Diwali : The Meaning and Significance

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, or the Festival of Lights, is a significant festival, celebrated all over India, with extreme pomp and show. The word "Diwali" is the derivation of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali". Light is significant in Hinduism as it defines goodness. Light denotes the victory of the good over the evil and wicked spirit. The word "Deepa" means light and "Avali" means a row. Illumination of diyas, candles and lights mark the essence of this festival and its celebration. The festival of Diwali is regarded to bring joy and prosperity in person's life by spreading love and affection eliminating the hatred and violence.

Mythological Aspects of Diwali

There are a number of myths surrounding the festival of Diwali. For instance, the stories of the killing of Ravana and Narakasura, the emergence of Goddess Lakshmi and the glory of Lord Rama etc are some of the legends associated with the festival. However, the most significant of them is the legend of Lord Ram, the prince of Ayodhya, who was exiled from his empire. He was accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Laxman. During that time, Lord Rama fought and won strenuous and a fierce battle against the demon Ravana, who forcibly took Sita to his kingdom in Lanka. Lord Ram returned to his kingdom after his forteen years of exile and the night was not a moon lit night, therefore, people lit their homes and the path with diyas in order to celebrate the home coming of the victorious king. They also decorated the pathways with colorful Rangolis and Flower Rangolis to commemorate Lord Ram. They wore new clothes, danced and sang his praise. Since then these rituals have become an integral part of celebration. Thus, Diwali essentially marks Lord's Ram's victorious return to his kingdom.

"Naraka Chaturdasi" is the other name of Diwali. In Dwapar Yuga, Lord Krishna, the ascendant of Lord Vishnu, killed the demon Narakasura on the same day as that of Diwali. Lord Krishna took an oil bath to get rid of his blood splashes of Narakasura after defeating him. It is still a tradition among Hindus to clean the Krishna idols with hot water before burning the effigy of Narakasura, on Diwali.

Another mythical story that is associated with the celebrations of Diwali is the birth of Goddess Lakshmi. The legend of emergence of Goddess Lakshmi is popularly known as the legend of Samudra Manthan. Hindus commemorate the birth of Goddess Lakshmi on the third day of Diwali. Lakshmi Puja is performed and the dark night of Amavasya, which is enlightened with long arrays of diyas, candles and bulbs of beautiful colors. Homes are decorated after a thorough cleaning as it is believed that on this auspicious day Goddess Lakshmi strolls in green lawns and visit the homes.

Diwali Celebration

Diwali is celebrated on the last day of the last month of lunar calendar. Diwali is celebrated for five days, each day having it's own tale and significance. Dhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi) is the first day or rather the eve of the day on which the festival of Diwali begins. Narkachaturdashi is the second day. It is also known as Kalichoudas or Bali Pratipada. Laxmi Pujan and New year (Padava) is on the third day and Bhaiya-duj marks the last day of this festival.

The festival of light, Diwali, is celebrated all throughout India, following some myths and tradition. In northern India, especially in places like the Punjab, Diwali is dedicated to the worship of Lord Rama. While in Bengal, Kali/Durga, the goddess of strength or "Shakti", is worshipped. This reverence is called "Kali Chaudas or Kal Chaturdasi". Goddess Kali in all her avatars are worshipped. Ganesh Puja is also practised in the rituals of Diwali. During Diwali, Lord Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth,is worshipped. This practice is called "Dhanteras". It is believed worshipping Lord Lakshmi during Diwali means ensuring wealth and prosperity. Another practice during Diwali is "Bhai Dooj" or "Bhai Beej". On this day, women are given gifts from their brothers and are held in the highest respect.

Each of the five days in the festival of Diwali is marked with a significant worship or 'puja' of a certain deity that differs throughout India. Each is also separated by a different tradition, but what remains the same throughout is that this day is a celebration of the good, joy and jubilance. Diwali is the festival that paves the way of entering into light, rejuvenates a self with inner edification. The worship of light empowers us to do the good deeds and bring us closer to divinity.

Exchange of Gifts and Wishes

In India, the festival of Diwali is celebrated in grand style. Although, the ways of celebration differ through out the country, the zest and the enthusiasm is the same all over. The homes are illuminated with candles, diyas and lights. The children and the elders all share the pleasure of decorating the floors with multi-colored Rangoli designs and floral decorations. Offerings are made to Deities and wishes are exchanged amongst the dear ones. The streets are likewise decorated and it is a festive mood everywhere. Hugging and greetings continues as every body is jubilant to the extent. The homes are washed and cleaned and attractive decorative and wall hangings adorn the rooms. Everybody drape themselves in new attire. The children burst fire-crackers and lighten candles or earthen lamps. This is a time of exchanging sweets with neighbours and friends.

The custom of lighting the homes with diyas and candles and the skies with firecrackers is an expression of deference to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth and prosperity. According to the legend, the sound of fire-crackers are an indication of the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their bountiful state. Illumination of the courtyards and the corners of the home symbolizes the journey of new reason and hope-the hope of entering from darkness into light.

The advent of Diwali fills the air with the festive mood when everyone merge themselves gladly in an euphoria, in a mood of grand celebration. Diwali is exhibition of lights everywhere. The scent of incense sticks linger the air, coupled with the sounds of fire-crackers, which indicates endless joy, togetherness and hope.