The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Light up the diyas and have a cracker of time

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 02, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Light up the diyas and have a cracker of time

Coming close on heels of Dasara, a ten-day festival which is biggest and longest in the Hindu calender, Deepavali still is considered the best of the festivals. For, it is one of rejoicing, real celebrations—bursting crackers, eating sweets and meeting friends and relatives, carrying a lot of social significance.

Deepavali means a row of lights or lamps. The significance of the festival is light dispelling darkness. According to legend, it is celebrated to commemorate the slaying of the demon Narakasura, king of hell, which denotes pitch darkness. In Krita Yuga, a dreaded demon Hianyaksha abducted Bhoodevi and the latter prayed to Lord Vishnu Who rescued and married Her. Naraka was born to them through consummation at dusk or `Asura Sandhya’ as it is called. Therefore, Naraka had imbibed all qualities of asuras (demons), it was said. Bhoodevi feared that Her son would also meet the same fate as Hiranyaksha and so got a boon from Lord Vishnu that he could not be killed without Her hand.

Naraka ruled with Pragjyothishpura as his capital He soon began tormenting people and did not leave even the gods who were all helpless, thanks to the boon Bhoodevi was granted. The gods went to Brahma seeking help to overcome their woes. Brahma directed them to Vishnu Who consented to answer their prayers at the earliest.

Vishu was born on the earth as Lord Krishna and Bhoodevi as Satyabhama, daughter of Satrajit. It is said pride goeth before a fall and a haughty Naraka invited Krishna for war. Krishna responded immediately and asked Satyabhama to accompany Him as charioteer. In the battle, Krishna feigned He was killed by Naraka and seeing His fall, His consort Satyabhama was furious. She took the bow and shot an arrow at Naraka killing him.

The death of Naraka on Asweeyuja Chaturdhasi is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdasi. Fireworks are burnt to signify the occasion—Naraka is darkenss personified and Krishna symbolises light. To dispel darkness, one needs light which in turn is assisted by truth that is Satya(bhama).

The darkness on the new moon day (here Deepavali Amavasya, the day following chaturdasi) is driven out by Deepavali, the festival of lights. This year, Narakachathurdasi falls on November 8, Thursday. This is also called `Prethachaturdhasi’, very dear to Lord Yama. The preparations for Deepavali begin immediately after Dasara. New clothes are purchased and daughters and sons-in-law are invited for the festival. People get up early in the morning on the festival day and take oilbath. On the occasion of Deepavali, people were new clothes, meet friends and relatives and exchange sweets. The auspicious month of Kartika begins the day that follows Deepavali Amavasya.

For many businessmen, particularly Marwaris and Gujarathi communities, the new year begins with Deepavali day. They open fresh account books after performing Mahalakshmi Puja as it is believed that it would bring them prosperity throughout the year.

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