Diwali: The Meaning Behind the Festival of Lights
The Hindu Festival of Lights—also known as Deepawali, Deepavali, or Diwali—is the most spectacular and widely celebrated of all Hindu holidays. In Sanskrit, the word Deepavali literally translates to "a row of lights," hence the holiday is appropriately named. Over the course of four days, millions of candles and lanterns light up the night and fill the hearts of people across India with the glow of Diwali's joy.
In late October or early November, people all across the world celebrate Diwali. It always takes place on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik, but the exact date shifts from year to year. On each of the holiday's four days, they observe a new custom. What hasn't changed is the need of celebrating life, taking pleasure in it, and maintaining a moral compass.
Diwali is a Hindu festival with ancient origins in India. It was probably first celebrated as a significant harvest holiday. The origin of Diwali is shrouded in mystery, although numerous traditions provide clues.
Some people see it as a festival honouring the union of the goddess of riches, Lakshmi, and Lord Vishnu. Since Lakshmi was supposedly born on the first day of the month of Kartik's new moon, many people observe this day as a birthday celebration for her.
Mother Kali, a dark goddess of power, is the focus of adoration during this festival in Bengal. The Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi also includes the worship of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god who is a symbol of prosperity and enlightenment. In Jainism, the festival of Deepawali also commemorates the momentous occasion of Lord Mahavira's enlightenment and entry into the Nirvana of eternal happiness.
Lord Rama (together with Ma Sita and Lakshman) is celebrated on Diwali because he returned from a 14-year exile after defeating the evil king Ravana. The citizens of Ayodhya, Rama's city, lit clay diyas (oil lamps) and let off fireworks to celebrate the safe homecoming of their ruler.
Celebrating Diwali Over Its Four-Day Period
Each of the five days of Diwali has its own story. On the first day of the celebration, called Naraka Chaturdasi, Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama are said to have killed the demon Naraka.
On the second day of Deepavali, called Amavasya, Lakshmi is worshipped because she is thought to be more kind on this day and hence more likely to grant the requests of her believers. On Amavasya, Lord Vishnu, in his dwarf avatar, defeated the tyrant Bali and sent him to hell. Once a year, Bali is granted permission to return to Earth in order to share the light of love and knowledge by lighting millions of lights to chase away the shadows of ignorance.
Kartika Shudda Padyami, the third day of Deepawali, is the day on which Bali is said to emerge from hell and assume control of the world in accordance with the gift bestowed upon him by Lord Vishnu. On the fourth day, known as Yama Dvitiya (or Bhai Dooj), sisters traditionally host their brothers for a meal.
Dhanteras, A Festival Dedicated to Gambling
There are many who count Dhanteras as part of Diwali and hence celebrate it for five days (dhan meaning "wealth" and teras meaning "13th"). This festival of plenty comes two days before the festival of lights.
The history of Diwali's betting custom is steeped in mythology. On this date, legend has it that Parvati, the goddess of love and beauty, and Shiva, the god of destruction, played dice. She made a proclamation that anyone bet on Diwali night would have a prosperous year.
The Importance of Decorations with Lights and Explosives
Despite their apparent simplicity, each and every one of Diwali's many ceremonies is steeped with meaning and legend. Lights are strung from windows and firecrackers are let off as a sign of gratitude to the gods for blessings of good health, riches, wisdom, and tranquilly.
One theory holds that when humans let off fireworks, they are alerting the gods of the earth's abundant state, signifying their own gladness. Another, more rational explanation is that the smoke from the fireworks may kill or deter many insects, especially the mosquitoes that thrive after a rain.
he Diwali and its Spiritual Meaning
Diwali is more than just a party with fireworks, gambling, and good times; it's also a time to take stock of one's life and set resolutions for the new year. In this regard, there are a few traditions that partygoers insist on maintaining year.
Donate and ask for no repayment. During Diwali, it is customary to overlook past wrongs and provide forgiveness to others. Freedom, celebration, and warmth permeate the atmosphere.
Get up and be bright. In terms of health, ethical discipline, work efficiency, and spiritual development, waking up at the Brahmamuhurta (at 4 a.m., or 1 1/2 hours before sunrise) is incredibly fortunate. The sages who created this Deepawali tradition likely wished for it to become a year-round practise among their offspring.
Bring everyone together. Even the most jaded of people may have their hearts melted by the joy and light of Diwali. During this time, people freely interact with one another and share warm greetings as they dance, sing, and hug in the streets.
O children of God, unite, and love everyone!, the voices of the sages call out, and those with attuned inner spiritual ears will hear them loud and clear. Sending out positive vibes in the form of loving greetings has a profound effect on the environment. Only a constant celebration of Deepavali may soften a person's heart when hatred has taken root and grown to destructive proportions.
Have a wonderful life and make great strides forward. A day when Hindu business owners in North India pray for good fortune and open their fresh books of accounts for the following year. Families often update their wardrobes at the same time. New clothing are an expense for both employees and their employers.
During the day, they clean and beautify their homes, and at night, they use clay oil lamps to light the way. Bombay and Amritsar have some of the world's most impressive light displays. In the evening, hundreds of lighting illuminate Amritsar's iconic Golden Temple.
During this celebration, people's hearts open up and they do acts of kindness for others. The Vaishnavite festival of Govardhan Puja takes place on the twelfth day of Diwali and is included in this category. The needy are fed on an unprecedented scale on this day.
Bring your inner light to the surface. Diwali is celebrated as a time of both outer and inner enlightenment. It is widely held among Hindus that the light that shines brightest is the one that resides in the Hindu's heart. Sitting still and focusing on this ultimate source of light may do wonders for the spirit. It's a chance to learn how to be happy forever.
Transitioning from the Shadows into the Light...
Every myth, tale, and story associated with Deepawali has a message about the triumph of good over evil. This simple fact finds fresh meaning and hope with each Deepawali and the lights that fill our homes and hearts.
From the shadows into the light, where we might better ourselves and draw closer to the divine. During Diwali, India is bathed in light and the air is filled with the aroma of incense sticks and the sounds of fireworks, celebration, community, and optimism.
Celebrations of Diwali take place in many countries. When celebrated in places outside than India, Diwali is more than just a Hindu festival; it is a festival of South Asian culture and identity as a whole. Light a diya, sit in silence, close your eyes, withdraw your senses, focus on this great light, and ignite your spirit, even if you are far from the celebrations of Diwali.
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