last day of the year in the month of Ashwin or Aaso. People show their happiness by lighting earthen diyas and decorating their houses with rangoli, bursting firecrackers and inviting family and friends for a feast. In Jainism, the lighting of lamps is symbolic of lighting the lamp within us. Just as a light brightens everything around it, our presence should brighten people around us – we should be of help to others and bring peace and happiness to ourselves and others. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and as a brand new beginning for all. Diwali is celebrated for five days, each day has it’s own significance and myths. Dhanteras ('Dhan' means wealth and 'Teras' is the thirteenth day ) The first day of Diwali is Dhanteras. Doorways are hung with torans/garlands of mango leaves and marigolds. Rangolis are drawn with different colored powders, grains, flowers, etc. to welcome guests. Oil diyas (lamps) are arranged in and around the house. Because of these flickering lamps, the festival acquired the name of Dipawali or Diwali. Chhoti Diwali or Narka-Chaturdashi The next days is Chhoti Diwali. On the dark new moon night, the entrances to all homes are lit up and decorated with rangoli patterns to welcome Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. The legend is that King Bali of the nether world had become a threat to the gods. In order to control this Vishnu, disguised as a small boy, visited him and begged for enough that he could cover in three steps. King Bali was a very generous king and granted his wish. So Vishnu, with 2 steps, covered the entire heaven and earth. For his third step he had to step on King Bali’s head and pushed him down to the underworld. But for his generosity King Bali is allowed to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps to remove the darkness and ignorance and spread the light of love and wisdom. Laxmi-Puja This day is also called “Chopda-Puja”. This is the day most businesses close the books of the old year and start new books. They do the sathiyo with 3 dots on top (Rational Knowledge, Rational Perception and Rational Conduct) on their accounting books. Diwali Hindus believe that King Rama came back to Ayodhya after defeating King Ravan, the king of Lanka. Jains believe that Diwali is the day when Bhagwan Mahavir, the twenty-fourth Tirthankar, attained Nirvana. Diwali is a celebration of lights. Just like a lamp needs cotton and oil to keep going, your internal light needs rational knowledge, rational perception and rational conduct to keep going in the right direction. On this day, King Vikramaditya was crowned king and Vikram-Samvat started from this day. The Indian year is counted from that year (57BC) and hence is different from the English calendar year, starting Jainuary 1st. New Year Gautam swami was very attached to Mahavir swami. So after Mahavir swami’s nirvana, he became very sad. When he realized that his attachment was blinding his vision, he got over his sadness and he attained Kevalgnyan.(For more about Gautamswami, read the story) Bhai Beej Mahavira swami’s brother, Nandivardhan, was very sad, Sudarshana, their sister, called King Nandivardhan to her house to try and help him get over his grief. That’s how Bhai Beej started - when the brother goes to the sister's house. Gnyan Panchami Gnyan means Knowledge. On this day, people pray to seek strength to be able to continuously learn. Dev Diwali The full moon day in Kartik (the first month of the Indian calendar) brings in the festival of Dev Diwali. On this day Mahavir swami is remembered, Agams (Jain holy books) are read and homes and temples are illuminated. Thousands of Jains from all over the world go to Mount Girnar in Gujarat where special celebrations are held. Lamps are lit under the moonlight sky and a family feast celebrates the end of the Diwali fortnight. We are Grateful & pay our Highest Gratitude to Great Rishis,Gurus, Saints ,Yogis, Authors, who have done great work to bring to us the "Light of Knowledge & Wisdom" through their works with the will of god.mantra_tantra For Suggestions,Views,Comments,Complaints contact :- mantra_tantra-owner Your use of is subject to the Attachment: (image/gif) Ivy.gif [not stored] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 24, 2003 Report Share Posted October 24, 2003 , "Lady Joyce" <shaantih@c...> wrote: > > Tuesday, October 21, 2003 1:17 AM > [mantra_tantra] Diwali & celebrations > Forward of Rohit Anand post... > Diwali is a festival of celebrations in India and among Indians all over the world. It is an occasion for happiness and togetherness. This is an occasion where everyone, irrespective of their religious and economic background celebrate Diwali. It teaches us to uphold the true values of life, to destroy ignorance that prevents humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. > > The word "Diwali" comes from the Sanskrit word "Deepavali". "Deep" means light and "Avali" means a row, ie. A row of lights. Diwali is celebrated 20 days after Dussera, on New Moon Day. It is the last day of the year in the month of Ashwin or Aaso. Namaste All, Happy Deepavali to all. Yes it originates with the ancient ancestors of modern Indians living in a colder climate. It was then incorporated into the return of Ram to Ayodha after 14 years in the forest etc. The Sikhs celebrate it as the return of their 13 or is it 14th Guru Gobhind Sing from captivity....Happy Harvest Festival............ONS....Tony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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