Diwali – The Festival of Love
by HiGreetings.com
One of the most significant Hindu festivals in India, Diwali is known for its colorful customs. However, the meanings of the customs associated with the festival tell a story from the epic Ramayana. On a dark, moonless night Lord Ram, Ayodhya's banished king returned home after vanquishing the demon and king of Lanka, Ravan. Lord Ram returns with his wife, Sita who was abducted by Ravan, after completing 14 years in exile.
The people of Ayodhya rejoice and honor the homecoming of their dear king by lighting his path with oil lamps, guiding him on his way back home. Still today, people in India decorate homes and public spaces with diyas, marking the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. This five day celebration is known as Deepavali or Diwali, meaning 'rows of lamps'.
In India, this is indeed the festive time. It is celebrated with equal enthusiasm by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs all across the world. This period of merriment is usually spent in the company of loved ones and if you are away from them, don't forget to wish them during the festival of light with these beautiful Diwali ecards. Besides, people dress up in finery and delicious dishes are prepared for this event. It is indeed an occasion to behold and the childlike wonderment embraces every heart when you see the colorful fireworks dazzling the night sky. The night sky in India looks like a kaleidoscope of myriad hues during Diwali.
However, this festival is just not about merriment, it is even a time for reflection. For many, it is a time to re-visit your thoughts, words and actions, and judge them impartially to get rid of the negativity and darkness dwelling within.
As mentioned earlier, Diwali includes several customs and Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi is one of the most significant customs. This day is auspicious for buying books of accounts for merchants, marking the new financial year for many business communities. For commoners, Dhanteras is a propitious day for buying gold, silver or steel. This day is followed by Narak Chaturdashi, commemorating the victory of lord Krishna and his wife, Satyabhama over the demon called Narakasura. The day begins with an intricate and elaborate bathing process beginning at 3 AM. Women bathe with mix of scented oils and ayurvedic herbs. By 4 AM, the air is filled by sounds of firecrackers, which stops only after sunrise. People spent this day hosting relatives, friends and neighbors. They exchange gifts and sweets. This day is also known as Chhoti Diwali, as it falls on the eve of Diwali.
Diwali begins with Lakshmi Pujan for Hindus in India and abroad. The puja or arti takes place in the evening to pay obeisance to the goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. The house during this time must be spotlessly clean as Lakshmi visits and blesses only the houses that are orderly. People decorate the house and the doorways with flowers, lamps and rangolis, welcoming the goddesses and seeking her blessing. The last two customs of Diwali are Padwa, which celebrates the conjugal bond between husband and wife and Bhai Dooj, celebrating the bond between brother and sister.
It is all these customs that make Diwali a festival that rejoices relationship, love, and brotherly hood.
Diwali
The people of Ayodhya rejoice and honor the homecoming of their dear king by lighting his path with oil lamps, guiding him on his way back home. Still today, people in India decorate homes and public spaces with diyas, marking the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. This five day celebration is known as Deepavali or Diwali, meaning 'rows of lamps'.
In India, this is indeed the festive time. It is celebrated with equal enthusiasm by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs all across the world. This period of merriment is usually spent in the company of loved ones and if you are away from them, don't forget to wish them during the festival of light with these beautiful Diwali ecards. Besides, people dress up in finery and delicious dishes are prepared for this event. It is indeed an occasion to behold and the childlike wonderment embraces every heart when you see the colorful fireworks dazzling the night sky. The night sky in India looks like a kaleidoscope of myriad hues during Diwali.
However, this festival is just not about merriment, it is even a time for reflection. For many, it is a time to re-visit your thoughts, words and actions, and judge them impartially to get rid of the negativity and darkness dwelling within.
As mentioned earlier, Diwali includes several customs and Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi is one of the most significant customs. This day is auspicious for buying books of accounts for merchants, marking the new financial year for many business communities. For commoners, Dhanteras is a propitious day for buying gold, silver or steel. This day is followed by Narak Chaturdashi, commemorating the victory of lord Krishna and his wife, Satyabhama over the demon called Narakasura. The day begins with an intricate and elaborate bathing process beginning at 3 AM. Women bathe with mix of scented oils and ayurvedic herbs. By 4 AM, the air is filled by sounds of firecrackers, which stops only after sunrise. People spent this day hosting relatives, friends and neighbors. They exchange gifts and sweets. This day is also known as Chhoti Diwali, as it falls on the eve of Diwali.
Diwali begins with Lakshmi Pujan for Hindus in India and abroad. The puja or arti takes place in the evening to pay obeisance to the goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. The house during this time must be spotlessly clean as Lakshmi visits and blesses only the houses that are orderly. People decorate the house and the doorways with flowers, lamps and rangolis, welcoming the goddesses and seeking her blessing. The last two customs of Diwali are Padwa, which celebrates the conjugal bond between husband and wife and Bhai Dooj, celebrating the bond between brother and sister.
It is all these customs that make Diwali a festival that rejoices relationship, love, and brotherly hood.
