Diwali, a diminutive form of Deepavali, etymologically means a row of lights (’Deep’- light and ‘Avali’-a row). Hence it is festival of lights. The name Diwali originates from a tradition involving lighting small ceramic oil lamps, called diyas. Diwali that is on the 15th day of the month of Kartik is a holiday and is celebrated with fervor and gaiety. Indian communities float diyas in rivers and streams and place them outside temples. Being a New Year day all financial transactions remain closed on this day. Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, and Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, are worshipped during Diwali. Traditional sweets called naivedya are made and shared and songs are sung to honor the goddess.
In each of the simple traditions and rituals at Diwali there is a tale of significance and credo. Apart from the celebration of Rama’s return to Ayodhya, historically too, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival.Legend holds that after the goddess Parvati played dice with her husband she declared that anyone who gambled during Diwali would prosper throughout the upcoming year. Today, families gather and play cards, dice and other games.
India is known throughout the world for it’s celebratory fervor.Celebration of Diwali begins from Dusshera, which comes twenty days before Diwali. Lord Rama destroyed Ravana on this day and hence it is celebrated as a day of victory. Brilliantly decorated tableaux and processions depicting various facets of Rama’s life are taken out and scenes from his life enacted out in a popular form of drama called Ramlila.
Diwali is a festival of joy, splendor, brightness and happiness. It is t celebrated with great enthusiasm by all Indians all over the world. The uniqueness of this festival is its harmony of five varied philosophies, with each day to a special thought or ideal.At a metaphysical level, Deepawali is a festival s, the latter is destroyed and reduced to ashes by fireworks is the belief of the people. On Diwali day, everywhere in India, at dusk when darkness unfolds itself, one can see a spectacular illumination of tiny flickering lamps adorning in rows – at homes, buildings and streets. People visit the places of their relatives and friends to wish them on the occasion and exchange gifts. Feasts are arranged and gaily-dressed men, women and children go to temples and fairs, visit friends and relatives. Diwali is also celebrated outside India mainly in Guyana, Fiji, Malaysia, Nepal, Mauritius, Myanmar, Singapore, Srilanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Britain, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Africa, and Australia among the Hindus world over. Places as far as Southern America have record of celebrating Diwali.
Uniting all members of the community, young and old, rich or poor, the lighting of the lamps represents a way of paying obeisance to God for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and valoured fame. People give expressions to their happiness by lighting earthen diyas , bursting fire crackers etc. Diwali is celebrated for five days, each day having it’s own significance, rituals and myths.
The First day is called Dhanteras or Dhantryaodashi, which falls on the thirteenth day of the month of Ashwin. The word “Dhan” means wealth.
The Second day is called Narka-Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali that falls on the fourteenth day of the month of Ashwin.
The Third day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day of Lakshmi-Puja, which is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. This day is also known by the name of “Chopada-Puja”. The day of Lakshmi-Puja falls on the dark night of Amavasya.
The Fourth day is called Padwa or VarshaPratipada that marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya
The Fifth and Final Day of Diwali Festival is known by the name of “Bhaiya-Dooj” This day is observed as a symbol of love between sisters and brothers.
The festival of Diwali has been celebrated for ages and grows in attraction by the year. Everyone enjoys the goodies, the shine, glamour, and the endless enthusiasm for living that suddenly grips people around this time. However, Diwali is a holy tradition and cannot to be put in the shade by the lights.
