Legend
has it, from the Hindu epic – “The Ramayana” that Lord Rama returned to his
kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating demon king Ravana, and bringing back his
kidnapped wife, Sita. The entire city was lit up with diyas (lamps and candles) to commemorate his victorious return. This
event signified the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and became
an annual event.
Also
called Deepavali; Diwali is the equivalent of Christmas for the Hindu World,
just with much more color, fireworks and sweets. It is also an official holiday
in Mauritius,
Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Myanmar, Surinam and
Fiji.
The festival’s date is on the darkest, new moon night of the
Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika, varying every year as per the Gregorian calendar but is almost always
in Mid Oct- Early Nov. This year, it falls on the 23rd of October.
There
are five days of rituals and celebrations, varying slightly depending upon what
region of India one is celebrating.
DAY 1: Dhanteras
Marking the beginning of Diwali festivities, Dhanteras is primarily a celebration of business
and wealth as
the word 'Dhan' literally means wealth and 'Tera' comes from the date 13th. A
lot of shopping is done on this day and metallic objects are given the highest
priority. Lakshmi - the Goddess of wealth - is worshiped to
provide prosperity and well being. Rangoli designs
are drawn on pathways including the goddess' footprints to mark the arrival of
Lakshmi.
Rangoli |
DAY 2: Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti
Diwali
Literally meaning Small Diwali, it serves as a rehearsal to the
mega event. Hindus will have long early-morning baths, put on
new clothes, light multiple diyas, adorn their houses with lights and burst
firecrackers to ward off festival demons.
Day 3: Diwali -Lakshmi Puja:
October 23rd marks the apex of Diwali
celebrations – a day filled with lights, sweets, food and fun. In
order to welcome Lakshmi and prevent her from returning from the doorstep,
people keep the doors ajar and avoid locking their homes. Gifts
are exchanged and at night people come out in the open and
light crackers with their families, friends and neighbors. A popular game of
cards known a Teen Patti is also
played in many households.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja
Also know as Annakut (heap of grain), celebrated as
a day of food and devotion often involves large extended family meals,
especially if a new marriage has just taken place. This day marks Lord Krishna defeating Indra (God of
Rain)
Day 5: Bhai Duj
It celebrates the sister-brother loving relationship, in a
spirit similar to Raksha Bandhan but with different rituals. The day
ritually emphasizes the love and lifelong bond between siblings. It is a day when
women and girls get together, perform a puja with prayers for the well being of
their brothers, then return to a ritual of food-sharing, gift-giving and
conversations.
More Religions:
Sikhism
Sikhs celebrate Diwali with same passion as
Hindus to commemorate the return of their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji
from Gwalior fort, where he was imprisoned with numerous non-Muslim Kings by
Mughal emperor Jehangir.
Jainism
Jains celebrate Diwali with equal warmth and
fervour as it is believed that it was on this day that Lord Mahavira had
attained Nirvana or Moksha.
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