Introduction –
Dhanteras and Bhaiya Dooj are the first and last days of the five-day festival of Diwali. In the Hindu month of Kartik, on the gloomiest night of the year, the Diwali festival is observed. On October 24, 2022, which is Kartik Amavasya, this festival takes place.
Hindu mythology places a tremendous degree of spiritual reverence on Diwali, a well-known holiday in India. Deepawali, also known as the festival of lights, is widely observed in our nation. People happily adorn their homes with lights and Diyas on this day. A puja ritual is held in the evening after the exchange of presents, decorations, and celebrations, and everyone then enjoys scrumptious food and sweets with their loved ones.
The 14-year exile that Lord Rama, his wife Goddess Sita, and his brother Lakshamana underwent after he vanquished the demon and Mayavi king Ravana and assumed the throne of Ayodhya is where the origins of Diwali celebrations may be found. It was at this time that they returned to their homeland. With light functioning as a metaphor for knowledge and a higher level of consciousness, we can therefore conclude that the Diwali festival fundamentally symbolises the spiritual triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Importance of Diwali –
In addition to having significance for Hindus, the Diwali celebration also has significance in Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. It is associated with Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya following his 14-year exile and Hindus’ triumph over the demon Ravana. On that particular day, rows of Deep lit up the entire realm to commemorate His entry into the region of Ayodhya.
As a result, it is customary to light oil lamps as a representation of the triumph of good over evil and of being set free from spiritual gloom. In order to entice goddess Laxmi to one’s home and bring riches with her, Hindus also make preparations to welcome her by drawing Rangoli and Paduka (footsteps) on the entrance.
History of Diwali Festival –
The widely accepted myth states that after Ravana abducted Goddess Sita, Lord Rama was forced to undertake an arduous trek to the remote country of Sri Lanka in order to rescue her. Additionally, he encountered many dependable companions along the way, including Lord Hanuman and the Vanar Sena, who assisted Lord Rama in rescuing his beloved bride from the evil king Ravana.
The Legend of Lord Krishna, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Durga – According to this legendary artefact of history, Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura on this day in the Dwapara Yuga. The demon was the ruler of Pragjyotishpur, and after he was killed by Lord Krishna, the 16,000 captive ladies were set free. Thus, the triumph of good over evil is commemorated throughout the Diwali holiday.
The Hindu goddess Lakshmi is often linked to the Indian holiday of Diwali. The epic Samudra Manthan, in which the Gods (Devas) and the Asuras churned the cosmic ocean of milk to give birth to Goddess Lakshmi, is said to have taken place on this day (Demons). This tale is very old and its origins can be found in several Puranas. One such Purana specifically discusses this is the Padma Purana.
Ancient Sanskrit literature states that the Hindu holiday of Diwali is also regarded as the day that formally welcomes in India’s harvest season. Both the Skanda Purana and the Padma Purana make reference to this occurrence.
What is even more amazing is how Diwali has been characterised by a large number of historians and foreign tourists. For instance, in the 11th century, a Persian traveller by the name of Al Biruni wrote about this festival as the celebration by the Hindu people on the day of the New Moon in the Kartika month. In addition, a Venetian merchant by the name of Niccolo de’ Conti in the 15th century also made reference to Diwali in his memoir.
Diwali Celebration in the Different Parts of the Country –
Five days, from Dhanteras through Bhai Dooj and then Diwali itself, are dedicated to celebrating the festival. Since they are believed to bring families a great deal of happiness, prosperity, and luck, people predominantly worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali. In addition, there is a lot of pomp and display used in the decoration of the bazaars and homes. Diyas are lit, and people are quite enthusiastic about making rangolis. When it comes to the bazaars, they seem to be a veritable feast of beautiful goods to browse. With gifts and an open, friendly heart, people pay each other house calls. The preparation and sharing of a range of delights.
While the spirit of the festival is the same throughout India, each region has its own unique customs of commemorating this day. Continue reading to learn where in the country you might travel to learn more about these unique Diwali customs. Take a glance at how this holiday is celebrated across the nation.
1. Uttar Pradesh – Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is the most celebrated celebration in Uttar Pradesh, the state that includes Lord Rama’s hometown of Ayodhya. In Varanasi, Diwali is a time to decorate, as the characteristic Ganga Aarti illuminates the whole Ganga with a multitude of floating clay lamps. Dev-Deepawali is another art form popular in Varanasi. People burn diyas in their homes to celebrate Diwali, and priests recite verses all night long. It would be incredible to celebrate Diwali in India’s largest state, don’t you think?
2. Maharashtra – It is stated that Lord Rama spent a substantial portion of his life in Panchvati. Currently, that location is close to Nasik in the Maharashtra province. Maharashtra celebrates Diwali with amazing zeal, despite the fabled association. On the day of Diwali, Lakshmi-puja is done, and it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits the households and bestows prosperity. Delectable delicacies like chakli, Shankar-pale, anarse, kada boli, karanji, shev, and others are popular during Diwali.
3. Tamil Nadu – Tamil Nadu does not celebrate Diwali with diyas, candles, or firecrackers, in contrast to the majority of the nation. The inhabitants of the state receive a customary oil shower on the unique occasion of Diwali. For a pre-shower massage, hot oil is combined with fragrant pepper, betel leaves, and other spices.
Following the bath, fresh clothing is put on, and the body is treated with a tonic called “Deepavali Legiyam” as a precursor to the upcoming feast. The home is then decorated, and everyone chows down to their heart’s content. In other parts of India, celebrations peak in the evening, and that is also the time they end here. The bulk of Tamilians commemorate this day as the occasion when the terrifying evil Narakasura was vanquished.
4. Bengal – This day is recognised as “Kali Puja” in Kolkata and throughout the rest of West Bengal. The Bengali people revere Kali, a goddess who took the form of Durga again, for her illuminating presence. As is customary, people gather in the late hours of the night at local gathering spots to eat a sacrificed goat. At that point, the rituals and ceremonies begin, lasting into the wee hours of the following night. Traditional diyas and rice-powder rangoli are used to light up homes. Fireworks are used to welcome the Goddess, a representation of a dark and terrible feminine spirit.
5. Andhra Pradesh – Despite the fact that many other Indian states observe this day as the anniversary of Narakasura’s demise, in Andhra Pradesh, Dussehra celebrations overlap with them. Theatre performers portraying Satyabhama, Lord Krishna’s consort and the one who slew the evil spirit, recreate the act. These dramas involve the burning of crackers to represent Narakasura. Purchasing and giving gifts are given a lot of attention. In order to welcome visitors, store owners lavishly beautify commercial spaces and treat customers as though they were God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diwali
Question 1: What is Diwali?
Diwali is one of the most well-known Hindu holidays, which is celebrated to symbolise the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The holiday is observed with a great deal of religious fervour and ceremony.
Question 2. What occurs during the celebration of Diwali?
Diwali is a five-day celebration. People begin decorating their homes, preparing sweet and savoury foods, purchasing gifts for friends and family, stringing lights throughout their homes, burning crackers, and engaging in other activities a few weeks prior to the occasion.
Question 3. How is Diwali, also known as the Festival of
A well-known Hindu holiday is Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. It is observed with considerable religious zeal and fervour. On the major Diwali day, prayers and prasad are presented to Goddess Laxmi. People wear new clothes, adorn their homes, share sweets, and give greetings to one another.
Question 4. Which Diwali customs are the most significant?
Cleaning the house, making sweets and savoury dishes, buying clothing and accessories for decorations, setting off firecrackers, exchanging gifts, and wishing one another well are all Diwali customs.
Conclusion –
Diwali, one of the most significant Hindu holidays, is observed with great fervour and excitement. There are regional differences in how it is observed even though it is a generally observed holiday in India.
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