Festival of lights is here!!!! The whole nation is lit up by lamps and lights (both organic & artificial). The entire country looks bedecked as if ready for a weddding!!!! The pomp and splendor of Deepavali is nothing short of a ritualistic traditional big fat Indian Wedding!!!!!
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali (another name for Deepawali), traditionally this marks the beginning of an auspicious period of time to buy Gold. Indians buy Gold on this day as if they metal would go extinct tomorrow... Dhanteras also marks the onset of a 4 day extravagenza....
The second day of Diwali is Naraka Chaturdashi. It is believed that it was on this day that Goddess KALI slew Narakasura liberating all of human kind.
Following Naraka Chaturdashi is Laxmi Pujan. This is an important day of worship and celebration for traders, shop keepers, accountants and even companies. Offerings are served to the Goddess of Wealth Laxmi and her blessings are sought for the upcoming next financial year... Lots and Lots of crackers are burst on this day once the puja (worship) for the Goddess is done.... It is a really an explosion of all the senses - sight, smell, touch and most importantly sound...
Following Laxmi Puja is Padwa or Bali-pratipada, it markes the beginning of a new season and generally gifts are exchanged on this day.
The final day of the festival is Bhai-dooj/Bhau Beej (Hindi/Marathi). On this day brothers and sisters meet each other and express their love and affection for each other.
Some features which remain common throughout the week long celebrations is the lighting of the Deepavali diyas, bursting of crackers and the general feeling of bonhomie in the air. It is believed that by lighting the lamps and placing them outside the house wards of the evil and darkness and also welcomes the Gods & Goddesses into our homes.
Diwali is a time marked by hospitality, friendship, celebration and ritual. It is the one time in year when people visit each others place, exchange sweets, gifts and have a nice time all around.
Some of my best memories of this festival have been wearing traditional clothes, eating delicacies made by mother, the gifts received from the elders and the warm feeling of bonding while exploding crackers with friends and family......
The essence of Diwali is captured right there.... Subh Deepavali to all and may the festival of lights bring joy, prosperity and peace to your hearts and homes...
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali (another name for Deepawali), traditionally this marks the beginning of an auspicious period of time to buy Gold. Indians buy Gold on this day as if they metal would go extinct tomorrow... Dhanteras also marks the onset of a 4 day extravagenza....
The second day of Diwali is Naraka Chaturdashi. It is believed that it was on this day that Goddess KALI slew Narakasura liberating all of human kind.
Following Naraka Chaturdashi is Laxmi Pujan. This is an important day of worship and celebration for traders, shop keepers, accountants and even companies. Offerings are served to the Goddess of Wealth Laxmi and her blessings are sought for the upcoming next financial year... Lots and Lots of crackers are burst on this day once the puja (worship) for the Goddess is done.... It is a really an explosion of all the senses - sight, smell, touch and most importantly sound...
Following Laxmi Puja is Padwa or Bali-pratipada, it markes the beginning of a new season and generally gifts are exchanged on this day.
The final day of the festival is Bhai-dooj/Bhau Beej (Hindi/Marathi). On this day brothers and sisters meet each other and express their love and affection for each other.
Some features which remain common throughout the week long celebrations is the lighting of the Deepavali diyas, bursting of crackers and the general feeling of bonhomie in the air. It is believed that by lighting the lamps and placing them outside the house wards of the evil and darkness and also welcomes the Gods & Goddesses into our homes.
Diwali is a time marked by hospitality, friendship, celebration and ritual. It is the one time in year when people visit each others place, exchange sweets, gifts and have a nice time all around.
Some of my best memories of this festival have been wearing traditional clothes, eating delicacies made by mother, the gifts received from the elders and the warm feeling of bonding while exploding crackers with friends and family......
The essence of Diwali is captured right there.... Subh Deepavali to all and may the festival of lights bring joy, prosperity and peace to your hearts and homes...
~~~~~~~HAPPY DIWALI~~~~~~~
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