5 DAYS OF DIWALI
From web site:
Diwali Mela
Diwali is the one Hindu festival that unites the whole of India. It is
traditionally known as the "festival of lights", for the common practice is to
light small oil lamps (called diyas) and place them around the home, in
courtyards, gardens, verandahs, on the walls built around the home and also on
the roof tops. In cities, especially, candles are substituted for diyas; and
among the riches, candles are made to substitute for fashionable and classy neon
lights.
The celebration of the festival is customarily accompanied by the exchange of
sweets and the explosion of fireworks.
Diwali is an occasion for cheerfulness and togetherness. This is an occasion
for young and the old, men and women, rich and poor - for everyone to celebrate.
Irrespective of their religious and economic background, the festival is
celebrated throughout the country to ward off the darkness and welcome light
into life as light is always associated with hope for the future Diwali is
celebrated 20 days after Dussera, on Amavasya - the 15th day of the dark
fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (Aasho) in (Oct/ Nov) every year.
Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivities in the Indian culture.
Uniting all members of the community, young and old, rich or poor, the lighting
of the lamps represents a way of paying obeisance to God for attainment of
health, wealth, knowledge, peace and valoured fame.
People give expressions to their happiness by lighting earthen diyas and
decorating the houses to welcome Lakshmi- the Goddess of wealth and prosperity,
bursting fire crackers and inviting the near and dear ones to their households
for partaking in the luxurious feast. It is also marked as the beginning of the
Hindu New Year and as a brand new beginning for all.
Diwali celebrates Rama's homecoming, that
is his return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king
The legend related to the festival is that:
King Dashratha had three wives namely Kaushalaya, Keykayee and
Sumitra and four sons Rama, Bharat, Laxmana and Shatrughan. Rama was the son
of Queen Kaushalaya and Bharat was the son of Queen Keykayee. Keykayee wanted
Bharat to be the next King of Ayodhya, while King Dasharatha wanted Rama, his
eldest son to be the future King. Queen Keykayee made full use of the two
wishes King Dasharatha had promised her earlier in life. Keykayee asked for
sending Rama to exile for the period of fourteen years and to crown Bharat as
the king, though Bharat refused to accept the kingship. During that time Lord
Rama fought and won fierce battle in the southern part of the Indian
sub-continent, killing the king of Demons, Ravana who had forcibly taken away
his wife Sita. Diwali marks his victorious return to his kingdom along with
Hanuman, the Vanar who helped him in achieving success. The legend states it
took 20 days for Rama to return to his kingdom after defeating Ravana. As with
other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people
across the country. In north India, Diwali celebrates Rama's homecoming from
fourteen years of exile that is his return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana
and his coronation as king; in Gujarat, the festival is celebrated to honor
goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; and in Bengal, it is related with
goddess Kali. Though everywhere, it is celebrated with the same sprit and
signifies the renewal of life.
Diwali is celebrated for five days, each day having it's own significance,
rituals and myths.
First Day :
Dhanteras or Dhantryaodashi,
Second Day:
Narka-Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali
Third Day:
Lakshmi-Puja and Chopada-Puja
Fourth Day:
Padwa or Varsha Pratipada
Fifth Day:
Bhaiya-Dooj
First Day :
Dhanteras or Dhantryaodashi,
The First day is called Dhanteras or Dhantryaodashi, which falls on the
thirteenth day of the month of Ashwin. The word "Dhan" means wealth. This day
has great importance for rich community. It is believed that sixteen year old
son of King Hima according to his horoscope was doomed to die on the fourth day
of his marriage by a snake-bite. So, on the fourth day of his marriage his
worried wife lighted innumerable lamps all over the place and laid all the
ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her
husband's boudoir. She went on telling stories and singing songs through the
night. When Yam-the god of death arrived there in the guise of a serpent the
dazzle of those brilliant lights blinded his eyes and he could not enter the
prince's chamber. So he climbed the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat
their whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he went away
quietly. Thus the wife saved her husband and since then this day of Dhanteras
came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning
throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of Death.
Second Day: Narka-Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali
The Second day is called Narka-Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali that falls on the
fourteenth day of the month of Ashwin. The legend related to this day is about
King Bali of the nether world whose mighty power had become a threat to the
gods. In order to curb his powers Lord Vishnu in the guise of a small boy
visited him and begged him to give him only that much land which he could cover
with his three steps. Known for his philanthropy King Bali proudly granted him
his wish. So with his first step Lord Vishnu covered the entire heaven and with
the second step the earth and asked Bali where to keep his third step. Bali
offered his head and putting his foot on his head Vishnu pushed him down to the
underworld. Though for his generosity Lord Vishnu allowed him to return to earth
once a year to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance and
spread the radiance of love and wisdom.
Third Day: Lakshmi-Puja and Chopada-Puja
The Third day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day of Lakshmi-Puja,
which is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. This day is
also known by the name of "Chopada-Puja". The day of Lakshmi-Puja falls on the
dark night of Amavasya. It is believed that on this auspicious day Lord Krishna
discarded his body. One more interesting story related to this day is of a small
boy called Nichiketa who believed that Yam, the god of Death was as black as the
dark night of amavasya. He on this day met Yam in person and was puzzled seeing
Yam's calm countenance and dignified stature. Yam explained to Nichiketa on this
day of amavasya that by only passing through the darkness of death, man sees the
light of highest wisdom and then only his soul can escape from the bondage of
his mortal frame to mingle with the Supreme Power without whose will nothing
moves in the world. It was then that Nichiketa realised the importance of
worldly life and significance of death. Nichiketa's all doubts were set at rest
and he whole-heartedly participated in Diwali celebrations.
Fourth Day:
Padwa or Varsha Pratipada
The Fourth day is called Padwa or Varsha Pratipada that marks the coronation
of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day.
Govardhan-Puja is also performed in the North on this day. As per Vishnu-Puran,
the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honour of Lord Indra and
worshipped him after the end of every monsoon season. Though one particular year
the young Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Lord Indra who in
terrific anger sent a deluge to submerge Gokul. Krishna saved his Gokul by
lifting up the Govardhan Mountain and holding it over the people as an umbrella.
This day is also observed as Annakoot and prayers are offered in the temples.
Fifth Day: Bhaiya-Dooj
The Fifth and final day of Diwali Festival is known by the name of
"Bhaiya-Dooj" This day is observed as a symbol of love between sisters and
brothers. It is believed that on this day Yamraj -the god of death visited his
sister Yami and she put the auspicious tilak on his forehead, they ate, talked
and enjoyed together and exchanged special gifts as a token of their love for
each other and Yamraj announced that anyone who receives tilak from his sister
on this day will be blessed. Since then it has became imperative for the brother
to go to his sister's house to celebrate Bhaiya Dooj.
CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS OF
DIWALI
Diwali, which leads us into truth and light, is celebrated on a nationwide
scale. It symbolises that age-old culture of our country, which teaches us to
vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs
the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights even today in this modern
world projects the rich and glorious past of our country and teaches us to
uphold the true values of life. It is associated with many customs and
traditions. One of the most curious customs, which characterises this festival
of Diwali, is the indulgence of gambling, especially on a large scale in North
India. It is believed that goddess Parvati played dice with her husband, Lord
Shiv on this day and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would
prosper throughout the ensuring year. This tradition of playing cards- flash and
rummy with stakes on this particular day continues even to day.
The first day of five daylong Diwali celebrations is of great importance to the
rich community of western India. Houses and business premises are renovated and
decorated. Entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli
designs to welcome Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate
her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and
vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the
night. Believing this day to be auspicious women purchase some gold or silver or
at least one or two new utensils.
Lakshmi-Puja is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to
drive away the shadows of evil spirits, devotional songs- in praise of Goddess
Laxmi are sung and Naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess.
There is a peculiar custom in Maharashtra to lightly pound dry coriander seeds
with jaggery and offer as Naivedya In villages cattle are adorned and worshipped
by farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south cows are
offered special veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess
Lakshmi and therefore they are adorned and worshipped on this day .
On second day there is a traditional practice specially in Maharashtra of taking
bath before sunrise with oil and "Uptan" (paste) of gram flour and fragrant
powders. In northern India, especially in places like Punjab, Diwali is
dedicated to the worship of Lord Rama. While in Bengal, Kali/Durga, the goddess
of strength, is worshipped. This reverence is called "Kali Chaudas or Kal
Chaturdasi". It is believed that on this day Kali killed the wicked Raktavija.
Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom,
is also worshipped in most Hindu homes on this day. Diwali is one of the few
Hindu festivals, which is celebrated in every part of the country, even in
states like Kerala that has Onam as its main festival. To the Jains, Deepavali
has an added significance to the great event of Mahaveera attaining the Eternal
Bliss of Nirvaana. The passing into Eternity on the same Amavasya of Swami
Dayananda Saraswati, that leonine sanyasin who was one of the first to light the
torch of Hindu Renaissance during the last century, and of Swami Ramatirtha who
carried the fragrance of the spiritual message of Hindu Dharma to the western
world, have brought the national-cum-spiritual tradition of Deepaavali right up
to modern times.
Govardhan-Puja is also performed in the North on the fourth day. This day is
also observed as Annakoot meaning 'mountain of food'. In temples especially in
Mathura and Nathadwara, the deities are given milk bath and dressed in shining
attires with ornaments of dazzling diamonds, pearls, rubies and other precious
stones. After the prayers and traditional worship innumerable varieties of
delicious sweets are offered to the deities as "Bhog" and then the devotees
approach and take Prasad. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in every Hindu
household. In many Hindu homes it is a custom for the wife to put the red tilak
on the forehead of her husband, garland him and do his "Aarathi" with a prayer
for his long life. In appreciation of all the tender care that the wife showers
on him, the husband gives her a costly gift. This Gudi Padwa is symbolic of love
and devotion between the wife and husband. On this day newly married daughters
with their husbands are invited for special meals and given presents. Diwali
celebration is a very happy occasion for all.
Diwali Celebrations Around
The World
The festival of Diwali has been celebrated for ages and grows in attraction by
the year. Everyone enjoys the goodies, the shine, glamour, and the endless
enthusiasm for living that suddenly grips people around this time. But there is
much more to Diwali than feasting and merrymaking. Diwali is a holy tradition,
not to be put in the shade by the lights. Deepawali symbolizes the victory of
light over darkness. Celebrated joyously all over the country, it is a festival
of wealth and prosperity. Dipawali is essentially a festival for householders.
The preparations, the rituals, the entire celebration focuses on the home and
family, spanning out to cover the community as a natural extension. Diwali is a
festival synonymous with celebrations in India and among Indians all over the
world, is an occasion for jubilation and togetherness. This is an occasion for
young and the old, men and women, rich and poor - for everyone. Irrespective of
their religious and economic background, the festival is celebrated throughout
the country to ward off the darkness and welcome the light into their lives. At
a metaphysical level, Deepawali is a festival signifying the victory of good
over evil; the latter is destroyed and reduced to ashes by fireworks is the
belief of the people. This festival is celebrated on a grand scale in almost all
the regions of India and is looked upon mainly as the beginning of New Year. As
such the blessings of Lakshmi, the celestial consort of Lord Vishnu are invoked
with prayers. Diwali is also celebrated outside India mainly in Guyana, Fiji,
Malaysia, Nepal, Mauritius, Myanmar, Singapore, Srilanka, Trinidad and Tobago,
Britain, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Africa, and Australia among the Hindus
world over. Places as far as Southern America have record of celebrating Diwali.
Diwali celebrations in Britain :
The Indians are the second largest ethnic minority in Britain. To get rid of the
feeling of missing their homeland, especially during festival times, the Indians
here celebrate most of the festivals .The occasion is marked by visit to the
local temple to worship the shrine of Lakshmi, which they have made for Diwali.
Eating special sweets, burning of incense sticks, lighting the home and
surroundings and the blowing of the conch shell follows the prayer session in
the Lakshmi temple. The festival here is celebrated according to the Hindu solar
calendar hence it falls in the months of October-November, amongst the cold,
damp and windy months in Britain. Still the enthusiasm of the festival
celebration makes the task of leaving small lamps on windowsills or by open
doorways possible ignoring the chill. The lamps and diyas play their part in
maintaining the atmosphere of Diwali at home.
Diwali celebrations in Guyana :
Guyana, formerly known as British Guiana, is located on the northeast coast of
South America. Guyana is 82,978 square miles in area and has a population of
about 7,70,000. Hindus constitute 33% of Guyana's total population. The
Co-operative Republic of Guyana in Southern America celebrates Diwali according
to the Hindu Solar calendar. The day of the festival is declared as a national
holiday in the official calendar of Guyana. The tradition of celebrating the
festival is believed to have been brought to Guyana in the year 1853 by the
first indentured people from India. The legends related to the festival are
similar to that of India. The celebration of the festival includes, distribution
of sweets, illuminating the inside and outside of the house, exchange of
greetings, cleaning of houses and wearing of new clothes. The celebrations hold
special significance for the people of Guyana. The distribution of sweet
signifies the importance of serving and sharing whereas exchange of greeting
cards denotes the goodwill of each other. The sweets distributed mainly consist
of pera, barfi, and kheer. The tradition of wearing new cloth for the people of
Guyana is significant especially in this festival. They believe that wearing new
cloth is the symbol of healthy souls in healthy bodies. Cleaning of their homes
and keeping them well illuminated in and outside is a practice meant to
illuminate the road for Goddess Lakshmi so that while goddess Lakshmi visits
their home she faces no problem of light as the diwali night is regarded as the
darkest night of the year.
Diwali celebrations in Indonesia :
The name Indonesia came from two Greek words: "Indos" meaning Indian and "Nesos"
meaning islands. The majority of population follows Islam. Hindus constituent
about 2% of Indonesia's total population. However, the Indonesian island of Bali
is famous for celebrating the festival of Diwali, as a majority of the
population here is that of Indians. It is one of the most revered festivals of
the locals here. The celebration and rituals of the festival is mostly similar
to that celebrated by their counterparts in India.
Diwali celebrations in Malaysia :
Fascinating in its diversity, Malaysia has many mesmerizing charms and
attractions. With a population of about 20 million, comprising of a harmonious
multi-ethnic mix of Malays, Malaysia promises a colorful potpourri of cultural
traditions. Most are based on the various religious practices, beliefs and
traditions influencing the costumes, festivals, ceremonies and rituals. The
Hindu community of Malaysia constitutes about 8% of its total population .The
community celebrates Diwali as a symbol of triumph of good over evil. The
Malaysian people call diwali as Hari Diwali. This festival is celebrated during
the 7th month of the Hindu solar calendar. The south Indian traditional of oil
bath precedes the festivities. The celebration includes visits to temples and
prayers at household altars. Small lamps made from clay and filled with coconut
oil and wicks are a common sight to signify the victory of Lord Rama, the hero
of the Hindu epic Ramayana, over the demon king Ravana. Diwali is celebrated
almost all over the Malaysia except in Sarawak & Federal Territory of Labuan.
Diwali celebrations in Mauritius :
Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean that lies to the east of Madagascar.
This beautiful landmass is full of picturesque landscapes and enchanting spots.
Mauritius accounts a 63% of Indian majority of which 80% follow Hinduism. Hence,
celebration of almost all the Hindu festivals in this island is a common
phenomenon. In Mauritius, Diwali celebration is an age-old tradition. It holds
special significance for the natives, who believe that Diwali has been
celebrated even long before the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile and
his coronation as the king. The festival is marked by lightening of earthen
lamps in rows making images out of the rows. Lakshmi is worshipped as the
goddess of wealth and crackers are burnt to scare away evil spirits.
Diwali celebrations in Nepal :
Nepal is a landlocked country nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Nepal,
a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual society is the only Hindu Kingdom of the world.
Diwali is celebrated here with the usual Hindu festivities and rituals. Diwali
in Nepal is known as Tihar. Just like most places in India Diwali is celebrated
here to honor the goddess of wealth and god of prosperity Lakshmi and Ganesh
respectively. The festival of light falls in the months of October or November
on the day of Amavasya - the darkest day of the year. The festival here
continues for five days. Every day has its special significance. The first day
is dedicated to cows as they cook rice and feed the cows believing that goddess
Lakshmi comes on cows. The second day is for Dogs as the Vahana of Bhairava.
Preparation of delicious food especially meant for the dog is a typical
characteristic of the day. Lights and lamps are lit to illuminate the entire
surrounding and some of the specialty items are prepared to mark the third day
of the festival. Fireworks, Lamps and crackers are widely used. The fourth day
is dedicated to Yama, the Hindu God of Death. He is prayed for long life. The
fifth final day is Bhhaya Dooj dedicated for the brothers who are wished long
life and prosperity by their sisters.
Diwali celebrations in South Africa :
South Africa is located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa. The
South African culture is a mix of variety of cultures. It had the largest
immigrant Indian community in the world a decade prior to the colonization by
the United States of America. The country has almost one million immigrant
Indians. Most of these Indian immigrants are concentrated in the eastern regions
of Natal and Transvaal of the country. About 65% of Hindus, 15% of Muslims and
20% of Christians live in this area. Due to the majority of the Hindu
population, a number of Hindu festivals are celebrated here. Diwali also holds
an important place in the festival calendar of the region. The celebration is
more or less same to that in India. Most of the Hindus here are from Gujarat and
Tamil Nadu and continue to follow their regional variations of Hinduism.
Diwali celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago :
Trinidad is the most southern of the Caribbean islands, lying only seven miles
off the Venezuelan coast, is one of the most exciting, colorful islands of the
West Indies. Considered as the land of the Humming Bird, Trinidad and Tobago has
a good number of Indian population. For that reason, Hindu festivals, customs,
traditions and observances forms an integral part of the society, which
comprises the unique beauty of the twin island state. The Diwali celebration has
a unique flavor here in the Caribbean island nation. Here 43 per cent of the 1.3
million populations are ethnic Indians. The Diwali celebrations are usually
marked as an occasion to unify the nation that consists of Hindus, Muslims,
Christians, Indo-Trinidadians and Afro-Trinidadians. The festival day is
regarded as a national holiday. The festival is also marked by scores of
functions besides the usual rituals of the festivity. The functions and
celebrations also have an official imprint as the Ministers of the Government
also participate in the celebrations sometimes. The belief behind the festival
is same as of India, which is, prevalence of good over evil. The celebrations
continue for over a week and the headquarters of the National Council of Indian
Culture at Diwali Nagar becomes the focal point.
SOME DIWALI FESTIVAL FOODS
Gujia
To make 20 Gujias
Ingredients:
Flour 250 grams
Khoya 500 grams
Raisins a few
Almonds 100 grams (finely chopped)
Cooking oil 3 tablespoon
Water 100 ml
Sugar 250 grams
Method
Mix the oil and flour properly to form a binding consistency of breadcrumbs.
Add some water and knead lightly the entire mixture. Make it soft dough and
set it aside with a damp cloth covering it. Fry the khoya in cooking oil till
it becomes light brown and then mix the sugar in it properly. Add the almonds
and raisins, and fry for a few more minutes. Remove from fire and let it cool.
Make small thick chapattis out of that kneaded dough. Fill half of the
chapatti with the khoya mixture and, rolling it, seal the sides of the
chapatti keeping the khoya inside it. Make the sealing look decorated by
giving a look of hemming. Deep-fry these gujias until it becomes light golden
brown, keeping the flame at low. Take out the gujias on a paper napkin and let
the oil get soaked. Serve hot or store it in an airtight container for using
it on that special day.
Kheer
For serving 4 to 5 people
Ingredients:
Milk 1 liter
Rice 200 grams (soaked for ½ an hour before cooking)
Sugar to taste
Cashew nut a few (finely chopped)
Cardamom 4 to 5 pieces (peeled off seeds only)
Raisin a few (soaked few minutes before adding)
Method
Put the milk on a pan and let it boil for a few minutes, keeping the flame at
low. Stir continuously when the milk becomes a little thick. Put sugar into
the milk and stir constantly until the sugar melts. When the entire content is
ready, put the rice in it and, stirring at intervals, let it boil for a while.
When the rice is cooked, garnish it with the chopped cashew nuts, cardamoms
and raisins. Serve it hot.
Mitha Khaja
For serving 3 to 4 people
Ingredients:
Flour 1½ cup
Jaggery ½ cup
1 cup of water
Cardamom powder 1/4 tablespoon
Ghee 1 tablespoon
Method
First, heat the water and jaggery until it dissolves in the water. Strain and
cool it and add cardamom powder and ghee in the flour and knead the flour with
jaggery water till the dough becomes stiff. Breaking it into 24-25 parts,
knead and roll it into 4'' rounds. And keep it aside so as to make it a bit
dry and fry it in hot ghee until its colour becomes golden. Then drain and
cool it till the khajas becomes crisper. Serve it or keep it in an airtight
container.
Kharipudi
For serving 4 to 5 people
Ingredients:
Wheat Flour 2 cup
Rice Flour 1/2 cup
1/2 tbsp of omam seeds
1/2 tsp. of turmeric powder
Ghee 2 tablespoon
Some dry flour for dusting
Method
Mix plain flour and 1/4 cup rice flour together. Add asafetida, omam seeds,
turmeric, oil and mix it properly so as to make the dough more softer. Apply
ghee and roll it like a large chapati. Sprinkling some rice flour, roll it
into tight Swiss roll and cut into thick slices and keep it aside. Then heat
the oil in a pan and fry the pudis till it becomes golden colour. Now drain
and keep it aside and its ready to serve.
Lapsee
For serving 3 to 4 people
Ingredients:
1 cup of wheat gram (Dalia)
1 1/2 of cup sugar
1 cup of ghee
1 tbsp. of chopped almonds & pistachios with 1/2 cardamom powder
Method
Warm ghee in a pan by adding wheat gram. Stir and cook till gram turns golden
in colour and arom exudes. Melt sugar in 1-cup water and keep aside. Boil and
add remaining water to roasted wheat gram stir gently now, and cook till the
grain of the gram is soft on pressing. Cook till ghee separates along the
sides. Now its ready to serve.
DIWALI WEB SITE LINKS
Diwali Mela's editor's selection of some of the best Diwali sites on the Web.
You can also Submit the URL of your Diwali related website to us for evaluation
at PVAF.
www.diwaligiftstore.com
www.diwaliutsav.com
www.dgreetings.com
www.dgreet.com
www.theydeserveit.com
www.theeid.com
www.christmascarnivals.com
www.123christians.com
www.123newyear.com
www.123pongal.com
www.mydearvalentine.com
www.123mahashivratri.com
www.virtualrakhi.com
www.123independenceday.com
www.123janmashtami.com
www.123ganeshchaturthi.com
malayalifestivals.dgreetings.com
www.123durgapuja.com
www.indiatravelhub.com
www.indiaprofile.com
www.wallpapers.dgreetings.com
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