Diwali: Festival of Lights
Source: www.deepavali.info
Light Up Your Life! Deepawali or Diwali is certainly the biggest of all
Hindu festivals. It's the festival of lights (deep = light and avali = a row
i.e., a row of lights) that's marked by four days of celebration, which
literally illumines the country with its brilliance and dazzles all with its
joy. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a
different tradition, but what remains true and constant is the celebration of
life, its enjoyment and goodness.
The Origin of DiwaliHistorically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back
to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest . However, there
are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali.
Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord
Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother
Kali, the goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the
symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshipped in most Hindu homes on
this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of
Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates
the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen year
long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the
return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated
the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.
These Four DaysEach day of Diwali has it's own tale, legend and myth to
tell. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of
the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the second
day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her
most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also
tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the
tyrant Bali, and banished him to hell. Bali was allowed to return to earth once
a year, to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance, and
spread the radiance of love and wisdom. It is on the third day of Deepawali
Kartika Shudda Padyami that Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth
according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is referred to as
Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj) and on this day sisters invite their
brothers to their homes.
The Significance of Lights & FirecrackersAll the simple rituals of Diwali
have a significance and a story to tell. The illumination of homes with lights
and the skies with firecrackers is an expression of obeisance to the heavens
for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity.
According to one belief, the sound of fire-crackers are an indication of the
joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful
state. Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes
produced by the crackers kill a lot of insects and mosquitoes, found in plenty
after the rains.
The Tradition of GamblingThe tradition of gambling on Deepawali also has a
legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice
with her husband Lord Shiva, and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali
night would prosper throughout the ensuing year. From Darkness Unto
Light...In each legend, myth and story of Deepawali lies the significance of
the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepawali and the lights
that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason
and hope. From darkness unto light the light that empowers us to commit
ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During
Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks
hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness
and hope. Outside India, Diwali is more than a Hindu festival, it's a
celebration of South-Asian identities. If you are away from the sights and
sounds of Diwali, light a diya, sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the
senses, concentrate on this supreme light and illuminate the soul.
Source: www.deepavali.info
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