DIWALI : FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
National festivals are the lifeblood of a nation. They
add charm and thrill to our humdrum life. India being a melting -pot of
religions, race, and cultures, it has a plethora of festivals and feasts.
Among these, Diwali perhaps is the most pan-Indian
festival celebrated with great pomp and mirth throughout the length and breadth
of the country. Diwali, better known as, Deepawali among the Indian masses, is
a festival of lights.The word ‘Diwali’ means ‘row of lights’. The ‘di’ part
comes from the word ‘diva’; A diva is a small clay lamp that is filled with oil
and has a cotton wick.
When Rama
and Sita returned to Ayodha, from their fourteen years of exile, and killing
the demon Ravan, diva lamps were lit to welcome the royal procession. In the
same manner, during the festival, lamps are lit to welcome the goddess Lakshmi
into Hindu homes and temples.
The festival itself lasts five days and takes place at
the end of the Hindu month of Ashwin and the beginning of Kartika (late
October-early November). A lot of
preparation goes in before the actual festival. Houses are cleansed, white
washed and painted. Every nook and corner of the house is swept
clean.Thereafter, in the evening earthen lamps and decorative lights are put in
and around the house giving an atmosphere of joy and happiness. As the night
approaches, children light up the sky with their firecrackers. The streets and
bazaars bear a dazzling look.
Illumination of every hue and colour light up shops
and buildings. Thus, there is gaiety, cheerfulness, merrymaking and fun
everywhere. There is joy on every face. On this day every one put on their best
dress which has been purchased well in advance. People exchange greetings and
share sweets and meals as a mark of friendship and brotherhood.
Special offering ceremonies or ‘pujas’ are held to
Lakshmi and the elephant god, Ganesha. Hindus believe that, if they start out
the New Year by asking Ganesha to remove obstacles and asking Lakshmi to bring wealth, the whole
of the year will be prosperous.
The festival of Diwali teaches us many values of life.
More than anything else the festival symbolises the ultimate victory of good
over evil. It teaches us that one day or other the evil existing in this world
would be subdued by goodness and righteousness. Rama’s obedience to parents,
Sita’s faithfulness, Lakshman’s unflinching love for his brother, etc., teach
us many noble lessons of life The festival is a national festival celebrated by
everyone irrespective of caste, creed and race. It therefore, promotes unity,
common brotherhood, and communal harmony. Hence, in a world like ours, broken
by narrow domestic walls of religious fanaticism and social disharmony, a
festival like Diwali can bring people together, heal wounds, and can help in fostering
national integration.
Of late, external celebrations of Diwali have taken
predominance over its religious content. As years proceed the celebration is
becoming more commercial and superficial leading to much unhealthy practices,
like gambling and drinking. Therefore, there is an urgent need to put sobriety,
restraint, and caution in the present-day celebration of Diwali, so as to
maintain its sanctity and original grandeur.
Written by: Oshin Malviya
IPG2016
