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Deepavali (meaning row of lamps) or Diwali is a festival synonymous with celebrations in India and among Indians all over the world and an occasion for jubilation and togetherness. This festival is celebrated on a grand scale in almost all the regions of India. Various traditions are now associated with this grand unifying festival. Historically, the Nirvan of Lord Mahaveer at Pawapuri, Bihar on 527 BC is the only authentic record. Kathopanishad is timed with this day. Nichiketa met Yam, the god of Death on this Diwali day of amavasya He was puzzled seeing Yam's calm countenance and dignified stature. Yam explained to Nichiketa that by only passing through the darkness of death, man sees the light of highest wisdom and then only his soul can escape from the bondage of his mortal frame to mingle with the Supreme Power without whose will not an atom moves in the world. And then Nichiketa realised the importance of worldly life and significance of death. Nichiketa's all doubts were set at rest and he whole-heartedly participated in Diwali celebrations. Light part of Diwali Historical opportunity to introspect, socialize and start the New Year on a firmer footing with new or renewed determination to terminate darkness within us. This is the message of Lord Mahaveer’s freedom from death and birth cycle on the day of Diwali in 527 BC. Darker part of Diwali Gambling, blowing away the money through crackers with noise and air pollution and praying matter (money). At a metaphysical level, it is a festival signifying the victory of good over evil; the latter is destroyed and reduced to ashes by fireworks is the belief of the people! Five day festive season Traditionally, Jains celebrate Lord Mahaveer’s five grand kalyans. On first day, they clebrate His arrival in the womb of Holy Mother in Bihar. This was marked by the ratnavarsha (rain of gems and precious metals) by Kubera daily for nine months till His incarnation. This is followed by the celebration of His birth, His renunciation from worldly life, onset of His Omniscience and finally His Liberation from transmigration. The material side is being pursued nowadays in the form of Dhan teras and Laxmi puja. Labelling choti Diwali as naraka chaturdasi is a blot on this great festival and the greatness attached with Lord Mahaveer. Varsha Pradipta & Govardhan Puja(Fourth Day) The fourth day is Padwa or Varshapradipta which marks New year of Vira era. Incidentally, the coronation of King Vikramaditya was arranged on this day in medieval period and the reckoning of Vikaram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day. The day after the Lakshmi Puja, most families celebrate the new year by dressing in new clothes, wearing jewellery and visiting family members and business colleagues to give them sweets, dry fruits and gifts. Among the business communities of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Diwali is the festival when the new business year begins. All business establishments and families perform muharat pujan or veneration of their books. Stock brokers do mahurat trading or symbolic auspicious business deals. Bhai Duj (Fifth & Final Day) The fifth and final day of Diwali Festival is known by the name of Bhayya Duj in the Hindi-speaking belt, Bhai Phot in Bengal, Bhav Bij in the Marathi-speaking communities and in Nepal by the name of Bhai Tika when sisters ceremonize their love by putting an auspicious tilak or a vermilion mark on the forehead of their brothers and perform an aarti of him by showing him the light of the holy flame as a mark of love and protection from evil forces. Was it Bhavya dhuj, reminding the solemn promises of the bhavya soul? Food for thought. Diwali
in other Countries In Mauritius, Diwali celebration is an age-old tradition. It holds special significance for the natives, who believe that Diwali has been celebrated even long before the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile and his coronation as the king. The festival is marked by lightening of earthen lamps in rows making images out of the rows. Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth and crackers are burnt to scare away evil spirits. Diwali in Nepal is known as Tihar. The festival here continues for five days. The first day is dedicated to cows as they cook rice and feed the cows believing that goddess Lakshmi comes on cows. The second day is for Dogs as the Vahana of Bhairava. Preparation of delicious food especially meant for the dog is a typical characteristic of the day. Lights and lamps are lit to illuminate the entire surrounding and some of the specialty items are prepared to mark the third day of the festival. The fourth day is dedicated to Yama, the Hindu God of Death. The Malaysian people call Diwali as Hari Diwali. This festival is celebrated during the 7th month of the Hindu solar calendar. The south Indian traditional of oil bath precedes the festivities. Small lamps made from clay and filled with coconut oil and wicks are a common sight. Diwali is celebrated almost all over the Malaysia except in Sarawak & Federal Territory of Labuan. The Indonesian island of Bali is famous for celebrating the festival of Diwali, as a majority of the population here are Indians. It is one of the most revered festivals of the locals here. The celebration and rituals of the festival is mostly similar to that celebrated by their counterparts in India. Japan, the land of the rising sun also celebrates Diwali (Deepawali) as the day, which awards happiness, progress, prosperity and longevity in life. The festival here is celebrated in a unique way that is not common in India. Here the people go out into the orchards and gardens and hang lanterns and paper made hanging structures on the branches of trees. Dance and music continues throughout the night. Putting on new clothes and going for boating and broom cleaning of the house are also some of the other related activities of the festival. The places of worship are decorated with beautiful wallpapers to bring in the festive mood and the auspicious beliefs related to the festival. Diwali is celebrated in Thailand under the name of Lam Kriyongh during the months of October-November. The festival has almost similar ways of celebration as that of Diwali. Diyas (lamps) made of banana leaves are made and candles are placed on it along with a coin and incense. These are set afloat on a river, which gives a wonderful view together on the water. The festival is not an extravagant affair. People greet each other and wish them happy returns of the day. Distribution of sweets is a common practice on this day. The Diwali celebration has a unique flavor here in Trinidad. The festival day is regarded as a national holiday. The festival is also marked by scores of functions besides the usual rituals of the festivity. The functions and celebrations also have an official imprint as the Ministers of the Government also participate in the celebrations sometimes. The celebrations continue for over a week and the headquarters of the National Council of Indian Culture at Diwali Nagar becomes the focal point. The tradition of wearing new cloth for the people of Guyana is significant especially in this festival. They believe that wearing new cloth is the symbol of healthy souls in healthy bodies. Cleaning of their homes and keeping them well illuminated in and outside is a practice meant to illuminate the road for Goddess Lakshmi so that while goddess Lakshmi visits their home she faces no problem of light as the Diwali night is regarded as the darkest night of the year. The Co-operative Republic of Guyana in Southern America celebrates Diwali according to the Hindu Solar calendar. The day of the festival is declared as a national holiday in the official calendar of Guyana.
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