Last night, over a phone-call with my sister in India, our conversation drifted towards the true spirit of Diwali. Soon after the call, I probed deeper into the meaning of this festival, to discover each of the activities performed have an associated inner significance.

The festival of lights, Diwali is one of the biggest celebrated festivals in India. Originated from Sanskrit word, Deepawali, which means row of light, the festival is celebrated across India with some regional variations. 

Diwali falls on the new moon night of late October or early November. And, it is marked with five days of festivities-

Dhanteras, the day of fortune is when the festivities begin. Dhan, which means wealth, and teras means thirteenth day of the fading moon cycle. It is said that whatever you buy on this day will increase thirteen times. So, it’s a custom to shop jewellery, utensils, vehicles, and other material goods.

But instead of buying the goodies, I chose to go for a well check. Afterall, there is no greater wealth than good health!

Narak Chaturdashi, the day of knowledge is the second day of festivities. It’s said that on this day Sri Krishna slayed the demon Narakasura and rescued 16,000 captive princesses. Also called Choti (small) Diwali, on this day people shower before sunrise, and massage their bodies with fragrant oils. Houses are decorated with rice powder rangoli.

Diwali, is the main event celebrated with great vigor by worshipping Godess of Wealth, Lakshmi, lighting diyas/lamps, bursting fireworks, and sharing delicacies with friends and neighbors. It is believed that Lakshmiji roams around on streets the night of Diwali. Attracted towards cleanliness and beauty, she chooses to board the house inhabited by hard-work, sincerity, and gratitude. Her altar is decorated and prayers performed to invoke her blessings.

As a ritual, Lord Ganesh is worshipped before Godess Laksmi. Lord Ganesha being, the removal of obstacles, Deva’ of intellect and wisdom.

Afterall, gaining wealth without the intelligence to spend it, will not bring optimal results.

Among other reasons to celebrate Diwali, it is believed that on the day of Diwali, Lord Rama returned to his Kingdom, Ayodhya, after fourteen years of exile. And, the citizens welcomed their beloved Prince by lighting lamps (Deep) in their houses, creating a row of lights (Vali). Thus the word Deepavali came into being.

Govardhan Puja, is performed on the fourth day. It’s believed that Sri Krishna saved people from the wrath of Lord of Heaven, Indra, by by lifting the Govardhan Mountain like an umbrella to provide shelter from the heavy rain. 

This day is also observed as Annakoot, where food offerings are made and prayers are offered in the temples.

Bhai-Dooj, the day of love between brother and sister is the fifth and the last day of celebrations. The legend says that Lord of Death, Yama, met his sister, Yami, on this day after years. And Yami welcomed his brother with warmth and put a tilak on his forehead. So Yama declared that brothers who will receive a tilak from their sisters on this day will be blessed with long life.

So brothers get a rice and vermillion tilak from their sisters, and in turn brothers give gifts to their sisters. Traditionally, this is one of the times when brothers visited their married sisters to ensure their well being.

But, as households are busy whipping up the sweets, lighting lamps and cleaning, have you wondered about the significance of these rituals?

Diyas or lamps, signify removing the darkness of ignorance inside us. These lamps exemplify kindling the light of knowledge within us. 

Cleaning of the houses, is a symbolism to clear the clutter, the negativity that reside in us and make space for new attitude of openness. 

Bursting firework is a call to our mind to burn our vices, and our past that doesn’t serves us. Because of pollution concerns, celebrations using fireworks have toned down. People are choosing noise making no pollution ways, such as bursting balloons to get the same impact.

And, lastly the delicacies and sweets made during this time use the ingredients such as sesame and jaggery prepare our bodies for the upcoming winters.

Diwali is really an attitude of life; to be gracious, create friendships, and to discard the bitterness of hearts. Just like, one lighted lamp lights several unlit lamps, creating a row of light, this festival is all about kindling our diminished lights, and enlightening our surroundings with positivity and goodwill. https://ipenlife.com/2018/11/03/diwali-the-festival-of-lights/

So this year when you perform all the festivities keep these intentions in your mind while celebrating the true spirit of Deepavali.

Happy Deepawali, to all my readers!