Deepavali is a Sanskrit word, which means rows and rows of lights. In some parts
of India and abroad, it is shortened to Diwali. Many festivals are celebrated in
India, and some of them are celebrated in some parts of the country only. But
Diwali is one of the happiest of the great Indian festivals that is celebrated
all over India. It is festival of lights, and has both the traditions of
Thanksgiving and Christmas. We give thanks to Gods and share good will with
fellow human beings.
Diwali is held in memory of mythological stories which say that the evil demons
were slain by many God incarnations. For example, in northern India, Hindus and
Sikhs celebrate Diwali for God Rada killing Ravine and Sikhs also celebrate
Diwali because their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobindji returned from a great victory;
in southern India for God Krishna killing Narakasura- and in eastern India to
honor Goddess Kali destroying Bakasura. All over the country we celebrate Diwali
for good conquering the evil.
Diwali comes in late October or early November. It comes on the darkest night of
the year. In Hindu philosophy darkness is compared to ignorance and lighting the
lamp has significance of losing ignorance and gaining knowledge. Whenever HINDUS
pray or do any other rituals they light an oil lamp first.
On Diwali day the whole family wakes up early, bathes, and wears new clothes and
jewels. A splendid breakfast follows the prayers, and everyone has a glorious
time shooting fire crackers. At night every building is lit with little lamps to
attract the blessings of the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. On this day there is a
belief that Goddess Lakshmi lives in oil so all the lamps are lighted with oil.
People go from house to house to exchange gifts and sweets. They try to forget
old grudges and wipe the slate clean. In northern India, Diwali time is wheat
harvesting time and there is plenty to give for charity. All the business people
start new business calendars and celebrate their new year. They worship Goddess
Lakshmi to bless their new account books.
Our mythology is more than five thousand years old. Still it promotes social and
practical purposes of sharing, caring, forgiving, and loving sentiments. In
ancient times it is easy to distinguish good and evil with God and demons. Now
we have so many social injustices like drugs, prejudice, violence to face. Let
us hope to fight these underlying demons with illumination of our inner lights.
