Venkat Raman –
When asked to explain why Diwali is known as ‘The Festival of Lights,’ a four-year old girl said, “There is light everywhere-of lamps, of crackers, of streets and of cars. None of us seem to sleep, for everyone is busy visiting family and friends and exchanging sweets. Where there is no darkness, there has to be light. Hence the name for the festival.”
Puerile it may be but the little girl’s perception of the festival was nonetheless correct-that there was no darkness and that there was no sorrow. Fun, frolic and gaiety everywhere. That in essence is Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
Large meaning
The larger meaning of the Festival is the world itself and the life of mortals like us on it. “There shall be no darkness in your home or in your soul. This is the time for prayers, time for giving, time for harmony, time for goodwill and time for all the good things in life. Let your hearts sing with joy for this was the day when the evil was vanquished by the good, proving to the world that truth shall always triumph. Light your heart and mind with hope for the morrow, even as you light your lamps and crackers with fun for today,” says a philosopher, explaining the meaning of the Festival to the young.
Diwali may have varied connotations for different regions of the Indian Subcontinent-the beginning of a New Year for some, the end of a season for others; The Goddess of Wealth Lakshmi is at the core of some segments of the community, while it is the tale of Ramayana for those in the North. But none disagrees that it ushers in all the goodness that Mother Nature can offer.
New era
Diwali heralds a new era of progress and prosperity. The fact that even a festival has diverse concepts speaks a lot for the variety of beliefs and practices that characterises the Indian society and of course the Indian Diaspora.
It is this diversity which in itself seeks unity of thought and purpose. Ask an ethnic Indian-irrespective of his or her social disposition or even place of birth-you will know that somewhere along that composite lineage rests a bond that would perhaps date back a few decades or even centuries. It is such a bond that transcends time and space, making the young and old feel they belong to one hold, one community and one family.
Diwali in Muslim world
There is something in this Festival that attracts people like a magnet, making them forget, for a day at least, that they are the people of one world and not of diverse beliefs and faiths. This writer, who resided and worked among a predominantly Muslim population in the Middle East could vouch for the fact that Diwali is a Festival which brings joy for all-with Arab men and women hosting parties for their Hindu friends, bringing together in the process, people of other faiths as well. It is not uncommon for ministers, public servants, Arab businessmen and even ordinary people to send out greeting cards, offer sweets and gifts to their Hindu counterparts on the occasion.
Banks, commercial institutions and others invite their clients, colleagues and suppliers to dinner to express their gratitude and to celebrate the festival. Contrary to popular belief, save for Saudi Arabia which proscribes all non-Islamic festivities, Diwali is almost a national festival in other countries of the Arab Gulf. So much for inter-faith and harmony.
Again there must be something more to the Festival if it brings together arguably the largest number of men, women and children in the world-more than one billion (almost equal to the population of India) to observe Diwali as a festival or as New Year’s Day around the world. Hindus, Jains and Sikhs join in a common bond to commemorate the day in a festive mood. Politics and other ailments of the day are given a go by and everyone enjoys in each other’s company.
Although it is antithetical to the spirit of the festival to segregate people into varied faiths and beliefs, Diwali is perceived with a note of difference by different communities. A brief look at some of these would bring out the colour and variety of Diwali.
The Hindus
Hinduism, it is often said, is not a religion but a way of life. Erudition, piety, valour, righteousness, integrity, honesty, hard work, social and religious tolerance are all a part of the ‘Hindu package’ that adorns the individual. Far from adopting a ‘holier than thou’ attitude or one of superiority, Hinduism preaches equality among people, with the adage that truth will be the ultimate victor. Hindus also believe that darkness is an interval between two days rather than the converse. Which is why, Diwali epitomises that which sheds light, removing darkness.
There is however a tale, like most others in Hinduism, to illustrate the point. “Diwali’ is a derivative of is Sanskrit original, ‘Deepavali,’ meaning a cluster or row of lights which is why Diwali is referred as the Festival of Lights; an appropriate title as illumination is central in a festival that ensures every household celebrating is well illuminated.
Legend has it that the first Diwali in India was held to celebrate the return of Lord Rama, His wife Sita and brother Lakshmana to their Kingdom in Ayodhya, the capital city of Koshala, following Rama’s 14 years in exile (as ordered by his father Dasaratha) and conquest of Ravana, to liberate Sita held captive in Sri Lanka.
As Rama was returning with his wife and brother to Ayodhya, the Sun was setting and darkness fell. The people lit oil lamps to illuminate the way for them. Since then, Diwali has been celebrated on ‘Amavasya’ or New Moon Day, which is the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu calendar month of Katrika, falling at the end of October or the beginning of November every year.
There is another belief which says Ravana sought the ‘blessings’ of Lord Rama prior to his death and requested that his ‘day of reckoning’ be observed with lights and crackers and with men, women and children donning new clothes. Some scholars question the veracity of this theory but those believing in the conquest of evil by the good give credence to the belief.
Dhanteras
The festival lasts for five days in many parts of India and can, in fact go on even longer in some places. On the first day (Dhanteras), houses and shops are cleaned, whitewashed and decorated.
Dhan Teras falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik (October-November), about two days before Diwali. The word ‘Dhan’ means wealth. God Yama is worshipped on this day to provide prosperity and well being.
According to legend, when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrut or nectar, Dhanavantri (the physician of the Gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a jar of the elixir.
A story is also told of the sixteen-year-old son of King Hima. As per his horoscope he was doomed to die by snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. His bride did not allow him to sleep on the fateful day. She laid all the ornaments and of gold and silver coins at the entrance of her husband’s boudoir and lit innumerable lamps. And she spent the night telling stories and singing songs.
When Yama arrived there in the guise of a serpent, his eyes were blinded by the dazzle of brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince’s chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat through night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away.
Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then, this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of ‘Yamadeepdaan’ and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in adoration to Yama, the God of Death.
Naraka Chaturdasi
The second day is known as Naraka Chatrudasi, the actual occasion of joy. It is believed that the day marks the death of the tyrant king Narakusara a monster, who ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. His arrogance and anarchic temperament was evident in his tyranny and malevolence. He is believed to have imprisoned several ‘Devas’ and sages, disturbing their penance and prayers.
To prove his power, Narakasura usurped some territory of Aditi, the king of Suraloka and a relative of Satyabhama, Lord Krishna’s wife. He was also believed to have abducted 16,000 women and imprisoned them in his palace. Vexed with this harassment, the ‘Devas,’ led by Indira approached Lord Krishna and pleaded with him to protect them from the demon.
An enraged Satyabhama appealed to Lord Krishna to give her the golden chance to destroy Narakasura, who had perpetrated atrocities on women. The legend also says that Narakasura was given a curse that he would be killed by a woman. Lord Krishna granted Satyabhama a boon to fight Narakasura.
With Lord Krishna as the charioteer, Satyabhama entered the battle field. During the war, the Lord ‘swooned’ for a while, a preordained divinely act adopted to empower Satyabhama to kill the demon, Narakasura. After Narakasura was beheaded, the imprisoned women were released and Lord Krishna accepted to marry them.
The killing of Narakasura was a victory of good over evil. It is interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain Narakasura, declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and rejoice. Since then, Deepavali is being celebrated by people every year with joyous celebrations with lot of fun, frolic and fireworks.
Lakshmi Pooja
The third and most important day is Lakshmi-Pooja and is devoted to revering Goddess Lakshmi (also representing good fortune). Hindus believe that on the night of Diwali, the Goddess will visit their home and bless every house that is lit with lights and candles.
This day is also known by the name of ‘Chopada-Pooja,’ when the Sun enters his second course and passes Libra, which is represented, by the balance or scale. The design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing. It is believed that on this day Lakshmi walks through the green fields and homes, showering Her blessings. At Sun set, all the homemade sweets are offered to the Goddess as ‘Naivedya’ and distributed as ‘Prasad.’ Feasts are arranged and gifts are exchanged on this day and men, women and children, attired in new clothes, go to temples and fairs, and visit friends and relatives.
Lakshmi Pooja is celebrated in northern parts of India with great enthusiasm, while Lakshmi ‘Kubera’ Pooja is performed in many states. The belief behind this sentiment is that when the Goddess visited Kubera on this day, she agreed to stay in a pot of puffed rice covered with a sugar candy, making him the richest celestial persona.
As a mark of bringing alive the gesture, small pots (in odd numbers) are filled with puffed rice, coins and sugar candy are placed for the Pooja along with the sparkling lamps. Later these pots are distributed to the visitors. It is believed that keeping this pot will bring good fortune.
Sindhis celebrate Lakshmi Pooja differently. They place a wide bowl filled with milk, water, sugar, gold, silver, coins and flower petals at the Pooja, following which all members of the family dip their hands in this mixture. It is believed that the Goddess will bestow them with wealth and harmony throughout the year.
There exist several stories which revolve around the Lakshmi Pooja. One version says that it was on this day Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (celestial milky ocean) when the Gods and demons were churning the ocean for Amrutha Bhandam (Ambrosia).
Another version is that Lord Vishnu sought three feet of land, in the guise of dwarf Vamana from the generous king Bali. The King had surrendered his head as Vamana had conquered the earth and the sky in two strides. Lord Vishnu banished Bali into the Pathala Loka (Under World) by keeping his third stride on Bali’s head. Later, pleased by his generosity, Lord Vishnu grants him a boon who in turn requests the Lord to guard his palace at Pathala Loka. Meanwhile, Goddess Lakshmi, unable to bear the separation and her grief affects the functioning of the entire universe. Brahma and Lord Shiva offer themselves as guards and plead with Bali to relieve Vishnu. So, on the Amavasa day Lord Vishnu returns to his abode and Goddess Lakshmi is delighted. Some believe that Goddess Lakshmi bestows wealth on those worshipping her this day.
This theory is refuted by many Keralites who believe the conquest of Vamana is linked to the Onam Day festivities, occurring early in September.
Varsha Pratipada
The fourth day, called ‘Gudhi Padwa’ or ‘Varsha Pratipada’ is considered the most auspicious day to start a new venture.
Although ‘Varsha Pratipada’ (New Year) is associated with ‘Ugadi’ in the month of Chaitra (April) in the South, Gujaratis and Marwaris commemorate the day of Diwali as their New Year. People get up early and clean their houses, decorating them with intricate Rangoli designs. New clothes are worn and sweets made for the occasion include shrikhand, basundi, jalebis etc. Many homes also decorate the pots with coconuts, flowers and mango leaves, symbolising nature’s bounty.
On this day, a pole, known as ‘Gudhi’ is erected in front of the house. Padwa is another name for ‘Pratipada,’ the first day of the lunar month. A new cloth is tied on the Gudhi, with a metal or silver vessel and a garland of sweets. People welcome the New Year with Gudhi worship and distribute Prasad comprising tender Neem leaves, tamarind, ajwain, gram- pulse and jaggery. The Neem paste is believed to purify the blood and build up body immunity against diseases.
Bhaiya Dooj
The fifth and final day is commonly known as Bhaiya Dooj or the ‘Teeka’ Ceremony. It is customary for men to visit their sisters’ homes where the latter puts a sacred mark on her brother’s forehead and prays for his long life and prosperity. The brothers give their sisters money and presents in return.
The day begins with Lakshmi Pooja. For people with their own businesses, doing a Pooja in the office is a must as it is considered lucky and auspicious.
After the Pooja, friends and relatives visit to give presents-generally dry fruits and sweets. Many families perform Pooja in the evening as well. This is followed by a display of fireworks and a sumptuous vegetarian dinner. It is an evening for families to gather and celebrate. The wealthy host parties and play cards well into the night as it is one night where even the most conservative Asians condone gambling, as it is considered lucky!
The Sikhs
Sikhs celebrate Diwali to express joy at the return of the sixth Guru to Amritsar in 1620, after his release from Gwalior Jail, where he was imprisoned along with 52 Hindu kings by Emperor Jahangir. When the Guru was granted freedom, he refused to leave until he had gained the release of the 52 Hindu kings too. Sikhs celebrate the occasion in the Gurdwara. In the evening, the homes are well lit and firework displays are held.
The Jains
The Jain communities of India celebrate Diwali as New Year’s Day. Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, attained his Nirvana on Diwali Day. His followers celebrate the occasion with a festival of oil lamps, symbolising their Master’s light of knowledge.
Tradition continues
The Indian Diaspora has carried the tradition to its countries of domicile and despite modern ways of thinking and living, Diwali is celebrated around the world (see separate story). The impact that the festival has on children must be seen to be believed.
It is one day in the year when children volunteer to leave their beds long before the day begins, having delayed their retiring there, in the first place as long as they possibly can, without incurring parental wrath. In fact, the traditional oil bath at 3 am is the only chore that stands between them and the pre-dawn adventures. As they emerge, scrubbed clean to get into their festive attire and light little oil lamps, candles and Agarbathis (incense sticks), the wherewithal for setting alight crackers and sparklers.
Family reunion is still in vogue in India, when children are sent day ahead to their home of their grand parents or to those of their immediate relatives. It is also customary for the eldest in the family to gift new dresses and crackers while sisters bring home sweets and smiles. It is that day in the year when no one raises family issues or problems.
All of the above raise the hope that things will be better and happier.
At least for a day.
