Posted by Kunthra
Diwali (दिवाली) is celebrated all over the world. Let’s take a look at some of the ways different regions celebrate the holiday. Before I begin, let me explain some of the reasons why Hindus regard Diwali as an important holiday. First, Hindus associate Diwali as the commemoration of Narakasura’s death. Narakasura was an evil demon killed by Krishna’s wife Satyabhama. In one account, it was said that she caught a missile hurled by Narakasura with her bare hands, which saved her husband from death. Other accounts say that Krishna killed Narakasura himself.
Anyway, there are six main events observed throughout the Diwali celebrations. All these days are celebrated according to the Hindu calendar. The first day is where the cow is worshipped. The second day is when people buy new utensils. The third day is when Hindus rise before the crack of dawn to take an oil bath and wear new clothes. Lamps are lighted and the Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped on the fourth day. The fifth day is when the men present gift to their wives. The fifth day represents the triumph of Krishna’s victory over the demon Bali. The sixth day is a day recognizing the special bond between brothers and sisters. This day is in honor of the God Yam (lord of death) and his sister.
In southern India, especially in Andhra Pradesh, firecrackers are lit and gifts of sweets are given to the children. The women of the house also create Kolams, which is a form of sandpainting done by rice powder. It’s thought that making these floor paintings near the entrance of the home will bring prosperity to the household. In Gujarat, since Diwali is considered the last day before the start of a new year on the Hindu calender, neighbors give gifts of fresh fruit and go to the temple to pray. Some people go to the temple to protect themselves against black magic.
In Bombay the traders do not make any payments in the Bombay Stock Exchange, but a token bidding is performed. In Bengal, people light candles in memory of their deceased ancestors. In Goa, berries are crushed with one’s bare feet to symbolize the killing of Narakasura. Next year the Diwali celebrations will fall around November 5th on the solar calendar. I encourage everyone to make an effort to take a trip to India and experience the bright and interesting cultural celebrations that India has to offer. Maybe I’ll see some of you there next year!
Posted by Kunthra
This month is the celebration of Diwali (दिवाली) or Diipaavali (दीपावली), which is known as the Celebration of Lights. Small lamps are lighted to signify the triumph of good over evil. More specifically, Diwali recognizes the inner light of the aatman (आत्मन्) or the soul. Diwali is a festival where Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains alike observe the same festival for different reasons.
Jainists believe that Lord Mahavira (महावीर) was one of the last sages who had attained nirvana (निर्वाण) or enlightenment on Diwali. Lord Mahavira is considered one of the foremost Tirthankar (तीर्थंकर) (or teachers who have achieved enlightenment) responsible for establishing the dharma (धर्म). Jainists try to follow Lord Mahavira’s path to enlightenment by observing the holiday with an ascetic focus.
The festival of Diwali contain several significant events for the Sikhs. The Sikhs celebrate the release of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak’s (गुरु नानक देव) release from prison. The Sikhs also celebrate the release of Guru Harobind Ji, the sixth guru. According to the story, The Mughal Emperor Jahangir agreed to let Guru Harobind Ji and whoever could hold unto the Guru’s cloak, go free. Guru Harobind made a large cloak with 52 tassels. Each prince was able to hold unto the tassels and leave the prison. Diwali is also associated with the martydom of Sikh scholar Bhai Mani Singh, who was executed for encouraging the Sikhs to not pay a tax to a government bent on killing Sikhs.
For Hindus Diwali is associated with Lakshmi Puja or Lakshmi worship. Lakshmi is the goddess symbolizing wealth and prosperity. In order to attract the goddess to one’s home (and therefore attract wealth and prosperity) the Rangoli is left at the doorstep. Rangoli is a form of sand painting that uses finely grounded powder. The house must also be clean, because it is believed that Lakshmi will only visit a household that is industrious and clean. Water, nuts, fruits and flowers are left for Lakshmi. In the evening lights are lit so that the goddess can find her way to her worshippers’ houses.
Posted by Kunthra
Gudhi Padwa (गुढीपाडवा ) celebrates Raama’s (राम ) return to Ayodhyaa (अयोध्या ) after killing Raavana (रावण ). Raama (राम ) is a legendary king of Ayodhyaa (अयोध्या ) who fights Raavana (रावण ) the king of Lankaa (लंका). According to the legend Raavana (रावण ) holds Raama’s (राम ) wife Siitaa (सीता) captive and Raama (राम ) tries to rescue his wife by battling his enemy Raavana (रावण ).
Gudhi Padwa (गुढीपाडवा ) is a huge holiday in the Maharashtra region. Maharashtra is an Indian state west of India. Late March or early April on the solar calendar is the beginning of the year on the Indian lunar calendar. Gudhi Padwa (गुढीपाडवा ) also marks the beginning of the rabi (रबी) season. Rabi (रबी) is a time when the crops are harvested and it marks the beginning of the spring season.
To prepare for Gudhi Padwa (गुढीपाडवा ) people sweep the floors in addition to a full spring cleaning of the house. In some villages fresh cow dung is plastered on the mud hut cracks and roofs are thatched. You’ll also see gold brocaded yellow, green and other colored scarves called zari (ज़री ). The zari (ज़री ) is tied to a stick with a pot placed over the zari (ज़री ). Small flowers and twigs are sometimes tied to the stick as well.
The whole getup with the zari (ज़री ) and the pot is called gudhi (गुढी). The gudhi (गुढी) is like a home made flag celebrating Raama’s (राम ) victory over Raavana (रावण ). The gudhi (गुढी) is placed on the right side of the entrance of the home. It’s thought that the right side will bring good luck and stave off any evil.
