Deepavali |
Rangoli decorations, made using coloured powder, are
popular during Diwali
|
Also called |
Deepawali, Translation: Row of Lights; Festival of Lights, |
Observed by |
Hindus and
Jains worldwide, national holiday in
India,
Nepal,
Sri Lanka,
Myanmar,
Mauritius,
Guyana,
Trinidad & Tobago,
Surinam,
Malaysia,
Singapore and
Fiji |
Type |
Religious |
Begins |
Dhanteras |
Ends |
Bhau-beej |
Date |
Decided by the Hindu
Lunisolar calendar |
2012 date |
Tuesday, 13th November |
2013 date |
Saturday, 2nd November ***(In Malaysia & Singapore on
Saturday,2nd November)[1][2] |
2014 date |
Thursday, 23rd October |
Celebrations |
Decorating homes with lights and candles,
Fireworks, distributing sweets and gifts |
Observances |
Prayers, Religious rituals (see
puja,
prashad) |
Deepavali or Diwali (Sanskrit:
दीपावली,
Bengali:
দীপাবলী,
Tamil: தீபாவளி,
Nepali:
दीपावली तिहार,
Hindi:
दिवाली,
Gujarati:
દિવાળી,
Marathi:
दिवाळी,
Kannada:
ದೀಪಾವಳಿ,
Konkaniधाकली दिवाळी,
Malayalam: ദീപാവലി,
Oriya:
ଦୀପାବଳୀ,
Punjabi:
ਦਿਵਾਲੀ,
Telugu:
దీపావళి) (also spelt Devali in certain regions), popularly
known as the "festival of lights," is a five-day
Hindu festival[3]
which starts on
Dhanteras, celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha
(dark fortnight) of the
Hindu calendar month
Ashwin and ends on
Bhaubeej, celebrated on second lunar day of Shukla paksha (bright
fortnight) of the Hindu calendar month
Kartik.
Dhanteras usually falls eighteen days after
Dussehra. In the
Gregorian calendar, Diwali falls between mid-October and
mid-November.
Diwali is an official holiday in India,[4]
Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana,
Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji.
For Hindus,
Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is
celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in
their homes. For
Jains,
Diwali marks the attainment of
moksha
or
nirvana by
Mahavira in 527 BC.[5][6]
Arya Samajists, celebrate this day as Death Anniversary of
Swami Dayanand Saraswati. They also celebrate this day as
Shardiya Nav-Shasyeshti.
The name "Diwali" or "Divali" is a contraction of "Deepavali"[dubious
–
discuss] (Sanskrit:
दीपावली
Dīpāvalī), which translates into "row of lamps".[7]
Diwali involves the
lighting of small clay lamps (dīpa
in
Sanskrit:
दीप) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil.[8]
These lamps are kept on during the night and one's house is cleaned,
both done in order to make the goddess
Lakshmi
feel welcome.[9]
Firecrackers are burst because it is believed that it drives away
evil spirits.[10][11][12]
During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share
sweets and snacks with family members and friends.
The festival starts with
Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their
financial year. The second day of the festival is called the
Naraka Chaturdasi. Amavasya, the third day of Diwali, marks
the worship of
Lakshmi,
the goddess of wealth. The fourth day of Diwali is known as Kartika
Shudda Padyami. The fifth day is referred to as
Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), and on this day
sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
Dates
It begins in late
Ashvin
(between September and October) and ends in early
Kartika (between October and November). The days in Ashvin are in
the
Krishna Paksha ("dark fortnight") of that month, while the days
in Kartik are in its
Shukla Paksha ("bright fortnight"). The first day is Dhan
Teras. The last day is Yama Dvitiya, which signifies the
second day of the light half of Kartika. Each day of Diwali marks one
celebration of the six principal stories associated with the festival.
Hindus
have several significant events associated with Diwali:
- The return of
Rama
after 14 years of
Vanvas
(exile). To welcome his return, diyas (ghee lamps) are lit in
total of 14.
- The killing of
Narakasura: Celebrated as
Naraka Chaturdashi, one day before Diwali, it commemorates the
killing of the evil demon Narakasura, who wreaked havoc. In
different versions, either
Krishna or
Krishna's wife
Satyabhama killed Narakasura during the
Dwapara yuga.
Other events associated with Diwali include:
- Return of
Pandavas after 12 years of
Vanvas
and one year of agyatavas (living incognito).
Diwali being the festival of lights, across India people
celebrate it via symbolic diyas or
kandils (colourful paper lanterns) as an integral part
of Diwali decorations.
Diwali celebrations are spread over five days, from Dhanteras to
Bhaiduj. In some places like Maharashtra it starts with Vasu Baras. All
the days except Diwali are named according to their designation in the
Hindu
calendar. The days are:
- Govatsa Dwadashi or Vasu Baras (27
Ashvin
or 12
Krishna
Paksha
Ashvin):
Go means cow and vatsa means calf. Dwadashi or
Baras means the 12th day. On this day the cow and calf are
worshiped. The story associated with this day is that of King
Prithu,
son of the tyrant King Vena. Due to the ill rule of Vena, there was
a terrible famine and earth stopped being fruitful. Prithu chased
the earth, who is usually represented as cow, and ‘milked’ her,
meaning that he brought prosperity to the land.
-
Dhanatrayodashi or Dhan teras or Dhanwantari Triodasi (28
Ashvin
or 13
Krishna
Paksha
Ashvin):
Dhana means wealth and Trayodashi means 13th day. This
day falls on the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month. It
is considered an auspicious day for buying utensils and gold, hence
the name ‘Dhana’. This day is regarded as the Jayanti (Birth
Anniversary) of God
Dhanvantari, the Physician of Gods, who came out during
Samudra manthan, the churning of the great ocean by the gods and
the demons.
-
Naraka Chaturdashi (29
Ashvin
or 14
Krishna
Paksha
Ashvin):
Chaturdashi is the 14th day This was the day on which the
demon Narakasura was killed by Krishna – an incarnation of
Vishnu.
It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness
(Gujarati: Kali Chaudas, Rajasthan : Roop Chaudas). In southern
India, this is the actual day of festivities. Hindus wake up before
dawn, have a fragrant oil bath and dress in new clothes. They light
small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate
kolams
/rangolis
outside their homes. They perform a special
puja with offerings to Krishna or Vishnu, as he liberated the
world from the demon Narakasura on this day. It is believed that
taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in
the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy
Ganges.
After the puja, children burst firecrackers heralding the defeat of
the demon. As this is a day of rejoicing, many will have very
elaborate breakfasts and lunches and meet family and friends.
-
Lakshmi Puja (30
Ashvin
or 15
Krishna
Paksha
Ashvin):
Lakshmi Puja marks the most important day of Diwali
celebrations in North India. Hindu homes worship
Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and
Ganesh, the God of auspicious beginnings also known as the
remover of obastacles, and then light deeyas (little clay pots) in
the streets and homes to welcome prosperity and well-being.
-
Bali Pratipada and
Govardhan Puja (1
Kartika or 1
Shukla
Paksha
Kartika) : In North India, this day is celebrated as
Govardhan Puja, also called Annakoot, and is celebrated
as the day
Krishna – an incarnation of god
Vishnu
– defeated
Indra
and by the lifting of
Govardhana hill to save his kinsmen and cattle from rain and
floods. For Annakoot, large quantities of food are decorated
symbolising the Govardhan hill lifted by Krishna. In
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and
Karnataka, it is celebrated as Bali-Pratipada or Bali Padyami.
The day commemorates the victory of Vishnu in his dwarf form
Vamana
over the demon-king
Bali, who was pushed into the
patala.
In Maharashtra, it is called Padava or Nava Diwas (new
day). Men present gifts to their wives on this day. It is celebrated
as the first day of the
Vikram Samvat calendar, in
Gujarat.
- Yama Dwitiya or
Bhaiduj (also Bhayyaduj, Bhaubeej or Bhayitika) (2
Kartika or 2
Shukla
Paksha
Kartika): on this day, brothers and sisters meet to express
love and affection for each other (Gujarati: Bhai Bij, Bengali: Bhai
Phota). It is based on a story when
Yama,
lord of Death, visited his sister
Yami (the river Yamuna).
Yami welcomed
Yama
with an Aarti and they had a feast together.
Yama
gave a gift to Yami while leaving as a token of his appreciation.
So, the day is also called 'YAMA DWITIYA'. Brothers visit their
sisters’ place on this day and usually have a meal there, and also
give gifts to their sisters
Goddess Lakshmi
Puja
Main article:
Lakshmi Puja
Diwali marks the end of the
harvest
season in most of India. Farmers give thanks for the bounty of the year
gone by, and pray for a good harvest for the year to come. Traditionally
this marked the closing of accounts for businesses dependent on the
agrarian cycle, and is the last major celebration before winter.
Lakshmi
symbolises wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a
good year ahead.
There are two legends that associate the worship of Lakshmi on this
day. According to the first legend, on this day, Lakshmi emerged from
Kshira Sagar, the Ocean of Milk, during the great churning of the
oceans,
Samudra manthan. The second legend (more popular in western India)
relates to the
Vamana
avatar of the big three Vishnu, the incarnation he assumed to kill the
king
Bali. On this day, Vishnu came back to his abode the
Vaikuntha; so those who worship Lakshmi receive the benefit of her
benevolent mood, and are blessed with mental, physical and material
well-being.[13]
As per spiritual references, on this day "Lakshmi-panchayatan" enters
the Universe. Vishnu, Indra, Kubera, Gajendra and Lakshmi are elements
of this "panchayatan" (a group of five). The tasks of these elements
are:
- Lakshmi: Divine Energy (Shakti)
which provides energy to all the above activities.
- Vishnu: Happiness (happiness and satisfaction)
-
Kubera: Wealth (generosity; one who shares wealth)
- Indra:
Opulence (satisfaction due to wealth)
- Gajendra: Carries the wealth
- Saraswati: Knowledge
Diwali is not only celebrated by Hindus; it is somewhat also a Sikh
festival as it marks the
Bandi Chhor Divas festival.
Spiritual
significance
While Diwali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most
significant spiritual meaning behind it is "the awareness of the inner
light". Central to Hindu mythology is the belief that there is something
beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal,
called the
Atman. The celebration of Diwali as the "victory of good over
evil", refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance,
the ignorance that masks one's true nature, not as the body, but as the
unchanging, infinite,
immanent and
transcendent reality. With this awakening comes compassion and the
awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This brings
anand (joy or peace). Just as we celebrate the birth of our
physical being, Diwali is the celebration of this Inner Light.
While the story behind Diwali and the manner of celebration varies
from region to region (festive fireworks,
worship,
lights, sharing of sweets), the essence is the same – to rejoice in the
Inner Light (Atman)
or the underlying Reality of all things (Brahman).
Significance in other religions
Diwali, the Festival of Light, comes at the end of October or early
November. It's a festival that Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrate.
Jainism
Replica of Pava temple at Pansara, Mahavira attained Nirvana
at
Pava.
Diwali has special significance in
Jainism.
Lord Mahavira, the last of the
Jain
Tirthankar of this era, attained
Nirvana
or Moksh on this day at
Pavapuri on 15 October 527 BCE, on Chaturdashi of Kartika. According
to the
Kalpasutra by
Acharya
Bhadrabahu, 3rd century BC, many gods were present there,
illuminating the darkness.[14]
Therefore, Jains celebrate Diwali as a day of remembering Mahavira.
Regional New Year celebrations
- The
Marwari New Year is celebrated on the day of the festival of
Diwali, which is the last day
Krishna
Paksha of
Ashvin
month & also last day of the Ashvin month of
Hindu calendar.
- The
Gujarati New Year is celebrated the day after the festival of
Diwali (which occurs in mid-fall – either October or November,
depending on the
Lunar calendar). The Gujarati New Year is synonymous with sud
ekam i.e. first day of
Shukla paksha of the
Kartik month -, which is taken as the first day of the first
month of Gujarati lunar calendar. Most other
Hindus
celebrate the New Year in early spring. Gujarati community all over
the world celebrates the New Year after Diwali to mark the beginning
of a new fiscal year.
- The Nepal Era New year is celebrated in regions encompassing
original Nepal. The new year occurs in the fourth day of Diwali. The
calendar was used as an official calendar until the mid 19th
century. However, the new year is still celebrated by citizens of
original Nepal, the
Newars.
Regional variations within India
Gujarat
In
Gujarat the Diwali celebrations take on a number of distinct
characteristics.
Diwali occurs in the second (dark) lunar fortnight (Krishna
Paksha) of the month of Ashvin (Gujarati:
"Aaso") and the first (bright) fortnight (Shukla
Paksha) of Kartika (Guj: "Kartik"). Aaso is the last month of
the Gujarati calendar, and Kartik the first.
Celebrations start earlier in Gujarat than in the rest of India,
commencing on Agyaras, the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha
of Aaso. On the 12th day is Vagh Baras, the festival of the cow
and the calf. On the 13th day is
Dhanteras, the days Diwali starts in the rest of India. The 14th
(elsewhere known as
Naraka Chaturdashi in South India and Choti Diwali in the
North) is celebrated as Kali Choudas. The 15th (new moon day) is
Lakshmi Puja, celebrated throughout India.The next day, the
first day of Shukla Paksha of Kartik, is Bestu Varsh, New
Year's Day, start of the Gujarati calendar. The 2nd day of Kartik is
Bhai Bij, the day Diwali ends. A further celebration takes place
on the 5th day of Kartik, Labh Pancham.[15]
Tamil Nadu
Known as Deepavali(தீபாவளி), in
Tamil Nadu (தீப + ஆவளி = தீபாவளி meaning series of lights[16]).
It commemorates the death of
Narakasura at the hands of Lord Sri
Krishna.
It is believed that
Narakasura, a malevolent demon, tortured common people and they
prayed to lord
Krishna
to defeat him. The people then celebrated narakasura's defeat with
sparkles, lights and crackers. This celebration was continued down the
generations as deepavali. The day begins with an early morning oil bath,
wearing new clothes, bursting of crackers, visiting Lord
Ganesha,
Lord Vishnu
and Shiva
temples. The exchange of sweets between the neighbours, visiting the
relations, preparing Deepavali special sweets are tradition of the day.
Typical Deepavali celebrations begin with waking up early in the
morning, before sun rise, followed by an oil-bath. The bathing tradition
involves extensive massaging of warm til-oil containing pepper corns,
betel leaves. New clothes are typically worn as a part of celebrations.
After the bath, a home-made medicine known as "Deepavali Lehiyam" is
consumed, which is supposed to aid in soothening digestive problems that
may ensue due to feasting that occurs later in the day. Extensive use of
sparkles,
crackers and lights, much like the rest of the world where Deepavali
is celebrated.
Karnataka
It is celebrated as Deepavali (deepa + aavaLi → light + row) in
Kannada. It is celebrated on the previous and next day of Amavasye
(New Moon Day) as Naraka Chaturdashi (before new-moon day)
resembling
Satyabhama's victory over Narakasura and as Bali Padyami, the
first day of Kartika masa; inviting the greatest emperor of
times, Bali
Chakravarti to each and everybody's homes. The entire house is cleaned
and new clothes are purchased for the entire family which is followed by
lighting of oil lamps around the house and bursting firecrackers. The
tradition in Kannada families is that all members gather together for
the three days celebration. The thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha is
celebrated as "neeru tumbo habba" when the house is cleaned,
painted afresh and the vessels are washed, bedecked and filled with
fresh water for the festival. The next day is
Naraka Chaturdashi, considered very auspicious. People wake up
before dawn and apply oil on their scalp and body before taking bath, a
ritual known as Tailabhyanjana. In parts of North
Karnataka, this is followed by the women of the house performing
Aarti on the men. The bursting of the crackers ensues. The next day
is
Lakshmi mahaapooje on Amavaasye (new-moon day) and then on
the fourth day decorating the whole house and especially entrance with
flowers and floor decoration to invite
Bali to
their homes; a special fort-entrance kind of thing is made on the
entrances of every home which is made out of cow-dung (gOmaya) and
Sandalwood (siri-chandana) which both have a high divine reverence in
Kannada tradition. The day is of special importance to agricultural
families as they celebrate
Govardhan Pooja on this day. The houses are adroned with Keraka
(replica of the
Govardhana giri using cow dung) bejewelled with flowers and maize,
ragi stalks. Also fire-camps are kindled on both Naraka Chaturdashi
and Bali Padyami days of
Deepavali; where in respective community people's gathering is
significant and huge firework bursting ceremony happens. Later the whole
Kartika maasa (till next new-moon day) is celebrated by the Hindus of
Karnataka by praying to a
Kunti
idol; this signifies that
Kunti;
the mother of great
Pandavas has come to mother's (tavaru mane in Kannada) home
for Kartika maasa.
In villages on the third day Bali Padyami also known for
gOvpooje (reverence to cows) all the cattle in the home are decorated
gorgeously and are prayed for good will of next coming year. also go
melas happen the same day. The celebration of Diwali is marked by the
lighting of innumerable lamps in every courtyard and the bursting of
crackers. Sweetmeals, new clothes and spirit is there as in other
festivals. Kajjaya is a special
Deepavali delicacy in
Bangalore region.
Holiges, Chakkulis are prepared in all households. The time for
rejoicing is mainly early morning and late night. The legend is that
Lord Krishna killed demon
Naraka
in the wee hours of the morning, hence people burst crackers at this
hour to mark the victory over evil. These hours of darkness bordering
the waking hours are preferred as lights and crackers are the highlights
of the festivities and these need darkness to have their illuminating
effect. Hence people rise early and go to sleep late.
Kerala
Deepavali falls on the preceding day of the New Moon in the Malayalam
month
Thulam (October–November). The celebrations are based on the legend
of Narakasura Vadha – where Sri Krishna destroyed the demon and
the day Narakasura died is celebrated as Deepavali.[17]
It commemorates the triumph of good over evil. Kerala is the only state
in India where Diwali is not a major festival. Traditionally, Deepavali
celebrations in Kerala are on a low key as there aren't too many
merchant/business families here. The native people of Kerala do not
celebrate Diwali. But places in Kerala where prominent Tamil, Bengali
and various North Indian communities resides, Diwali Festival is
celebrated with great zest. People of these communities arrange grand
feasts and gaily-dressed men, women and children go to temples and
fairs, visit friends and relatives.
Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, this comprises two days. The First day is Naraka
Chaturthasi, Deepavali Amaavasya. The festivities start out at the crack
of dawn and carry on well into the night. Most people make a trip to the
local temple along with their families to seek the blessings of their
respective Gods. The night sky is lit up with a scintillating array of
noisy fireworks.
Diwali is one of the seven most important festivals of
Andhra Pradesh. It is very popular with children who celebrate
Diwali because of the excitement of bursting firecrackers. Special shops
to sell firecrackers are set up in all towns, cities and bigger
villages. There are some traditional customs followed such as buying new
clothes for this festival. Buying new home or vehicles is considered
auspicious. Special sweets are made too. Some eateries in
Hyderabad make some delicious sweets during Diwali which will not be
available at any other time. Meat and alcohol are generally not
consumed. Tradition has it that Andhraites gift sweets during Diwali.
Some areas host local stage story telling called Hari Katha. Some areas
may put a huge Narakasura dummy made with fireworks. This will be burst
by a person dressed as Lord Krishna or, more accurately, a costume of
Satyabhama, the consort of
Lord Krishna, who actually killed the demon
Narakasura; an event that is celebrated as Diwali for generations.
The evening sky of Diwali is a colourful sight to watch.
People clean/white-wash or paint/decorate their homes as it is a very
auspicious day; to welcome the goddess of wealth and prosperity i.e.
Lakshmi devi to their homes. Homes are lit up with hundreds of diyas and
colourful Diwali Rangolis (link) adorn the doorways. After all this
preparation all the members of the family perform the Lakshmi pooja.
Another custom involves decorating homes with paper figures.
Festivities cut across boundaries to move on from the small villages
to the big towns, often beginning almost a month before Diwali. Sales of
expensive silk saris, jewellery, ornaments, and household goods
increase. From the poor to the rich, everyone indulges in the largest
shopping spree of the year. Sweets, which are an integral part of any
festival in Andhra Pradesh, are prepared or purchased from shops. The
festival is full of messages depicting one or more aspects of human
life, relationships, and ancient traditions.
Maharashtra
In
Maharashtra, Diwali starts from Vasubaras which is the 12th
day of the 2nd half of the Marathi month
Ashvin.
This day is celebrated by performing an
Aarti
of the cow and its calf – which is a symbol of love between mother and
her baby.
The next day is
Dhana Trayodashi. Traders and business people give special
importance to this festival. It is also considered an auspicious day for
making important purchases, especially metals, including kitchenware and
precious metals like silver and gold.
This is followed by
Naraka Chaturdashi. On this day people get up early in the
morning and take their bath before sunrise while stars are still
visible. Bathing is an elaborate process on this day with abundant use
of ‘utnas’, oils and perfumes, and is preceded by an
Aarti
performed on the person by some lady, usually mother or wife. The whole
process is referred to as ‘abhyanga-snaan’.
Then comes
Lakshmi-pooja. It occurs on Amavasya i.e. no moon day.
The dark night is illuminated by lamps and at dusk firecrackers are
burst. New account books are opened after a pooja. Generally the
traders do not make any payments on that day (according to their belief
Lakshmi should not be given away but must come home). In every
household, cash, jewellery and an idol of the goddess Lakshmi is
worshipped. Friends, neighbours and relatives are invited over and
celebrations are in full swing. The broom used to clean one's house is
also worshipped as a symbol of Lakshmi in some places .
Bali Pratipada is the 1st day of the new month –
Kartik in the Hindu calendar. It marks the start of Hindu
financial year. Its a special day for Husband and wife. The wife puts
tilak on her husbands forehead and gives him an expensive gift. In
recent times there is a growing trend of organising a cultural event
called 'Diwali Padwa' early in the morning.
Bhau-beej – it is the time when the bond of love between a
brother and sister is further strengthened as the sister asks God for
her brother/s' long and successful life while she receives presents from
her beloved brothers. On these days People makes 'Faral' like
Chakali, Laddu, Karanji, Chiwada etc.
Odisha
Diwali is celebrated with great joy. Rows of oil lamps, candles adorn
the thresholds of all houses. Firecrackers are burst, sweetmeals are
relished and distributed. Some people also worship family goddess.
Tarpanam is done in the morning of diwali. All the members of the
household gather together just after dusk. A rangoli(Muruja) of a
sailboat is made on the ground. The boat has seven chambers in north,
ten chamber in east, and twelve chamber in south.the east chamber are
meant for gods.north chamber for seer or Rishi and south chambers for
manes and forefathers. Over the drawing of each different chamber
several items are kept – cotton, mustard, salt, asparagus root,
turmeric, sweets, cakes and a wild creeper. Over the central chamber are
the offerings meant for [prasad]. Perched over the prasad is a jute stem
with a cloth wick tied around the edge. It is lit at the beginning of
the puja. All members of the family hold a bundle of jute stems in their
hands, Lighting their respective bundles from the flame on the rangoli,
they raise them skywards to their forefathers chanting: Badabadua ho
andhaara e asa Aluaa e Jaao Baaisi pahacha e Gadagadau thaao (meaning-oh
our ancestors, seers and gods you came on the dark night of
Mahalaya, and now it is time for you to depart for heaven, so we are
showing light, may you attain peace in abode of Jagannatha)
Beside the rangoli, a mortar and pestle and a plough are also kept
and worshiped. After the puja and offerings, the family celebrates
Diwali festival by bursting firecrackers. As in other regions, most
people prefer to celebrate it in their own homes, though family
gatherings are also common. For Diwali houses are brightly lit, with the
doors and windows kept open as Lakshmi is supposed to visit every home,
and you can't afford to leave it dark and abandoned. Various kinds of
Pithas
are prepared and given to the deities and forefathers, and enjoyed with
family and friends. The ritual of
Kali
Puja is a famous affair in
Puri,
Bhadrak,
Rourkela,
Cuttack
&Jajpur
area.
Mithilanchal, West Bengal & Assam
Kali Puja is light-up night for
Mithila region in
Bihar,
West Bengal &
Assam, corresponding to the festival of Diwali (pronounced
Dipaboli in Bengali), (in Maithili, it is known as Diya-Baati) where
people light diyas/candles in memory of the souls of departed ancestors.
The goddess
Kali is worshipped for whole night on one night during this
festival. This is also a night of
fireworks, with local youth burning sparklers and firecrackers
throughout the night. Both the traditions of worshiping the Goddess Kali
as well as Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is prevalent in the Mithila
region.
Kali puja is also known by the names of Shyama puja or
Nisha puja in the Mithila region and
west Bengal.
Goa and Konkan
Divali begins in Konkan and Goa on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi. The
houses are cleaned and decorated with
kandeel,
lamps, mango leaves, and marigold flowers. The utensils are made to
shine, filled with water, and decorated for the holy bath the following
morning. On this day, paper-made effigies of
Narakasura, filled with grass and firecrackers symbolising evil, are
made.[citation
needed] These effigies are burnt at around four
o'clock in the morning the following day/ Firecrackers are burst, and
people return home to take a scented oil bath. Lamps are lit in a
lineThe women of the house perform
aarti of
the men, gifts are exchanged, a bitter berry called kareet is
crushed under the feet in token of killing Narkasur, symbolising evil
and removal of ignorance. Different varieties of
Poha and sweets are made and eaten with family and friends.
Festivities continue till
Tulsi Vivah and lamps are lit every evening. Celebrations include
Lakshmi puja on the Diwali day, Krishna puja or Govardhan puja and
cattle worship on
Balipratipada day, Bhaubeej, and Tulsi vivah.
Melas
Mehndi is applied on women's hands at a Diwali Mela.
To add to the festivas of Diwali, fairs (or 'melas')
are held throughout India.[18]
Melas are to be found in many towns and villages. A mela generally
becomes a market day in the countryside when farmers buy and sell
produce. Girls and women dress attractively during the festival. They
wear colourful clothing and new jewellery, and their hands are
decorated
with henna
designs.
Among the many activities that take place at a mela are performances
by
jugglers,
acrobats,
snake charmers and
fortune tellers. Food stalls are set up, selling sweet and spicy
foods. There are a variety of rides at the fair, which include
Ferris wheels and rides on animals such as elephants and
camels. Activities for children, such as puppet shows, occur
throughout the day.
In other
parts of the world
Diwali celebrations in
Coventry, United Kingdom.
Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world, particularly
those with large populations of Hindu and Sikh origin. These include
countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore,
Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania,
South Africa, Guyana,
Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago, the Netherlands, Canada, the United
Kingdom, and the United States. With more and more Indians now migrating
to various parts of the world, the number of countries where Diwali /
Deepavali is celebrated has been gradually increasing. While in some
countries it is celebrated mainly by Indian expatriates, in others it
has become part of the general local culture. In most of these countries
Diwali is celebrated on the same lines as described in this article with
some minor variations. Some important variations are worth mentioning.
Asia
In Nepal
Diwali is known as "Tihar" or "Swanti". It is celebrated during the
October/November period. Here the festival is celebrated for five days
and the traditions vary from those followed in India. On the first day
(Kaag tihar), crows are given offerings, considering them to be divine
messengers. On the second day (Kukur tihar), dogs are given food for
their honesty. On the third day, Laxmi puja is performed. This is the
last day according to
Nepal Sambat, so many of the businessmen clear their accounts on
this day and on finishing it, worship goddess Laxmi, the goddess of
wealth. The fourth day is celebrated as new year. Cultural processions
and other celebrations are observed in this day. The Newars celebrate it
as "Maha Puja", a special ritual in which the body is worshipped to keep
it fit and healthy for the year ahead on this day. On the fifth and
final day called "Bhai Tika", brothers and sisters meet and exchange
gifts.
In Nepal, family gathering is more significant during Diwali. People
in the community play "Deusi and Bhailo" which is a kind of singing and
dancing forming a group. People go to all the houses in the community
and play songs and dance, and give blessings to the visited house,
whereas the home owner gives gifts like rice, Roti, fruits and money.
After the festival, people donate some part of the collected money and
food to the charity or welfare groups and with the rest of the money and
food, they go for a picnic. People also play swing called Dore Ping made
out of thick ropes and Pirke Ping or Rangate Ping made out of wood.
In Sri Lanka
This festival is also called "Deepavali" and is celebrated by the
Tamil community. On this day, it is traditional for people to take
an oil bath in the morning, wear new clothes, exchange gifts, performing
Poosai (Pūjā),
and a visit to the
Koil (Hindu
temple) is normal.[note
1] Burning of firecrackers in the evening of the festival is a
common practice of this festival. Hindus light oil lamps to invite the
blessings of
Lakshmi,
the goddess of wealth and to banish any evil from the household for once
and for all. The festival is marked by illumination, making of toys of
enamel and making of figures out of crystal sugar popularly known as
Misiri. Sri Lanka's celebration include many of the traditional aspects
of Deepavali such as games, fireworks, singing and dancing, however the
tradition of a large meal and fireworks are admirably preserved.
In Malaysia
Deepavali is celebrated during the seventh month of the Hindu solar
calendar. It is a federal public holiday throughout Malaysia. In many
respects it resembles the traditions followed in the Indian
subcontinent. 'Open houses' are held where Hindu Malaysians (Of all
ethnic races like Tamils, Telugus and Malayalees) welcome fellow
Malaysians of different races and religions to their house for a
scrumptious meal. This is a practice unique to Malaysia and shows the
goodwill and friendly ties practised by all Malaysians during any
festive occasion.
In Singapore
Deepavali is a
gazetted public holiday. Observed primarily by the minority Indian
community (Tamils),
it is typically marked by a light-up in the
Little India district, the heart of the Indian community. Apart from
the light-up, other activities such as bazaars, exhibitions, parades and
concerts will also take place in Little India. The Hindu Endowment Board
of Singapore along with Singapores' government organises many of these
cultural events during this festive period.
Caribbean
In Trinidad and Tobago, communities all over the
islands get together and celebrate the festival. One major
celebration that stands out is the Diwali Nagar, or Village of the
Festival of Lights. It features stage performances by the east Indian
cultural practitioners, a folk theatre featuring skits and plays, an
exhibition on some aspect of Hinduism, displays by various Hindu
religious sects and social organisations, nightly worship of Lakshmi,
lighting of deeyas, performances by various schools related to Indian
culture, and a food court with Indian and non-Indian vegetarian
delicacies. The festival culminates with fireworks displays ushering in
Diwali. Thousands of people participate in an atmosphere devoid of
alcohol and in a true family environment.
Europe
In Britain,
Hindus celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm. People clean and
decorate their homes with lamps and candles. A popular type of candle is
a
diya. People also give each other sweets such as
laddoo and
barfi,
and the different communities may gather for a religious ceremony and
get-together. It is also an important time to contact family in India
and perhaps exchange gifts. Diwali is becoming well known in Britain and
some non-Indians join in.
Leicester plays hosts to some of the biggest celebrations outside of
India.[19]
Diwali also coincides with British
Bonfire Night traditions on 5 November. In the
East End of London, a kind of joint festival has evolved where
everyone enjoys the same fire and fireworks for their own diverse
reasons.
Fiji
In Fiji, Diwali is a Public Holiday and is a religious event
celebrated together by Hindus (who constitute close to a third of Fiji's
population), and culturally amongst members of Fiji's various races and
is a time in the year that is greatly looked forward to. Originally
celebrated by imported indentured labourers from the Indian Subcontinent
during British Rule in the then Colony of Fiji during the 19th Century,
it was set as a holiday at independence in 1970 as the government wished
to set aside one religious public holiday each for Fiji's three largest
religions i.e., Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.
Diwali in Fiji is often remarked by people from India as being
observed on a larger scale then Diwali celebrations in India, as
fireworks and Diwali related events begin at least a week before the
actual day. Another unique feature is the cultural celebration of Diwali
(aside from its traditionally religious celebration) where Fijians of
Indian origin or
Indo-Fijians, whether Hindu, Christian, Sikh or even Muslim along
with the other cultural groups in Fiji celebrate Diwali as a time for
sharing with friends and family as well as signalling the beginning of
the Holiday season in Fiji. On the commercial side, Diwali is a time for
many retail sales and giveaways. Diwali celebrations in Fiji have taken
on a flair of its own, markedly different from celebrations on the
Subcontinent.
Diwali marks a time for cleaning and buying new and special clothes
for the celebrations amongst various cultural groups along with dressing
up in Sari's
and other Indian clothing, to work the day before. Homes are cleaned and
Oil lamps or
diyas are lit. Decorations are made around the home with an array of
coloured lights, candles and paper lanterns, as well as the use of
religious symbols formed out of coloured rice and chalk. Invitations are
made to family, friends and neighbours and houses are opened. Gifts are
made and prayers or pooja are made by Hindus. Sweets and vegetable
dishes are often eaten during this time and fireworks are fired for days
before and after Diwali.
United States
In the United States, with increasing Indian population, Diwali is
assuming significant importance year after year. Diwali was first
celebrated in the
White House in 2003 and was given official status by the
United States Congress in 2007 by the former president
George W. Bush.[20][21]
Barack Obama became the first president to personally attend Diwali
at the White House in 2009. On the eve of his first visit to India as
the President of United States, Obama released an official statement
sharing best wishes with "those celebrating Diwali".[22]
Indians in the US celebrate Diwali in different parts of the US, just as
in India. The Diwali Mela in
Cowboys Stadium boasted an attendance of 100,000 people in 2009. In
2009,
San Antonio became the first U.S. city to sponsor an official Diwali
celebration including a fireworks display and 5000 people in attendance.[citation
needed] In 2011,
The
Pierre in New York City, now operated by
Tata Group's
Taj Hotels, hosted its first Diwali celebration.[23]
Australia
and New Zealand
In Australia, Diwali is celebrated publicly among the people of
Indian origin and the local Australians in Melbﺁourne. On 21 July 2002
an organisation "The Australian Indian Innovations Incorporated" (AIII)
consisting of a conglomerate of independent organisations and
individuals was formed to celebrate Indian Festivals in Melbourne. AIII
facilitated opportunities to depict the cultural kaleidoscope of India
and assist Indians in Melbourne to showcase Indian art, culture, style,
traditions and food via various activities, seminars, festivals, fairs
and events. The first Inaugural Diwali Festival-2002”, was held at
Sandown Race Course on Sunday 13 October 2002. Since then until October
2008, about 140000 people visited this Australian Indian Cultural
Extravaganza filled with culture, fun and cuisine. This 10 Hour Festival
is depicting India through 50 Stalls, 10 Food stalls and an 8-hour
cultural programme with DJ, Children's rides and spectacular fire works
over the last 7 years.
Other place where Diwali is celebrated in Melbourne is Sri Shiva
Vishnu Temple, Carrum Downs. Food stalls are present and children fun
rides. Later on in the evening a spectacular fireworks show is
displayed.
In New Zealand, Diwali is celebrated publicly among many of the South
Asian diaspora cultural groups. A large group that celebrates Diwali in
New Zealand are members of the
Indo-Fijian communities who have migrated and settled there.There
are main public festivals in Auckland and Wellington, with other events
around the country becoming more popular and visible. An official
reception has been held at the New Zealand Parliament since 2003.[24]
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus. The festival signifies the triumph of
light over darkness, justice over injustice, good over evil and
intelligence over ignorance. Lakshmi Mata is worshipped at this
festival. Lakshmi Mata is the goddess of light, wealth and beauty.
Special Divali foods are barfi and Prasad.it also became a very
important festival even in that country
Gallery
-
Deepavali Firework fountain
-
Deepavali Firework Circle in swing
-
-
-
Stalls selling Fire crackers
-
-
Flower Garlands for Dipavali garnishing
Notes
-
^
In Sri Lanka, this festival is mostly
celebrated by the Tamil community scattered in different areas of
the island but mostly concentrated in the north.
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Sharma, S.P.; Gupta, Seema (2006).
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Jacobi, Hermann (1884). Sacred
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"According to a resolution passed recently by the Foreign
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is celebrated by almost 2 million in the United States and many
millions more around the world. The bill, H.R. 747, calls for
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^
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External links