Deepawali
or Diwali is certainly the biggest and the brightest 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 Diwali(Deepavali)
Historically,
the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably
an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to
the origin of Diwali or 'Deepawali.' 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 dark goddess of strength. Lord
Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is
also worshiped 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 Days
Each
day of Diwali has its 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 & Firecrackers
All
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 Gambling
The
tradition of gambling on Diwali 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. Diwali is associated with wealth and prosperity in many ways, and
the festival of 'Dhanteras' ('dhan' = wealth; 'teras' = 13th) is celebrated two
days before the festival of lights.
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.
Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside India, it 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. -By Subhamoy Das
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