Happiness is in the air,
It’s Diwali everywhere,
Let us show some love and care,
And wish everyone out there,
A very happy and prosperous Diwali!
Diwali, the festival of lights, falls on the day of ‘Amavasyaa’, the darkest night of Hindu month ‘Kartik’ when the moon does not rise. By spreading light in every corner of our houses, we try to expel the regnant darkness from the auspicious night of Diwali. Light, being the symbol of hope and positive energy, indicates the triumph of good over evil when it overcomes the darkness. People decorate their houses with diyas, bulbs, and other decorative electric lighting, illuminating their surrounding with colourful lights to make it bright and beautiful.
Goddess Lakshmi is venerated on Diwali. Lakshmi is said to be the daughter of the sage Bhrigu. Legends say that she took shelter in the ocean of milk when her father was sent into exile by the Gods. Lakshmi was reborn during ‘Samudra Manthan’ to get ‘Amrit’, the drink of immortality. The day marks the birth of the Goddess and therefore people worship her, along with Lord Kuber– the keeper of wealth on the night of Diwali wishing for a fortunate and prosperous life.
According to the legend of Ramayana, on this day, Lord Rama returned to his kingdom after spending fourteen years of exile and defeating the demon King Ravana. The people of his kingdom lighted thousands of earthen lamps- diyas – to welcome him and also show him the way to his home on the dark night. Hence the tradition of lights.
It is also said that Goddess Lakshmi roams the Earth on this day. On the evening of Diwali, people leave the doors and windows open to welcome Lakshmi, and place diyas on their windowsills and balconies to invite her in. People believe that the lights will guide Goddess Lakshmi to their homes, bringing peace and prosperity.
The festival of Diwali remains incomplete till the rituals are performed. At night, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped along with Lord Ganesha. It is said that worshipping the two of them together is very auspicious and it brings wisdom and wealth together. The idol of Ganesha is placed in front of the kalash, on the right (South-West direction).The pooja is started in the presence of the entire family by lighting an earthen lamp or diya which is supposed to burn all night long(akhand jyoti). Goddess Lakshmi is invoked by reciting the Vedic mantras addressed to her. Panchamrit, a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar and five dry fruits is also prepared as Prasad to be offered to the Goddess. At the end, the aarti is performed and psalms for goddess Lakshmi are chanted.
After the pooja, people go outside and celebrate by lighting up fireworks. The practice is not a ritual and holds no religious significance but is a popular manifestation of festive joy. After the fireworks people head back for get-togethers, family feasts, conversations and exchange of sweets.
–To be continued
