Diwali: The Queen of Festivals

[Guest guest]

Let Deepavali this year bring

End of the Terrorism

Let gladness and goodwill

Flood the country

 

- PS Prakasa Rao

 

India is a land of festivals, traditions and cultures. People

belonging to different castes and creeds live together. Each

religion has its own festivals. Diwali or Deepavali, the most

attractive and charming festival for Hindus, holds a unique position.

 

It generally falls in the month of October or November nearly after

20 days of Dussera. The word Deepavali is a Sanskrit compound made

up of two words 'Deepa' - meaning 'Lamp/Light' and 'Avali' -

meaning 'a row', thus making it a "A row of lights".

 

The literal meaning of Deepavali is brought out in the observance of

this festival by the display of Rows of Lights in front of the

houses. Every Hindu leaps up with joy at the thought of the

approaching Deepavali. Young and old equally enjoy this festival.

Rich as well as poor observe this festival equally.

 

Women and children get the greatest joy and happiness on this

occasion. Children and youth enjoy the sweetmeats and crackers.

There is the historical background to the origin of Deepavali

festival. Before the invasion of this country by the Muslims, Huns

invaded India. King Vikramaditya who was ruling in the north at that

time gathered a big army, defeated the Huns and drove them out of

this country. It is said that the Vikram Era commenced on this day.

The victory in that war was celebrated by people by lighting and

firing crackers in order to become more prosperous as it is the

Hindu belief that Deepam (light) is the incarnation of Lakshmi, the

Goddess of Wealth. Hence the celebration on that day came to be

known as Deepavali - Row of Lamps.

 

This festival has been referred in Hindu mythology. There are many

stories about how the festival began. But the most common legend is

that it is celebrated in honour of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhaya

after a period of fourteen long years in exile and his victory over

Ravana. He was welcomed very warmly by the people of Ayodhaya who

lighted 'DEEPAKS' in his honour.

 

Though the houses are still lighted with Deepaks. Now days, it is

the Candles and Electric series Bulbs which have taken over in some

houses. Rows of lighted candles and electric lamps present a

beautiful spectacle. On the night of "amavasya" (New Moon day) when

the sky is dark, the light emitted by these candles and electric

bulbs looks beautiful as it overcomes the darkness of the sky.

 

The one more widely known story relates to the destruction of demon

Narakasura by Lord Krishna with the help of his wife Satyabhama.

Because of this, the festival is also known as "Naraka Chaturthi"

signifying the day preceding the New Moon day on which Deepavali

falls. The story of Mahabali is another and in Maharashtra and

Karnataka Deepavali is celebrated in honour of Mahabali.

 

Deepavali is of special significance to many in North India, for the

New Business Year begins for them with Deepavali. Lakshmi, the

Goddess of fortune, is specially invoked to bless the venture with

success and prosperity.

 

Preparations for Diwali: The people celebrate this festival with

gaiety. Preparations for Diwali start days in advance. Houses are

whitewashed and the surrounding areas are cleaned. They buy candles

and earthen lamps to illuminate their houses. Bulbs of various

colours are used for decoration too. New clothes are stitched, fire-

crackers are bought and sweets are prepared. Young and old join

alike in Diwali celebrations. The entire environment is dominated by

bursting of crackers.

 

Deepavali or Diwali is celebrated in different manners in different

parts of the country. It is celebrated for two days in South India

and for five days in the North India. Each day has its own

significance, i.e. starting from "Dhanterasu", "Deepavali-Lakshmi

Pooja, "Govardhana Pooja" and finally "Bhai-Dhoj". Lakshmi, the

Goddess of wealth, and the other Gods and Goddesses are worshipped.

Businessmen and traders close their old accounts and open new

accounts on this day.

 

For the newly wedded couples in especially South India, Deepavali is

the happiest of occasions. The son-in-law is the most important

person and the target of all attention. This is known as Thalai

Deepavali. The tradition of presenting clothes and rich presents to

the son-in-law continues to this day.

 

Diwali is an important festival for businessmen also. Merchants have

a roaring business during these days. They display their goods,

while the sweet sellers prepare delicious sweets for sale. People

purchase sweets and give them as gifts to their near and dear.

People wish each other and there is often a little party or

celebration held. And greeting cards are also sent to friends and

relatives. Many people buy new utensils too.

 

A professor gives a logical reason for celebrating DIWALI. As it,

generally, falls in the month of October or November nearly after 20

days of Dussera, the monsoons recede and so insects and worms hiding

in tree holes, mud holes, and crevices crawl out. When the lamps are

lit, they either fly away or get burnt.

 

Also, the toxic fumes that arise out of the crackers turn them away

from residences, offices, etc. Thus saving us from diseases and

insect bites. This Diwali festival brings so much joy that people

from other religions celebrates too. The Sikhs observe this day as

the day of the release of Guru Har Gobind Singh from the clutches of

the Mughal emperor. The Golden Temple at Amritsar is richly

illuminated on this day.

 

Once, upon a time this festival was celebrated in Indonesia and

other neighbouring countries too. In Nepal, it is celebrated in

honour of birds and animals. Hanukkah, the Jewish festival is also

referred to as "Festival of Lights".

 

The children enjoy this festival very much as they wait the time to

burn fire-crackers and watch the sky glow with millions of colours.

Children may enjoy yourselves, but be careful about the explosives.

Despite of all this gaiety and enjoyment, there are some people who

indulge in the evil practice of gambling. They do this to try their

luck for the coming year. It spoils the entire joy of the festival.

 

This is a blot on this happy day. So, this evil practice of gambling

has to be stopped. Finally, Diwali, a festival of lights, sweets,

fire-crackers and greeting cards, is a joyful festival. It gets

friends and relatives together and spreads goodwill all over.

Festivals like Diwali are occasions to show the social and religious

spirit of the nation. Thus Diwali creates 'a sense of oneness' among

the people and becomes a symbol of 'Unity'.

 

I wish all the readers a very happy and prosperous DIWALI.

 

People are busy in white washing,

 

And decorating their houses,

 

For the arrival of DEEPAVALI,

 

The most joyful festival.

 

Deepavali, the rows of lamps,

 

The festival of lights,

 

And Fire works and crackers,

 

And end of fights.

 

Festival of lovely 'Rangoli',

 

Dry fruits and sweets,

 

Friends and relatives,

 

Poor and Rich visit each other ...

 

(PS Prakasa Rao)

 

SOURCE: The Central Chronicle, Bhopal

URL: http://www.centralchronicle.com/20051101/0111306.htm