Diwali and its History.

I refrain from posting sucn general articles but somehow I want to post this. Just some
information about DIWALI and its history. Courtsey Google. Compiled from different sites :-)


Diwali is a five day Hindu festival that occurs on the fifteenth day of Kartika (October-November). The word "Diwali" means "rows of lighted lamps," and the celebration is often referred to as the "Festival of Lights" much in the same way the Jewish holiday of Hannukah is referred to as the "Festival of Lights." Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important festival celebrated in India today.



The History of Diwali

Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil -- and the glory of light. This festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile.



During Diwali, homes are thoroughly cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Laksmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, and candles and lamps are lit as a greeting to Laksmi. Gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared, and the celebration means as much to Hindus as Christmas does to Christians.



The Five Days of Diwali

Because there are many regions in India, there are many different manifestations of the Diwali festival. Uniting all members of the community, young and old, rich and poor, the lighting of the lamps represents a way of paying homage to God for health, wealth, knowledge, peace and fame. Diwali is celebrated for five days, each day having its own varied significance, rituals and myths.



The first day is called Dhanteras or Dhantryaodashi, which falls on the thirteenth day of the month of Ashwin. As the story goes, it was foretold that the son of King Hima was doomed to die by snake-bite. His wife lit innumerable lamps and laid ornaments and gold coins in a large heap at the entrance of her husband's bedroom. When Yam, the god of Death, arrived in the form of a serpent the lights blinded him and he could not enter the prince's chamber. The serpent climbed the heap of the ornaments and coins and listened as the prince’s wife sang songs throughout the night. In the morning Yam went away quietly and the prince was saved. 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.



The second day is called Narka-Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali and falls on the fourteenth day of the month of Ashwin. According to legend, the mighty power of King Bali of the netherworld had become a threat to the gods. To curb his powers Lord Vishnu visited him disguised as a small boy 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 entire earth and asked Bali where to place his third step. Bali offered his head and placing his foot on his head Vishnu pushed him down to the underworld. Out of generosity Vishnu allowed Bali 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.



The third day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day of Lakshmi-Puja (also known as Chopada-Puja) and is devoted to the appeasement of the goddess Lakshmi. 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. Another variation is the story of a small boy Nichiketa who believed that Yam, the god of Death was as black as the dark night of Amavasya. He met Yam and was puzzled by Yam's calm countenance and dignified stature. Yam explained to Nichiketa that only by passing through the darkness of death, can man see the light and his soul become immortal. It was then that Nichiketa realized the importance of life and significance of death.



The fourth day falls on the first day of the lunar New Year and is called Padwa or Varsha Pratipada, marking the coronation of King Vikramaditya. As per legend, the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honor of Lord Indra and worshipped him after the end of every monsoon season. One year the young Krishna stopped the offering of prayers to Lord Indra who in anger sent a deluge to submerge Gokul. Krishna saved 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.

Worshippers are encouraged to remove anger, hate, and jealousy from their lives.



The fifth and final day of Diwali is 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 placed tilak on his forehead. They ate, talked and enjoyed the day together and exchanged special gifts as a token of their love for each other. Yamraj declared that anyone who receives tilak from his sister on this day will be blessed.

Me and Diwali

I have been very happy lately. India winning! Big happiness...Aish's birthday approaching (rather its today 1st of Nov)...Happy Birthday Aish....N then last but the most imp one DIWALI...Favourite festival still out of last 8 Diwalis I have spent just 3 at home. Kinda sucks. Why cant I be where I want to be when I like?

Spoke to so many ppl yesterday and wished them Happy Diwali. Felt so nice and was very good talking to all my family members and few of my close friends. But when I finally I spoke to my mom...It became so difficult for me as well as my mom. This is one moment, one day, one time when I feel heavy in my heart talking to my mom over the phone. I miss her so much. When I did it for the first time when I went out for my studies I broke, i broke down heavily and cried (yes right) and cried so much over the phone. I had never ever realized the importance of this festival when I was at home. When everything so natural and there was nothing I thot could go different. My first year away from home made me feel, this was what I had been taking for grated. Guess you realize the importance of somethng when its not with you. Year after year sometimes I managed to spend this festival of Lights at home and sometimes in desolate loneliness. This is the time when I feel altogether a different kind of solitude. Kind of feeling which comes only on this day and on no other day. May be will never be able to put in words but very different lonliness.

This time again when I spoke to her I tried hard not to do anything stupid which would make her break down over the phone. Normally when I speak to my mom its like for min 30 minutes every alternate day. I know cant talk different things on alternate days so we speak about the same things :-). But this time with consensus we kept the phone down in exactly 1 min. Both of us fearing the same thing. Known to both of us but not to be spoken about. There are somethings best left undiscussed.

Sometimes I just wonder, for how long can this go on? Why do I feel the way I feel? Anyways I dont think we have the answers for all the questions in this world....Something just dont have any answers. They are because they are. No why and now how...