Hello Friends,
Here we are again from Phila Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd. with yet
another blog, giving information about India and this time we are right
on time of the Festival of Diwali, also known as Deepawali. This festival is one of the most
important, hugely awaited and immensely cherished also popularly known
as “Festival of Lights” is celebrated with great gusto and is observed as an
official holiday across India and in parts of Nepal. Originally, the name was
Deepawali, which has its origin from Sanskrit, meaning “Rows of Deep”.The Importance of Diwali:
The festival of Diwali is not only significant to Hindus, but, has
importance in Jainism, Arya Samaj and Sikhism also. It was on the birth of the new
moon in the month of Kartik (Diwali Day) when Maharshi Dayananda, one of the
greatest reformers of Hinduism and the founder of Arya Samaj attained his
nirvana. Mahavir Tirthankar, considered to be the founder of modern Jainism
also attained his nirvana on Diwali day. The third Sikh Guru Amar Das
institutionalized Diwali as a Red-Letter Day when all Sikhs would gather to
receive the Gurus blessings. In 1577, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple
at Amritsar was laid on Diwali. In 1619, the sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind, who was
held by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, was released from the Gwalior fort along
with 52 kings.
There are many Hindu Mythological stories over celebration of Diwali,
some of them as such as: Welcoming Lord Rama with Sita and Laxman,
after their 14 years of Exile from Ayodhya, another says about Goddess of
wealth, Lakshmi being incarnated on this day of the Kartik month during the
churning of the ocean (samudra-manthan), Also it is believed that on the day
preceding Diwali, Lord Krishna killed the demon king Narakasur. The celebration
of this freedom went on for two days including the Diwali day as a victory
festival. Again another story goes as of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf
incarnation vanquished the tyrant Bali and banished him to hell. Bali was
allowed to return to earth once a year, to light millions of lamps to dispel
the darkness and ignorance, and spread the radiance of love and wisdom
according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. It is also believed form Mahabharata
Epic, it was this day when the Pandavas appeared from their 12 years of
banishment as a result of their defeat in the hands of the Kauravas at the game
of dice.
Even it is true that just like Christmas, Diwali also is celebrated
world around, wherever Indians - Hindu are living, the Diwali is celebrated
with the same enthusiasm, even, in 1999, Pope John Paul II performed a special
Eucharist in an Indian church where the altar was decorated with lamps,
the Pope had a ‘tilak’ marked on his forehead and his speech was bristled with
references to the festival of light.
Traditional Celebration :
The
Tradition of Diwali is ultimately symbolizing victory of good over evil and
freedom from darkness, and it is always celebrated in such a way by decorating
“Rangoli” and lighting “Diya” (earthen lamps), cleaning and decorating homes keeping
doors and windows open, wearing new clothes and celebrating with fireworks. Each
has its own meaning; Rangoli at door steps is for inviting good omen at home,
lighting Diya is to illuminate light over darkness; cleaning and decoration of
places by keeping doors and window open is to welcome Gods in the clean and
pure place along with the happiness and prosperity, wearing new cloths is
specially to feel the pureness and cleanliness of body and soul to pray towards Gods
and Goddesses and celebrating the fireworks to thwart away the evil spirits and
celebrating joy.
Though
as each and every day has its own importance, Dhan Teras, is the day when tools
of the trade are cleaned and given priority with worshiping, next day of Kali
Chaudas, is the day when Goddess Kali had killed the Evil Asura Mahisasur, so
on this day, Goddess Kali is worshiped and prayer are for keeping devotees away
from the bad omen and make them safe, healthy and happy. Main days is the
Amavasya, which also the last day of the Hindu calendar year and this day
Goddess Laxmi’s pooja, prayer is done to show the gratefulness of the Goddess
during the year which is ending and welcoming her to be with the devotees for
the next year and bring the prosperity along with her. The next day, is the
first day of New year, and it is celebrated by wishing near and dear for happy
and prosperous new year, elders are praised and thanked for their support and
guidance, young ones are given wishes to progress and happiness. The last day
is Bhai Dooj, the story goes as The God of Death and keeper of Hell, Yamaraj,
was invited on this day by his sister and was worshiped and served well, by
this he was happy and asked for a boon to his sister, and she replied that, all
bother be safe from going to Hell and sudden death, and Yama added that if they go to Sister’s home and the sister who
serves well to her brother on this day will not become widow.
Thus
all 5 days are auspicious and celebrated with enthusiasm by young and old
alike, New clothes are purchased for whole family, shopping of ornaments and
other things are done, sweets are prepared or purchased eaten and shared along
the family, friends and relatives, fireworks take place and the decoration and
atmosphere becomes so lively, that without actually seeing, it would not be possible
to understand, So, we invite you to come
to India during Diwali and enjoy the Festival personally and with friends and
family, any information more required, do not hesitate to contact us.
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Wish you Happy Diwali and Prosperous New year. May God bless you and wish you all be health, happiness and prosperity in life.
