The Hindu : Kerala News : Ridding darkness

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 07, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala

Ridding darkness

Deepavali, or Diwali as it is known in North India, literally means garland of lights, and so it is regarded as the festival of lights. It is celebrated for five consecutive days at the end of the Hindu month of Kartika, and it usually falls in October or November.

Diwali is one of the few festivals celebrated throughout India with equal fervour. There are many beliefs regarding this festival. But the most common is that it is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama against Ravana.

The lights represent the time when Rama, along with Sita and Laxman, came back from the forest and the people of Ayodhya lit lamps in every home to welcome their true king as well as celebrate his victory over Ravana. They danced and made merry and burst firecrackers to express their joy. Another belief is that it was on this day that Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura, and saved the world from his evil clutches.

All the five days of the festival are significant. The first day of Diwali, which begins with Dhanteras, is the day when Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth is worshipped.

The second day is for Kali, the Goddess of strength. Light is considered the symbol of knowledge and on the third day, all Hindu households are illuminated with oil lamps or diyas .

The fourth day of Diwali falls on the first day of the lunar New Year. So this day is considered to be auspicious to settle new business accounts and open new books.

On the last day of the festival, Bali, an ancient Indian king, who was generous and kind, is remembered. Hence the significance of this day is to see the well-being of others, even the enemies. Preparations for Diwali starts well in advance. This is the time houses are thoroughly cleaned.

Many take this opportunity to renovate their houses. According to an ancient belief, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth travels through all our homes on Diwali night and blesses the houses that are shiny and sparkling clean.

The most important ritual attached to Diwali is the oil bath in the wee hours of the morning. Like most festivals in India, shopping for clothes is part of the celebrations.

So after the oil bath, Hindus wear new clothes, and seek the blessings of the elders of the family. One important practice the Hindus follow during the festival is light oil lamps in their homes on the morning of Diwali.

By lighting the oil lamps, they thank the gods for the happiness, knowledge, peace and wealth that they enjoy. Bursting of firecrackers is a must for Diwali, and both children and elders enjoy doing it.

As in all Indian festivals, food is an attraction for Diwali also. So visiting a Hindu home during Diwali would give you an opportunity to taste a wide spread of delicious food.

Though prominence is given to sweets, spicy food is never left far behind. The light from the oil lamps all around us during Diwali help fill our body and soul with the luminosity of sharing and togetherness. This is the time we forget enmity and animosity, and treat everyone with love and equality.

Ambika Varma

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