Deepawali:
Deepawali, commonly known as Diwali, is one of the most prominent and sacred festivals of India. This festival holds special significance not only in Hinduism but also in Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism.
It means ‘row of lamps’, and this festival symbolizes light, gaiety, prosperity and devotion. Deepawali is mainly celebrated in the joy of Lord Shri Ram’s return to Ayodhya, when he had conquered Ravana and exile for 14 years. Additionally, it is also celebrated as a worship of Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Deepawali is not just a one-day festival, but a big festival lasting five days, in which every day has special significance and rituals. This festival is celebrated on the new moon day of Kartik month, which symbolizes the removal of darkness and spreading light in life.
History and Religious Significance of Deepawali
The religious and cultural significance of Deepawali is deeply rooted in the stream of time. Different aspects of it are recognized in different forms in different religions:
In Hinduism:
The main reason for Deepawali is the return of Lord Shri Ram to Ayodhya. When Shri Ram returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, the entire Ayodhya city was decorated with lamps. Apart from this, Deepawali is also celebrated as the wedding day of Maa Lakshmi, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and his consort. In South India it is celebrated as the victory of the killing of Narakasura by Lord Krishna.
In Jainism:
Followers of Jainism celebrate Deepawali as the nirvana day of Lord Mahavira. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, attained salvation on the day of Diwali, so this day is considered extremely sacred in Jainism.
In Sikhism:
In Sikhism, Deepawali is celebrated as ‘Bandi Chhor Diwas’. On this day Guru Hargobind Singh was freed from captivity by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The Golden Temple in Amritsar also hosts special events on this day.
Five Days of Deepawali
The festival of Deepawali is celebrated for five days, and every day has its own significance. These five days are as follows:
Thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in Kartik Oct.-Nov. dedicated to Lakshmi:
The first day of Diwali is known as Dhanteras. This day is especially dedicated to wealth and health. People buy gold, silver, utensils, and new items on this day, which is considered auspicious. Lord Dhanvantari, who is considered to be the god of health, is worshiped on this day.
Choti Deepawali:
Chhoti Deepawali is celebrated a day before Diwali. On this day, Lord Krishna killed the demon named Narakasura and freed the earth from his terror. On this day, people purify themselves by bathing and celebrate the festival by lighting lamps in homes.
Main Deepawali:
The third day is considered to be the most prominent, which is called ‘Badi Deepawali’ or ‘Main Deepawali’. Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped on this day. Houses are decorated with lamps, rangolis are made, and sweets are distributed. It is considered a special day for the business class. Because on this day new ledgers are opened, and business starts anew.
Govardhan Puja:
Govardhan Puja or Annakoot is celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali. This festival is celebrated in memory of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain and protecting the Gokulites from the wrath of Lord Indra. Annakuts (different types of food items) are offered to God on this day.
Bhai Dooj:
The fifth and last day of Deepawali is celebrated as Bhai Dooj or Yama Dwitiya. On this day, sisters pray for the long life and prosperity of their brothers and offer food to the brothers by applying tilak. This day symbolizes the love of brother and sister.
Preparations and Rituals of Deepawali
Preparations for Diwali begin weeks in advance. People clean their homes and business places and decorate them with colorful lights and diyas. During this festival, rangoli is made in homes, which is considered a symbol of auspiciousness.
Home Cleaning and Decorating:
Cleanliness of the house is given utmost importance before Diwali, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi enters clean and decorated houses only. People paint houses and decorate the doors with bandanwars and torans.
Decoration of diyas and lights:
The main attraction of Deepawali is the lamps, which are lit in every corner of the house. Along with this, people decorate houses with colorful lights. The purpose of lighting lamps is to dispel darkness and bring light in life.
Worship of Maa Lakshmi:
Goddess Lakshmi is especially worshiped on the main day of Diwali. During the puja, idols of Lakshmi-Ganesh are installed and offered flowers, rice, fruits, sweets, and coins. People of the business class also start their new ledger from this day.
Importance of Firecrackers:
There is also a practice of burning firecrackers on the day of Diwali, which has both religious and cultural significance. From a religious point of view, it is believed that the sound of firecrackers removes evil spirits and negative energy. However, in view of environmental pollution, people are now becoming environmentally conscious and are moving towards burning fewer firecrackers.
Deepawali and Social Context
Deepawali is not just a religious festival, but it also promotes brotherhood and cultural unity in society. On this festival, people take sweets and gifts to each other’s house, which strengthens mutual relations. This is an important occasion to enhance the spirit of goodwill and cooperation in society.
Exchange of Gifts:
Exchanging gifts is a major practice during Diwali. People offer sweets, clothes, dry fruits and other clothes to their friends, family and colleagues. This tradition shows mutual love and harmony.
Sweets and Dishes:
The festival of Deepawali is incomplete without sweets. At this time different types of sweets such as laddoos, barfi, gulab jamun, kaju katli, etc. are made in every household. Along with this, puri, vegetables and other dishes are also prepared in the dishes.
Deepawali in modern times
In modern times, the nature of Deepawali has changed slightly, but its religious and cultural importance is still the same. Now people have started using LED lights and electronic decorations, and awareness has also increased to avoid pollution caused by firecrackers.
Due to environmental awareness, many people now take a pledge to celebrate ‘Green Diwali’, in which the practice of not burning firecrackers or burning less is adopted. The objective of this initiative is to save the environment from pollution, so that the festival of Deepawali can be clean and safe.
Conclusion
Deepawali, also known as the festival of lights, is a precious part of Indian culture and tradition. This festival not only symbolizes eradicating the outer darkness but also gives the message of spreading the light of knowledge, love, and prosperity in life. This festival teaches us that good wins over evil and knowledge triumphs over ignorance.
The significance of Deepawali is self-purification, fresh starts, and embracing positivity. On this auspicious occasion, all people have a sense of love, harmony and goodwill towards each other, which establishes unity and peace in society. Thus, Deepawali is not only a religious festival but also a social and cultural festival, which unites us and fills enthusiasm and enthusiasm in our lives.