Posted:
This is from Sagarworld email that I received:
Time has come around again for one of the most celebrated and pompously enjoyed festivals of India. Diwali is back. Diwali, the most awaited festival is also known as Deepavali, the "festival of lights" (Deep= lamp, vali= row). Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important. Varying cultures and customs mingle together to make Diwali celebrations very special. Being the festival of lights, Deepavali in India is a holy tradition and it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness; darkness refers to ignorance and light refers to knowledge. While Deepavali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light". It is a major Hindu festival honoring Maa Lakshmi (consort of Lord Vishnu, the protector of world) the Goddess of wealth. Celebrated joyously all over India, it is a festival of wealth and prosperity.
The magnificent six day long jubilation of Diwali celebration is marked by multi-colored Rangoli designs, special pooja ceremonies, lines of lamps, floral decorations, fireworks and exchange of sweets and gifts that lends grandeur to the occasion. Every home - lowly or mighty - the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich - shines with the glow of twinkling diyas or candles to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.
The Significance:
Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya: Diwali also celebrates the return of Lord Rama, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14 year exile, and a war in which he killed the demon King Ravana. Vibhishan, who had been crowned king of Lanka after Ravana's death, offered the wonderful chariot Pushpak to Ram so that they could fly home to Ayodhya. Ram gladly accepted his offer and climbed aboard along with Sita, Laxman and their monkey friends. It is believed that as Rama returned to Ayodhya; it was a no moon night. People lit their homes and the path from which Lord Rama was about to come with diyas. Everywhere could be seen the scintillating effect of lights. The streets were festooned with flags and washed with scented water. Colourful garlands hung over every doorway. Musicians, dancers and acrobats performed in the streets. The people paraded the streets dressed in their best finery. Everywhere there was happiness and laughter as Ayodhya anticipated the homecoming of Ram. Since then it has become customary to celebrate the day with so much of enthusiasm. Following the tradition people till today wear new clothes, decorate their homes and pray Lord Rama to shower his blessings on their loved ones.
The Killing of Narakasura: Celebrated as Naraka Chaturdasi, two days before Diwali day, it commemorates the killing of Narakasura, an evil demon who created havoc, by Lord Krishna's wife Satyabhama. This happened in the Dwapar Yuga during the time of Lord Krishna's avatar.
Emergence of Goddess Lakshmi: Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshir Sagar, the ocean of milk, during the Samudra Manthan (churning of ocean).
Krishna defeating Indra: Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali. It is the day Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the deity of thunder and rain.
In Jainism it marks the nirvana (salvation) of Lord Mahavira. The Sikhs celebrate Diwali for a different reason; on this day, the Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, was freed from imprisonment along with 52 other Kings (political prisoners) whom he had arranged to be released as well. After his release he went to Darbar Sahib (golden temple) in the holy city of Amritsar. There, he was greeted by Sikhs and many other people. In happiness they lit candles and diyas to greet the Guru. In India, Diwali is now considered to be a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith.
The Celebration: Diwali celebration is spread over six days.
12th day of dark fortnight -Vasu Baras : Baras means 12th day of dark fortnight of Ashvin and vasu means cow. On this day cow and calf is worshipped. Since it is believed that cow is symbol of God, Diwali is begun by worshipping cow and calf.
13th day- Dhanatrayodashi or Dhan teras : Dhan means "wealth" and Trayodashi means "13th day". Thus, as the name implies, this day falls on the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month. It is an auspicious day for shopping of utensils and gold. This day is also regarded as the Jayanti of God Dhanvantri who came out during the churning of the great ocean by the gods and the demons. Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth, and Lakshmi - in the form of currency are offered puja (worship). The latent sentiment is that this purifies our earnings and so that we may use it with 'vivek' (discrimination).The sentiment underlying Lakshmi pujan is that the Lakshmi-'wealth' we have acquired is ultimately the result of God's grace. For this we thank Him on this day.
14th day-Naraka Chaturdashi: Chaturdashi is the 14th day on which demon Narakasura was killed. It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. In south India, they perform a special puja with offerings to Lord Sri Krishna or Lord Sri Vishnu, as he liberated the world from the demon Narakasura on this day. This day is also called as Roop Chaturdashi. On the night of Chaturdashi, Tantriks (person who incantates) sit in the crematorium for the full night for incantation.
Amavasya(no moon) -Lakhsmi pooja (diwali): The fourth day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day which sees colours of firecrackers, lighting of lamps, delicious sweets, new clothes and family get together exchanging gifts. On this day special puja ceremony is observed to worship Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi. This is the day when the Sun enters his second course and passes Libra constellation (Nakshtra) which is represented by the balance or scale. Hence, this design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing. Despite the fact that this day falls on an Amavasya (dark night) it is regarded as the most auspicious.
First day of bright fortnight of Kartik month- New Year (Govardhan puja): Also called Annakut in the Gujarati community, it is celebrated as the day Krishna defeated Indra. . For Annakut a mountain of food is decorated symbolizing Govardhan Mountain lifted by Lord Krishna. In Maharashtra it is celebrated as Padva or BaliPratipada. The day commemorates King Bali. Men present gifts to their wives on this day. In Gujarat; it is celebrated as New Year, as Vikram Samvat starts on this day.
Second day of bright fortnight- Bhaiduj: On this day, brothers and sisters meet to express their love and affection for each other (Gujarati: Bhai Bij, Bengali: Bhai Phota). It is the time when the bond of love between a brother and sister is further strengthened as the sister asks God for her brother's long and successful life while she receives presents from her beloved brother.
Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world, in countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Suriname, Canada, Guyana, Mauritius, Fiji, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Australia, much of Africa, and the United States. With more and more Indians and Sri Lankans now migrating to various parts of the world, the number of countries where Diwali is celebrated has been gradually increasing. While in some countries it is celebrated mainly by Indian expatriates, in others it has become part of the general local culture. In most of these countries Diwali is celebrated on the same lines as India.
Just as Christmas is for Christians, Idd for Muslims, same way, Diwali is as big and important festival for Hindus.
May this Diwali light up new dreams, fresh hopes, undiscovered avenues and different perspectives, everything bright and beautiful and fill your days with pleasant surprises and moments. With gleam of diyas and the echo of the chants, may happiness and contentment fill your life.
May all the negativities within, get burnt with the diyas and the positivity come out and shine like the illumination of the diyas.
Diwali has several significant events associated with it:
Time has come around again for one of the most celebrated and pompously enjoyed festivals of India. Diwali is back. Diwali, the most awaited festival is also known as Deepavali, the "festival of lights" (Deep= lamp, vali= row). Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important. Varying cultures and customs mingle together to make Diwali celebrations very special. Being the festival of lights, Deepavali in India is a holy tradition and it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness; darkness refers to ignorance and light refers to knowledge. While Deepavali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light". It is a major Hindu festival honoring Maa Lakshmi (consort of Lord Vishnu, the protector of world) the Goddess of wealth. Celebrated joyously all over India, it is a festival of wealth and prosperity.
The magnificent six day long jubilation of Diwali celebration is marked by multi-colored Rangoli designs, special pooja ceremonies, lines of lamps, floral decorations, fireworks and exchange of sweets and gifts that lends grandeur to the occasion. Every home - lowly or mighty - the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich - shines with the glow of twinkling diyas or candles to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.
The Significance:
Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya: Diwali also celebrates the return of Lord Rama, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14 year exile, and a war in which he killed the demon King Ravana. Vibhishan, who had been crowned king of Lanka after Ravana's death, offered the wonderful chariot Pushpak to Ram so that they could fly home to Ayodhya. Ram gladly accepted his offer and climbed aboard along with Sita, Laxman and their monkey friends. It is believed that as Rama returned to Ayodhya; it was a no moon night. People lit their homes and the path from which Lord Rama was about to come with diyas. Everywhere could be seen the scintillating effect of lights. The streets were festooned with flags and washed with scented water. Colourful garlands hung over every doorway. Musicians, dancers and acrobats performed in the streets. The people paraded the streets dressed in their best finery. Everywhere there was happiness and laughter as Ayodhya anticipated the homecoming of Ram. Since then it has become customary to celebrate the day with so much of enthusiasm. Following the tradition people till today wear new clothes, decorate their homes and pray Lord Rama to shower his blessings on their loved ones.
The Killing of Narakasura: Celebrated as Naraka Chaturdasi, two days before Diwali day, it commemorates the killing of Narakasura, an evil demon who created havoc, by Lord Krishna's wife Satyabhama. This happened in the Dwapar Yuga during the time of Lord Krishna's avatar.
Emergence of Goddess Lakshmi: Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshir Sagar, the ocean of milk, during the Samudra Manthan (churning of ocean).
Krishna defeating Indra: Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali. It is the day Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the deity of thunder and rain.
In Jainism it marks the nirvana (salvation) of Lord Mahavira. The Sikhs celebrate Diwali for a different reason; on this day, the Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, was freed from imprisonment along with 52 other Kings (political prisoners) whom he had arranged to be released as well. After his release he went to Darbar Sahib (golden temple) in the holy city of Amritsar. There, he was greeted by Sikhs and many other people. In happiness they lit candles and diyas to greet the Guru. In India, Diwali is now considered to be a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith.
The Celebration: Diwali celebration is spread over six days.
12th day of dark fortnight -Vasu Baras : Baras means 12th day of dark fortnight of Ashvin and vasu means cow. On this day cow and calf is worshipped. Since it is believed that cow is symbol of God, Diwali is begun by worshipping cow and calf.
13th day- Dhanatrayodashi or Dhan teras : Dhan means "wealth" and Trayodashi means "13th day". Thus, as the name implies, this day falls on the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month. It is an auspicious day for shopping of utensils and gold. This day is also regarded as the Jayanti of God Dhanvantri who came out during the churning of the great ocean by the gods and the demons. Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth, and Lakshmi - in the form of currency are offered puja (worship). The latent sentiment is that this purifies our earnings and so that we may use it with 'vivek' (discrimination).The sentiment underlying Lakshmi pujan is that the Lakshmi-'wealth' we have acquired is ultimately the result of God's grace. For this we thank Him on this day.
14th day-Naraka Chaturdashi: Chaturdashi is the 14th day on which demon Narakasura was killed. It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. In south India, they perform a special puja with offerings to Lord Sri Krishna or Lord Sri Vishnu, as he liberated the world from the demon Narakasura on this day. This day is also called as Roop Chaturdashi. On the night of Chaturdashi, Tantriks (person who incantates) sit in the crematorium for the full night for incantation.
Amavasya(no moon) -Lakhsmi pooja (diwali): The fourth day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day which sees colours of firecrackers, lighting of lamps, delicious sweets, new clothes and family get together exchanging gifts. On this day special puja ceremony is observed to worship Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi. This is the day when the Sun enters his second course and passes Libra constellation (Nakshtra) which is represented by the balance or scale. Hence, this design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing. Despite the fact that this day falls on an Amavasya (dark night) it is regarded as the most auspicious.
First day of bright fortnight of Kartik month- New Year (Govardhan puja): Also called Annakut in the Gujarati community, it is celebrated as the day Krishna defeated Indra. . For Annakut a mountain of food is decorated symbolizing Govardhan Mountain lifted by Lord Krishna. In Maharashtra it is celebrated as Padva or BaliPratipada. The day commemorates King Bali. Men present gifts to their wives on this day. In Gujarat; it is celebrated as New Year, as Vikram Samvat starts on this day.
Second day of bright fortnight- Bhaiduj: On this day, brothers and sisters meet to express their love and affection for each other (Gujarati: Bhai Bij, Bengali: Bhai Phota). It is the time when the bond of love between a brother and sister is further strengthened as the sister asks God for her brother's long and successful life while she receives presents from her beloved brother.
Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world, in countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Suriname, Canada, Guyana, Mauritius, Fiji, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Australia, much of Africa, and the United States. With more and more Indians and Sri Lankans now migrating to various parts of the world, the number of countries where Diwali is celebrated has been gradually increasing. While in some countries it is celebrated mainly by Indian expatriates, in others it has become part of the general local culture. In most of these countries Diwali is celebrated on the same lines as India.
Just as Christmas is for Christians, Idd for Muslims, same way, Diwali is as big and important festival for Hindus.
May this Diwali light up new dreams, fresh hopes, undiscovered avenues and different perspectives, everything bright and beautiful and fill your days with pleasant surprises and moments. With gleam of diyas and the echo of the chants, may happiness and contentment fill your life.
May all the negativities within, get burnt with the diyas and the positivity come out and shine like the illumination of the diyas.
HAPPY DIWALI !!!!!!!
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Diwali has several significant events associated with it:
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