The rich cultural heritage of India reflects that it is a land of festivals. One of the major festivals that is celebrated by almost every community in India is –Diwali or Deepavali. The Sanskrit word Deepavali is an amalgamation of the two words ‘Deep’ which means light and ‘avalai’ which means ‘row’. Thus, together the word means ‘row of lights’. Diwali or Deepavali is the ‘festival of lights’ that is widely celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil and the homecoming of the Hindu deity Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
Diwali is the festival that is celebrated with great zeal, enthusiasm and grandeur by one and all. The festive spirit is reflected by the joyous mood of the masses which is evident by colourful display of lights, bursting of crackers, cleanliness, preparing sweets, shopping, etc.
Legendary Stories
There are several legendary stories associated with the celebration of Diwali.
Amongst them, one of the most well-known legends associated is that of the prince of Ayodhya kingdom –Lord Rama. King Dashratha, Lord Rama’s father sent Lord Rama and his wife Goddess Sita in exile for 14 years. During this time, King of Lanka, Ravana kidnapped Goddess Sita. So, to rescue her wife from Ravana’s custody, Lord Rama fought a fierce battle against Ravana, in which the latter was defeated. Therefore, in honour of Lord Rama’s win and his homecoming along with Goddess Sita, after 14 years of exile, the festival of Diwali is celebrated with great zest.
The festival of Diwali has great significance for the Sikh community as well. The Sikhs around the world commemorate the release of the sixth Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji and 52 other princes from the Gwalior jail by Jahangir –the Mughal Emperor in 1619. Thus, this day is familiarized as ‘Bandi Chhor Diwas’ (imprisoner’s release day) by the Sikh community. Besides this, on this holy day, in the year 1577, the foundation stone of the sacred Sri Harmandir Sahib Golden Temple at Amritsar was laid.
Also, the people of Jain community celebrate the festival of Diwali in remembrance of Lord Mahavira –the founder of Jainism who attained ‘Nirvana’ on this day.
When is Diwali in 2017?
Diwali is celebrated in the Kartik month of Hindu calendar that falls on the Shukla Paksha (i.e. the bright fortnight), on new moon or ‘Amavasya’. The Goddess of wealth and prosperity –Goddess Laxmi was incarnated on this auspicious day. Since then, people worship Goddess Laxmi by performing the Laxmi Puja. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, 19th October across all parts of the country.
Listed below are the tips to celebrate the festive occasion of Diwali:
- Narrate legendary stories associated with the celebration of the festival of Diwali.
- Clean every nook and corner of your home and work places.
- Indulge in customary decorations and make interesting rangoli patterns using natural colours & flowers.
- Brighten up your house with candles and earthen lamps (diyas).
- Make beautiful handmade crafts such as wall hangings, torans, etc.
- Involve children to arrange and decorate the sacred thaali for the puja.
- Exchange gifts with your near & dear ones.
Have a safe and prosperous Diwali!!
