Wishing you & your family a very happy Deepavali!
Sudhir-Architect
''On this auspicious occasion of Deepavali, May this path shown by our gurus enlighten your life and lead us all towards our common Goal of.................................................... Happiness
Wishing you and your family a very happy Deepavali!
Filled with Joy, lots of Happiness, Prosperity, Success and good Health!
Rama Return to Ayodhya
Rama,
the ancient idol of the heroic ages, the embodiment of truth, of
morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal
king. After ten days of fierce war with Ravana, the victorious Rama, Laxmana and Sita preapared to return to Ayodhya. There was joyous shouts of Victory to Rama, Veer Hanuman ki Jai - Victory to Hanuman. Gods from the Heaven poured flowers and garlands to celebrate and show their pleasure.
Celebration in Ayodhya
Here in Ayodhya,
Bharata, Ram's beloved brother, eagerly waited for the arrival of Rama,
Laxmana and Sita. He had counted every day of those fourteen years that
Rama had to suffer in forest as a result of his mother's folly. He had
ruled as the representative Rama, living like a monk -sanyasi. Rama's wooden shoes adored the throne during his absence.
Bharata encouraged people of Ayodhya to celebrate the return of Rama
with pomp and show. The whole Ayodhya was eager to welcome her heroes.
The whole city was decorated with flowers and garlands. Every house
adored beautiful look of cleanliness and was lighted with candles and
lamps. Perfumes and scent filled the air. Every street was cleaned and
watered, and decorated with hand-painted colorful designs.
Brothers Meet
There was mad rush
to see Rama first. Bharata and Rama hugged each other, tears flowing
down their eyes. Rama inquired about the well being of Kaikeyi first, then about his mother Kaushalya and Sumitra.
Soon, Rama was given his due honour as King of Ayodhya. Formal
sacrificial ceremony was performed with gaiety and pomp and Rama ruled
Ayodhya wisely. Everyone including animals and trees were happy and
contented.
Regional Names of Deepavali in India
The
customs of celebrating Diwali, the festival of light vary from region
to region. Though the theme of Diwali is universal, ie, the triumph of
Good over Evil, the Darkness paving way for Light and Ignorance leading
to Knowledge. With warmer days turning into a mild winter, the
fun-filled Deepavali, is celebrated for five days from Krishna
Chaturdashi to Kaartik Shukla Dwiteeya. Diwali is observed by Hindus,
Sikhs & Jains, each community celebrating Diwali for different
reasons.
Before Diwali
Days before Diwali,
people start decorating their homes, preparing sweets, light up their
homes with colorful lights, buy new clothes & Jewelry. But in some
Indian regions the rituals of Diwali starts off two days before
Danteras, ie the first day of Diwali. Such festival are:
Agyaras: The
Patels and the Vaishnavs begin their Diwali celebrations before Dhan
Teras, on the 11th day of Ashwin. The day is devoted to preparing the
choicest snacks and savories.
Wagh Baras: This day signifies the importance of women in society. Women in the house are worshiped and they buy new clothes and jewelry.
First Day
Throughout India,
the first day of Diwali is widely known as Dhanteras. This day is
celebrated to revere Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods, and Goddess
Laxmi. Dhanteras is also known by various other names such as:
Dhanatrayodashi: Dhantrayodashi
a special ritual is accomplished which is called Deepdaan. In it lamps
are lit for every individual in the family and ancestors and they are
floated in a river or pond.
Yamadeepdaan:
In India, the festival of Dhanteras is also known as Yamadeepdaan. This
name is associated with Sixteen-year old son of King Hima was doomed to
die but the dedication of his young wife made Yam, the God of Death,
return back.
Dhan Teyras: On
Dhan Teyras, fast is kept and the worship is done by lighting an
earthen lamp on the main entrance of the house and offering water,
vermilion, rice, jaggery and flowers to Yamaraj.
Asweyuja Bahula Thrayodasi / Dhantheran:
In few South Indian States this festival is known as Asweyuja Bahula
Thrayodasi or Dhantheran. This day is marked by buying new utensils and
silver/gold items.
Second Day
In every Indian household, the second day is celebrated with the
lighting of 5-7 deep (Diyas) on the door and corners. It is Diwali on a
smaller scale, with fewer lights lit and fewer crackers burst. The
various regional names associated with the second day are:
Choti Diwali:
Choti Diwali or 'Small Diwali' is Diwali on a smaller scale, with fewer
lights lit and fewer crackers burst. This day is known as Choti Diwali
in most North Indian States.
Narkachaturdashi:
Celebrated in all South Indian states, God Yama is worshiped on this
day to get over the fear of demon Narakasura. People make an effigy of
Narakasura, and burn it. Later, they take bath and burst crackers.
Roop Chaturdashi:
In all north Indian States, the second day of Diwali is also known as
Roop Chaturdashi. On this day, Hindus takes a ritual bath and perform
Sadhana (Meditation) for gain of beauty and magnetism.
Kali Choudas:
The day before Divali is called Kali Chaudas and on this day, a head
wash and application of kajal in the eyes is believed to keep away the
kali nazar (evil eye).
Mahanisha / Kali Puja: The
festival of Diwali is known as Mahanisha in Bengal. It is believed that
Maha Kali appeared on this day, accompanied by 64,000 yoginis.
Divvela Panduga / Divili Panduga:
Divvela Panduga, also known as Divili Panduga is one of the most
significant festival of Andhra Pradesh that include the legend of
Narakaasura, decoration of house by rangolis, oil lamps and celebration
with fire crakers.
Third Day
Accompanied by the
exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks, the third day of
Diwali as the most important and significant day. The name Diwali comes
from the Sanskrit word Deepavali. Other names that vary according to the
regions are:
Laxmi Pujan: Diwali
is synonymous with laxmi pujan. Houses are decorated, Goddess laxmi is
worshiped and the women do "aarti" to their husbands, while praying for
his long life.
Chopda Pujan:
Diwali also represents the start of a new business year so all
businesses close their accounts and present them to Lakshmi and Ganesh
during the Chopda Pujan.
Deva Divali:
Among Jains, Diwali is known as Deva Divali. It is on this day that
Lord Mahavira is worshiped, sacred scriptures are recited and homes and
temples are illuminated.
Sukhsuptika: Among the Kashmiri Pandit, the festival of lights is known as Sukhsuptika, which literally means sleep with happiness.
Kaumudi Mahostavam: In some part of Andhra Pradesh the festival of Diwali is known as Kaumudi Mahotsavam.
Badhausar:
In Gujarat, Diwali is known as Badhausar. On this day, Lakshmi is
believed to visit the homes that are well lit. So, families decorate
their houses with light, flowers and paper chains.
Balindra Pooja:
Diwali is also known as Balindra Pooja in many South Indian States. In
the morning, a pooja offering oil to Krishna is performed.
Karthigai Deepam: On
Karthigai Deepam, people clean their houses and draw 'Kolams' (Rangoli)
in front of the house and also place some lamps on it.
Thalai Deepavali: The first Diwali of the newly wed in Tamil Nadu is known as Thalai Deepavali.
Sharda Pujan: To augur success, those involved in trade and business do pujan of their new ledgers. This is known as Sharda Pujan.
Bandi Chhor Diwas:
Diwali is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas by Sikhs throughout India.
The story of Divali for the Sikhs is a story of the Sikh struggle for
freedom.
Diyari: The festival of Diwali is known as Diyari among the Sindhis. They celebrate this festival by performing puja to Goddess Lakmi.
Fourth Day
The fourth day of
Diwali falls on the first day of the lunar New Year. At this time, it is
new year for most of the Hindus, while for other on this day old
business accounts are settled and new books are opened. The fourth day
is known as:
Goverdhan puja: Govardhan Puja is an occasion to worship Lord Krishna and Govardhan Parbat or Mount Govardhan, near Mathura.
Bestavarsh: The
fourth day is celebrated as new year and the families celebrate it by
dressing in new clothes, wearing jewelery and visiting family members.
Gudi Padava: The association of the New Year termed as Padava or Padavo, with Diwali also substantiates the harvest festival theory.
Varsha Pratipada/ Pratipad Padwa:
The Fourth day is also called Varsha Pratipada or Pratipad Padwa that
marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat was started
from this Padwa day.
Annakoot:
On the fourth day, Annakoot is celebrated in observance of the episode
in Sri Krishna's childhood, in which He gave protection to the cowherd
clan of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra.
Bali Padyam / Bali Pratipada: In
Karnataka and other states, the fourth day is celebrated as Bali
Paadyami or Bali Pratipada, commemorating the annual visit of demon king
Bali to his subjects on Earth.
Muharat Pujan: All business establishments and families perform muharat pujan or veneration of their books.
Fifth Day
The fifth day of
Diwali is widely known as Bhai dooj or Bhatri Ditya, and is dedicated to
the sacred bond shared between brothers and sisters. It is a big family
day and the various regional names of this festival are:
Bhai Phota:
In Bengal this event is called 'Bhai Phota'. Two days after Kali puja,
'Bhai Phota' is celebrated. On this day, sisters keep a fast and invite
their brothers to be felicitated.
Bhaubeej / Bhav-Bij: The fifth day of Diwali is known as Bhaubeej or Bhav-Bij among the Marathi speaking community.
Bhai-Tika:
The last day of Diwali is known as Bhai Tika in Nepal. Also known as
brother and sister day, sister pray to Yamraja for her brother's long
life and prosperity.
Yamadwitheya / Bhathru Dwithiya:
As the legend goes Yamraj, the God of Death visited his sister Yamuna
on this particular day. That is why this day of Bhayyaduj is also known
by the name of "Yama-Dwitiya" or Bhathru Dwithiya.
Gorehabba:
A unique festival celebrated by a remote village of Karnataka,
Gorehabba fills joy and enthusiasm in people's life. On this day the
villagers start playing with the cow dung and there are also a few
interesting rituals that are done.
Bhatri Ditya:
A festival in tune with the Diwali celebration, Bhatri Ditya is a
special occasion amongst brothers and sisters and is observed as a
symbol of love and affection.
Bhathru Dwithiya: Bhathru
Dwithiya is a significant Hindu festival that lay utmost importance to
the love shared between a brother and his sister. Various rituals and
customs are followed while celebrating Bhathru Dwithiya.
Related Festival
Kojagara:
Besides Diwali, in some regions a festival called "Kojagara" is also
celebrated to propitiate the Goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi.
Labh Pancham: The final festival during the Diwali period is Labh Pancham. It is also known as 'Laakheni Panchmi' and 'Saubhaagya Panchmi.'
Tulsi Vivah:
A long awaited festival observed in every Hindu household of Goa, Tulsi
Vivah is enthusiastically celebrated with the preparation of special
sweet dishes.
Thanks & Regards,
Sudhir Srinivasan
B.Arch, MSc.CPM, Dip.ID, Dip.CAD,
Dip.PM, Dip.LD
| Architect |