The festival of lights is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and the return of Rama to his capital, Ayodhiya, after his long exile. This festival is celebrated throughout India. Hindus get their houses cleaned and whitewashed as a part of annual campaign of cleanliness on the festival. They light lamps in the night and distribute sweets among relations and friends. On the occasion Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshipped and the Mahajans start the new financial year.
“Deepavali” is a Sanskrit word, which means a range of lights that stands for victory of love over light. But if we delve deeper into Hindu philosophy we will see that Deepavali is the celebration of the Inner Light, which dispels ignorance leading to the awakening of the true self, the ‘Atman’. The celebration of Diwali may vary from region to region but the inner essence is the same, rejoicing the oneness of all beings with the Superior omnipotent Soul, the Brahaman.
The evening of the Diwali festival is gorgeous with a varied display of firecrackers. People wear new clothes and share sweets like ‘khil’ (rice puffs) and patashe (sugar disks) and snacks on Diwali. The houses are cleaned and are decorated with fresh flowers. Many houses display a ‘rangoli’, a colorful pattern drawn in rice flour at the entrance. Puja of deities take place at homes and temples with offerings.
In North India, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped together for prosperity. Many North Indian business families start their new financial year from Diwali and open new account books. In Eastern part of India, Kali Puja (worshipping Goddess Kali) sometimes coincides with Divali.
Thus, goes on the joyous festivities of Diwali.
Send Greeting Card
