Light the lamp of knowledge
R. KRITHIKA
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The legends connected with the festival of Deepavali are many, but the primary reason is the celebration of ignorance giving way to the light of knowledge.
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While the way in which people celebrate the festival may vary all over the country, the idea behind it is the same: the triumph of good over evil.
PHOTO: P.V. SIVAKUMAR
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Dispel the darkness.
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Deepavali? In most cases, the answer would be, "to celebrate Rama's return to Ayodhya after his exile". But there are many more legends behind the festival of lights. For some, the festival is linked to the amrit manthan or churning of the ocean. Legend has it that Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, appeared on the Kartik amavasya during the churning. Hence Lakshmi is worshipped during Deepavali, which falls on the Kartik amavasya. In south India, the primary reason for Deepavali is to celebrate Krishna's victory over the asura Narakasura. According to one version, Sathyabama, Krishna's wife, takes up arms against the demon to give her husband rest. A third story links it to the Mahabharat. The Pandavas, banished for 13 years after the game of dice, reappear on the Kartik amavasya. Another touches upon Vishnu's Vamanavatar.
As Vaman, Vishnu pushes King Mahabali into the netherworld. But because Bali's only fault was his pride, he was allowed to come to earth to light lamps and spread love and wisdom.
In Kerala, it is said Bali is allowed to visit his former subjects, the celebration being Onam.
Good over evil
Some of the customs associated with Deepavali also suggest that it could have originated as a harvest festival, especially as it occurs during the end of the Kharif season. On the second day of Deepavali, people in western India, prepare delicacies from poha, which is made from the fresh rice that is available after the harvest. In many rural areas, Deepavali is primarily a harvest festival.
While the way in which people celebrate the festival may vary all over the country, the idea behind it is the same: the triumph of good over evil and the darkness of ignorance giving way to the light of knowledge.
Five-day festival
Deepavali is celebrated for five days. Day one is Dhanteras when Dhanvantri, the divine physician, and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped. This is also the day of Yamadeepdan, when lamps are lit for the ancestors and floated down a river. The second day is known as Choti Diwali in the North and Narakachaturdashi in the south. The third day is the main festival of Deepavali. The fourth day is Govardhan puja and is also called Gudi Padava, which links it with the harvest. This is the day when businessmen worship their account books. The last day, Bhai dooj, is devoted to the bond between brothers and sisters.
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