A time for togetherness and celebration. Take a look at how people across the country make the most of the Festival of Lights.
Deepavali is a time when the sky is lit up with colourful bursts from fireworks.
The name is derived from the word ‘Deepavali’ meaning ‘row of lamps’ (in Tamil), as it is customary to decorate the house with lit earthen lamps on that day.
Though the exact origin of the festival is unknown, it has become a universal celebration of good triumphing over evil, celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs, albeit in their own way. Now Deepavali has come to signify a day of togetherness with friends and family to celebrate and pray for a prosperous beginning.
Golden moments
For Hindus, Deepavali is not just one but a five–day festival that begins with Dhanteras, a day when Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshipped and gold is purchased as part of the tradition.
Day two is Narak Chaturdasi — the eve of Deepavali, when Krishna is believed to have killed the evil demon king, Narakasura.
The following day is Deepavali, when, according to tradition, people wake up pre–dawn, have an oil bath, pray to Lakshmi, eat sweets and exchange greetings. And not to forget the fireworks!
The fourth day is Goverdhan Pooja when a small mound of food is decorated symbolising the Govardhan mountain lifted by Krishna to save his people from torrential rains. In Maharashtra, it is a day when men offer gifts to their wives, while in Haryana and Gujarat, it is observed as New Year Day.
Day five is BhaiDooj/Bhratri Dooj, when sisters pray for their brothers’ happiness and longevity by performing the tika ceremony. Brothers, in return, give their sisters gifts.
Accounting happiness
Deepavali is the day when Jain businessmen perform puja for currency and their account books. It also marks the closing of accounts for the year. Their businesses remain closed for eight days. The following day is New Year which is followed by four more days of rituals and traditions including a procession of the idol of Mahavir.
Silent rejoicing
For Buddhists, it is a more subdued celebration with monasteries and temples decorated and prayers offered to Buddha.
Did you know?
You cannot burst fire crackers near hospitals, schools, and courts.
As per the Supreme Court order, fire crackers should not be burst between 10 pm and 6 am
In Orissa, people have a practice of calling upon the spirits of their dead ancestors on Deepavali.
Air pollution, noise pollution, and littering are major causes for concern as they trigger a lot of health problems.
Besides India, Deepavali is also celebrated in Nepal, Mauritius, Guyana, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Sri Lanka among others.
In 2007, the U.S. adopted a resolution that ‘recognises the religious and historical significance of the festival of Deepavali.’
Celebrating freedom
The day —Bandhi chorh Divas holds great historical significance to Sikhs. It was on this day that the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, was released from prison. His return is celebrated by lighting up the Golden Temple with lamps. They also organise a nagar keertan (a street procession) and an Akhand paath (a continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib).
