Diwali is also called Divali, Deepavali or the “festival of lights”, is a five-day Hindu festivalwhich starts on Dhanteras, celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha of the Hindu calendar and ends on Bhaubeej, celebrated on the second lunar day of Shukla paksha.
For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes.
The name “Diwali” or deepavali which means “row of lamps”. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. These lamps are kept on during the night r to make the goddess Lakshmi feel welcome. Firecrackers are burst because it is believed that it drives away evil spirits. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.
The meanings of Diwali, its symbols and rituals, and the reasons for celebration are innumerable. Diwali also celebrates Lord Rama’s glorious and long-awaited return to his Kingdom of Ayodhya after his fourteen long years of exile in the forests. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakaasura.. It is also celebrated as the day Bhagwan Vishnu married Maha Lakshmi. The third day of Diwali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The fourth day of Diwali is known asKartika Shudda Padyami. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya, and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
Naraka Chaturdashi: This was the day on which the demon Narakasura was killed by Krishna – an incarnation of Vishnu. It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. In southern India, this is the actual day of festivities. Hindus wake up before dawn, have a fragrant oil bath and dress in new clothes. They light small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate rangolis outside their homes. They perform a special puja with offerings to Krishna or Vishnu, as he liberated the world from the demon Narakasura on this day. After the puja, children burst firecrackers heralding the defeat of the demon.
Diwali is also associated with the story of the fall of Bali – a demon king who was conquered by Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu appeared to the demon king Bali in the form of a dwarf and requested only three steps of land. The evil and egotistic Bali granted the drawf’s meager request of only three feet. Suddenly, Lord Vishnu took on His grand size and placed one foot on the Earth, another on the Heavens and His third on the head of the evil Bali.
Lakshmi Pooja: Lakshmi symbolises wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead. Lakshmi Puja marks the most important day of Diwali celebrations in North India. Hindu homes worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesh, the God of auspicious beginnings also known as the remover of obstacles, and then light deeyas in the streets and homes to welcome prosperity and well-being.
This Diwali fill light of happiness in the life of all the people and all over the world. Wishing a happy and prosperous Diwali to all.
