Send ecards, greetings to celebrate the festival of fireworks and light - Diwali or Deepavali

 

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Diwali- The festival of lights, signifies the victory of good over evil; the vanquishing of the ignorance that clouds and repressed humankind and the driving away of the darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge.

The word "Diwali" is Sanskrit meaning a row of light. Diwali is celebrated 20 days after Dussera, on Amavasya - the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (Aasho) (Oct/ Nov) every year. The lighting of lamps pays homage to God for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and fame and it also signifies goodness. Diwali is also marked as the beginning of the Hindu New Year and as a new beginning for all. Diwali is celebrated for five days, each day having it's own significance, rituals and myths.

The legend related to Diwali involves the exiled Lord Rama, who fought and killed the king of Demons, Ravana, who had forcibly taken away his wife Sita. Diwali marks Lord Rama's victorious return to his kingdom along with Hanuman,the Vanar, who helped him in achieving success.

The five days of Diwali have significance and specific ritual, celebration, and reverence. The First day is called Dhanteras or Dhantryaodashi. The word "Dhan" means wealth. Houses and Businesses are decorated for Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. Lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of Death.

The Second day is called Narka-Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali. The legend related to this day involves Lord Vishnu's curbing of the powers of King Bali of the nether world. Ritual baths are taken before dawn. Various communities worship Lord Rama, Kali Durga (Goddess of Strength) and Lord Ganesh (God of Wisdom and Auspiciousness).

The Third day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day of Lakshmi-Puja, which is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. This day is also known by the name of "Chopada-Puja". It is believed that on this auspicious day Lord Krishna discarded his body.

The Fourth day is called Padwa or VarshaPratipada and marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya. Dieties are given milkbaths and dressed in ornamental attire. Prayers and traditional worship are offered in the temples.

The Fifth and final day of Diwali Festival is known by the name of "Bhaiya-Duj" This day is observed as a symbol of love between sisters and brothers.

Diwali is a festival of joy, splendor, brightness, and happiness. Homes and businesses are decorated. Diwali is celebrated with fireworks, candies, rows of tiny, flickering lights, new clothes, visits to friends and relatives; but mostly with devote worship and the joy of Divine Victory over wickedness.

Diwali is also celebrated in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, each country having their own symbols and traditions.

 

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