Happy Diwali or Deepawali to everyone
If you are from India, then you surely understand the importance of Diwali, However citizens from other countries might not know this vary festival of lights.
For them I want to share my views on Diwali.
Deepawali or Diwali is India's big festival. It is a festival of lights (deep = light and avali= a row i.e., a row of lights) and all Indian Hindus celebrate it. During this festival, people light up their houses and shops, to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into the house.This year Diwali falls on Sunday, October 30th, 2016.
It is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs and some Buddhists to mark different historical events, stories but they all symbolise the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, hope over despair.
They light up their homes using simple clay diyas to fancy light fixtures, these includes:
History of Diwali in Hinduism
Return of Ram to Ayodhya
The most popular legend associated with Diwali is the legend of King Ram. Diwali is the day when Ram returned to Ayodhya following 14 years of exile after defeating the demon king Ravana who abducted Sita, wife of Ram. People of Ayodhya were absolutely ecstatic at the homecoming of Ram and rejoiced by lighting up their houses and distributing sweets to each other, a tradition still followed by all those who celebrate the festival.
Legend of Naraksura
According to this legend, Diwali is the day when Naraksura was killed by Krishna. It is believed that Naraksura had availed a boon of long life from Vishnu. He created havoc in all the three words and started assaulting women. It is said that Naraksura requested Krishna that his death should be remembered by all this is the reason why the day is celebrated as Narakchaturdashi.
Incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi was born when Devtas and Asuras were fighting over nectar while churning the ocean. Goddess Lakshmi decided to give nectar to the Devtas.
Return of Pandavas
It is believed that Pandavas returned to their capital Hastinapur after twelve long years of exile. And the occasion was marked by people by lighting earthen lamps (diyas).
Legend of King Bali
Diwali is also believed to be the day when King Bali was sent to Patala by lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar. Fearing the rising influence of King Bali Vishnu asked for as much land as he can measure with three of his steps. He measured entire earth and heaven with two steps and by placing third at head of Bali (at his request) sent him to Patala.
Coronation of King Vikramditya
It is believed that legendary king Vikramditya was coronated on the day of Diwali giving another reason to people to celebrate the festival.
Special Day for the Arya Samaj
It was the new moon day of Kartik (Diwali day) when Maharshi Dayananda, one of the greatest reformers of Hinduism and the founder of Arya Samaj attained his nirvana.
Diwali as a Harvest Festival
Diwali was initially celebrated as the festival of harvest. It is the time when farmers in India reap their harvest and worship the goddess Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity & wealth) by offering her portions from fresh harvest.
History of Diwali in Sikhism
In Sikh perspective, Diwali is celebrated as the return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji from the captivity of the city, Gwalior. To commemorate his undying love for Sikhism, the towns people lit the way to, Harmandhir Sahib (referred to as the Golden Temple), in his honour.
Significance of Diwali in Jainism
Festival of Diwali is of importance to the Jains as it is on this day that Lord Mahavira (Last Jain Tirthankar) attained Nirvana. It is said that Mahavira attained Nirvana in presence of several gods who enlightened Mahavira and eliminated darkness from his life. Also, Ganadhara Gautam Swami (Chief disciple of Mahavira) gained Kevalgyana (complete Knowledge) on this day.
Importance of Diwali in Buddhism
Buddhists celebrate Diwali to mark the conversion of emperor Ashoka to Buddhism on this day. The festival is known as Ashoka Vijayadashami among the Buddhists and they celebrate it by praying and decorating the monasteries.
If you are from India, then you surely understand the importance of Diwali, However citizens from other countries might not know this vary festival of lights.
For them I want to share my views on Diwali.
Deepawali or Diwali is India's big festival. It is a festival of lights (deep = light and avali= a row i.e., a row of lights) and all Indian Hindus celebrate it. During this festival, people light up their houses and shops, to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into the house.This year Diwali falls on Sunday, October 30th, 2016.
It is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs and some Buddhists to mark different historical events, stories but they all symbolise the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, hope over despair.
They light up their homes using simple clay diyas to fancy light fixtures, these includes:
- Diyas: They can be lit with oil, ghee, wax or even gel. Diwali can never be complete, without the glow of traditional earthen diyas. Nowadays, a variety of diyas are available in attractive colours and shapes, such as tortoise, elephant, melon, human figures, Buddha and Ganesha and are embellished with sequins, glitter and pearls
- LEDs: LED lights of various sizes, can be used to light up one’s home and create focal areas. One can also opt for LED strings, LED strips, multi-colour LED sticks, floral crystals and waterproof LED lights, for the festive season
- Lights and flowers: Readymade Rangoli platters, with diyas in vibrant colours, are in vogue. “Floral rangolis, combined with lights, add a welcoming feel. Floating diyas and flower arrangements on the dining table, puja room and at the entrance, are an eye-catching decoration for the Diwali celebration
- Candles: Candles come in various shapes and designs. Aromatic candles, can make the home fragrant and create a soothing atmosphere.
- Lamps: Antique-style kerosene lamps are also popular. They are available in different colours and can add an ethnic touch to the home’s decor.
History of Diwali in Hinduism
Return of Ram to Ayodhya
The most popular legend associated with Diwali is the legend of King Ram. Diwali is the day when Ram returned to Ayodhya following 14 years of exile after defeating the demon king Ravana who abducted Sita, wife of Ram. People of Ayodhya were absolutely ecstatic at the homecoming of Ram and rejoiced by lighting up their houses and distributing sweets to each other, a tradition still followed by all those who celebrate the festival.
Legend of Naraksura
According to this legend, Diwali is the day when Naraksura was killed by Krishna. It is believed that Naraksura had availed a boon of long life from Vishnu. He created havoc in all the three words and started assaulting women. It is said that Naraksura requested Krishna that his death should be remembered by all this is the reason why the day is celebrated as Narakchaturdashi.
Incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi was born when Devtas and Asuras were fighting over nectar while churning the ocean. Goddess Lakshmi decided to give nectar to the Devtas.
Return of Pandavas
It is believed that Pandavas returned to their capital Hastinapur after twelve long years of exile. And the occasion was marked by people by lighting earthen lamps (diyas).
Legend of King Bali
Diwali is also believed to be the day when King Bali was sent to Patala by lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar. Fearing the rising influence of King Bali Vishnu asked for as much land as he can measure with three of his steps. He measured entire earth and heaven with two steps and by placing third at head of Bali (at his request) sent him to Patala.
Coronation of King Vikramditya
It is believed that legendary king Vikramditya was coronated on the day of Diwali giving another reason to people to celebrate the festival.
Special Day for the Arya Samaj
It was the new moon day of Kartik (Diwali day) when Maharshi Dayananda, one of the greatest reformers of Hinduism and the founder of Arya Samaj attained his nirvana.
Diwali as a Harvest Festival
Diwali was initially celebrated as the festival of harvest. It is the time when farmers in India reap their harvest and worship the goddess Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity & wealth) by offering her portions from fresh harvest.
History of Diwali in Sikhism
In Sikh perspective, Diwali is celebrated as the return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji from the captivity of the city, Gwalior. To commemorate his undying love for Sikhism, the towns people lit the way to, Harmandhir Sahib (referred to as the Golden Temple), in his honour.
Significance of Diwali in Jainism
Festival of Diwali is of importance to the Jains as it is on this day that Lord Mahavira (Last Jain Tirthankar) attained Nirvana. It is said that Mahavira attained Nirvana in presence of several gods who enlightened Mahavira and eliminated darkness from his life. Also, Ganadhara Gautam Swami (Chief disciple of Mahavira) gained Kevalgyana (complete Knowledge) on this day.
Importance of Diwali in Buddhism
Buddhists celebrate Diwali to mark the conversion of emperor Ashoka to Buddhism on this day. The festival is known as Ashoka Vijayadashami among the Buddhists and they celebrate it by praying and decorating the monasteries.
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