October 28, 2008

India

The festival of lights, Diwali or Deepavali (as know in South India), is an ancient festival that is celebrated throughout India. The legends behind the festival are as varied as the manner of its celebration, but common to all of them is the theme of the triumph of good over evil. In north India, Diwali celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after the defeat of the Demon King of Lanka, Ravana, and Lord Rama's coronation as King. In Gujarat, the festival honours Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth; and in Bengal, Diwali is associated with the Goddess Kali. Diwali is celebrated around November, right after Dussehra, another popular festival. Two days before Diwali is called dhan teras (dhan is wealth in Hindi and teras is 13th, to signify the 13th day after the full moon). This day is devoted to the Goddess Lakshmi as it is believed that she pays each house a visit on this day of the year. People hold a Lakshmi puja in commeration of this event. The day before Diwali is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali (small Diwali). This is the day when Hanuman reached Ayodhya to deliver the long-awaited message of Lord Rama's return. On Chhoti Diwali, people socialize and exchange sweets and gifts. There is a prayer in the evening, and the altar is decorated with empty earthen lamps and newly purchased idols. The Diwali festival itself is celebrated the following day with feasting, and of course a ubiquitous lighting of lamps. Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Celebrated joyously all over the world, it marks the transition from poor to wealthy, both figuratively and literally.