Diwali is celebrated on
a nation-wide scale on Amavasya - the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the
Hindu month of Ashwin, (October/November) every year. It symbolizes that
age-old culture of India which teaches to vanquish ignorance that subdues
humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge.
Diwali, the festival of lights even to-day in this modern world projects the
rich and glorious past of India.
Every year on the dark
nights of Diwali the sound of firecrackers announces the celebration of the
favorite festival of Indians. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed by
everyone and thousands of lamps are lit to create a world of fantasy. Of all
the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and
important. Enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion, its magical
and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity.
The ancient story of how
Diwali evolved into such a widely celebrated festival is different in various
regions and states of India. In the north, particularly in Uttar Pradesh,
Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and the surrounding areas, Diwali is the day when King
Rama's coronation was celebrated in Ayodhya after his epic war with Ravana, the
demon king of Lanka. By order of the royal families of Ayodhya and Mithila, the
kingdom of which Sita was princess, the cities and far-flung boundaries of
these kingdoms were lit up with rows of lamps, glittering on dark nights to
welcome home the divine king Rama and his queen Sita after 14 years of exile,
ending with an across-the-seas war in which the whole of the kingdom of Lanka
was destroyed.
On the day of Diwali festival,
doorways are hung with torans of mango leaves and marigolds. Rangolis are drawn
with different colored powders to welcome guests. The traditional motifs are
often linked with auspicious symbols of good luck. Oil diyas are arranged in
and around the house. Because of these flickering lamps, the festival has
acquired its name : Dipawali or Diwali meaning 'a rows of lamps'. On this day,
people buy something for the house or some jewelry for the women of the house.
It is auspicious to be buy something metallic, such as silver.
Whatever may be the
fables and legends behind the celebrations of Diwali, all people exchange
sweets, wear new clothes and buy jewelry at this festive time. Card parties are
held in many homes. Diwali has become commercialized as the biggest annual
consumer spree because every family shops for sweets, gifts and fireworks.
However, in all this frenzy of shopping and eating, the steady, burning lamp is
a constant symbol of an illuminated mind.
Veerapagupathy,
Chothavilai Beach,
Thengamputhoor,
Kanyakumari.
04652-221337,
9500946903.
aveholidayhome@gmail.com
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