Diwali, sometimes called Deepawali, is a Hindu festival of lights observed by Indians all over the world. Deepavali, which literally translates to “a row of lights,” is one of the most important Hindu holidays and also the grandest.
Deepavali, like all other festivals celebrated in India and around the world, has its own unique characteristics and history. Diwali will be celebrated on November 4 this year. Deepavali is not only about the lights, food, and fireworks. This festival has a deep meaning to it and a history that tells a story of how the Festival of Light came to be.
Good Over Evil
Diwali is noteworthy not only because of its widespread popularity and spectacular fireworks displays, but also because it represents the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Candles and lamps are set throughout the house on this day to ‘light’ the route to wisdom and victory. Each home is embellished with a variety of colored lights. The entire home of the Indians is bathed in a beautiful glow of light and warmth emanating from every home, creating a wonderfully breathtaking scene.
Diwali is also a cleaning rite since it represents letting go of all of the previous year’s problems and troubles and walking into the light. Families join together in the days leading up to Diwali to clean, refurbish, and decorate their homes and workplaces with rangolis and diyas. Diwali heralds the start of everything new, both in nature and in humanity. On this day, people dress up in their best, brand-new clothes and pray to their favorite Gods and Goddesses, according to their own family traditions.
History
One of the most important traditions surrounding Diwali in Hindu mythology is that it commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya with his wife Sita Devi and brother Lakshmana after a 14-year exile. Villagers utilize celebratory lights and other decorations to illuminate the way for Rama, who had conquered the demon king Ravana. In some locations, reenactments of the Ramayana, Lord Rama’s narrative, form part of the festivities.
In Hindu mythology, the fortunate day is also associated with another triumphant occurrence. Lord Krishna is reported to have conquered the demon Narakasura, who governed Pragjyotishapura, which is roughly equivalent to modern-day Assam, on this day. Krishna slew the demon and stated that the day would be honored with festivals to release the people of his kingdom, who had been living in fear.
Preparation For Deepavali
Before the actual festive day, every Indian household would be sure to do some spring cleaning. During this festival season, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and fortune, is said to grace and bless spotless abodes. Meanwhile, it is common for individuals to visit one another during Deepavali, and a comprehensive home cleaning guarantees that your home is always ready to welcome your visitors.
On the morning of Deepavali, an oil bath is an important tradition that has been long followed. The elders of the house would apply oil on the head and body. Applying oil to the skin moisturizes the skin and body while also cleaning it of pollutants and dead skin cells. It aids in the circulation of blood. Stress is relieved and the mind is calmed by massaging the head with oil. Different people have a different ways of mixing the oil.
After the oil bathes and a good shower, everyone will put on their new outfits. Since it is the beginning of something new, it is customary to wear new attire. Wearing new clothes, on the other hand, is still a financial consideration. During this day, it is permissible to dress in clean, gently used clothing.
There will be some prayers on that day, either at home or at the temple. Some families will prepare food for their ancestors and do some rituals before beginning the celebration. Youngsters would fall on the feet of their elders for blessings and by doing so, they will also receive pocket money. Once the rituals are all done, everyone can dine in the festive food prepared. On that day, a variety of dishes will be cooked.
Some people will organize an open house where they will invite relatives, friends, and neighbors to their house to celebrate this beautiful festival together. The festival will look even more exciting at night because they would display beautiful and colorful fireworks in the sky.
The main thing about Deepavali is spending time with your loved ones. Everyone will be busy on that day, working together to pull off a great celebration and hence, all this makes the family bond stronger. Probably everyone will be too busy looking at the phones because it is one of the biggest celebrations for Indians.
Deepavali is not for Hindus only. Both Hindus and non-Hindus equally participate in Diwali celebrations all around the world. In addition to India, Fiji, Guyana, Pakistan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago have declared the festival a national holiday.
Sources: The Culture Trip,Hindustan Times,Wonderful Malaysia,Astro Ulagam