FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Deepavali (Diwali) is almost here. Deepavali is from the sanskrit words DEEPA (light) and AVALI (row). Hence, it is Deepavali and not Diwali. Diwali is just a shortened form of Deepavali.

Deepavali is celebrated with great fervour by many faiths. The Sikhs celebrate Deepavali to celebrate the return of Guru Har Govind ji from imprisonment by Jahangir. The Jains too celebrate Deepavali to commomerate the attainment of Nirvana by Mahavira. The Hindus celebrate Deepavali for the following reasons:
1. Return of Lord Rama from his 14 year exile
2. The slaying of Narakasura by Lord Krishna
3. Triumph of good over evil

People of all religions and beliefs celebrate Deepavali in India for the many splendours associated with it. For Hindus, Deepavali is celebrated over 5 days. The first day is Vasu Baras, where cows are worshipped. The second day is "Dhana Trayodashi", which is auspicious for acquiring gold and other new items. The third day is the "Naraka chaturdashi", which marks the day Narakasura was slayed. Most festivities in South India are centred around this day. Meeting friends and relatives, going to the temple, wearing new clothes, eating lavishly, and burning firecrackers mark this day. The next day is the Lakshmi Puja, which signals the end of a good harvest season. The Godess of wealth is propitiated this day. Its also a "new year day" where everything is started afresh, especially businesses and accounts. The following day is the Bali Pratipada or Govardhana Puja- this is to celebrate Mahabali's return to earth for a day or Krishna role as a saviour by lifting Govardhana mountain to save the villagers from rain.


The firecrackers that go about during Deepavali are quite a spectacle in itself. In a day of organized chaos with bombs and other fireworks going off literally everywhere, joy hits a new crescendo with so many things happening that day. The above picture depicts the general mood of the day- bombs and other crackers are meant to destroy evil (Naragasuran is a tamil version of Narakasura, the demon). The real significane of Deepavali is however the realization of our inner light, the knowledge of which would dispel all fears and doubts. In a sense, it is the festival of lights to clear darkness and ignorance. Happy Deepavali/Diwali everyone!

Photo copyright: Matt Pichette (letter bomb)