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.