India is considered to be the land of festivals. And each of the
festivals, which are celebrated here, has a reason or significance
behind its celebration. Diwali the festival of light is also not an
exception. It is celebrated across the country with lots of fervor and
fun. Though the way it is celebrated differs from region to region
according to the traditions and culture of that state but the reason
behind its celebration remains same. The festival is celebrated by all
there is no cast or age bar. The festival brings light in everybody's
life. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state
celebrates it in its own special way. If we try to look for the origin
of the festival we have to refer to history. And history tells us that
the festival is celebrated mainly for four days commences on Aswayuja
Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. And each day
has a significance and history behind its celebration. The first day of
the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the killing of the demon king
Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.
The second day is Amavasya and according to the legends Lakshmi,
Goddess of wealth, was incarnated on the new moon day (amaavasyaa) of
the Kartik month during the churning of the ocean (samudra-manthan),
hence the association of Diwali with Lakshmi. From that day she is
worshipped as the symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is also said that
on this very day Lord Vishnu rescued Goddess Lakshmi from the prison of
Demon king bali and for that reason Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on the
day of Diwali. The third day is "Kartika Shudda Padyami." On
this day Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the
boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami".
The fourth day is referred to as "Yama Dvitiya." On this day,
sisters invite their brothers to their homes. Whereas according to
legends it is also said that Lord Rama returned from exile to Ayodhya
after fourteen years of exile. To commemorate his return to Ayodhya, his
subjects illuminated the kingdom and burst crackers. Goddess Kali is
also worshipped during this time.
A J Patel sir
ReplyDeleteVery good and detailed information on Diwali festival. Thanks for sharing very valuable information on Diwali festival.
Please see my Lamps of India message relating to Diwali festival which i shared in my Heritage of India blog.
http://indian-heritage-and-culture.blogspot.in/2013/09/lamps-of-india.html
A J Patel sir alongwith sharing my collections relating to Indian Heritage and Culture in my blog i am also giving seminars to school and college children and so far i gave 2 seminars on Indian Heritage and Culture.
Sir these are my 2 seminars links.
http://indian-heritage-and-culture.blogspot.in/2013/02/my-first-seminar-on-indian-heritage-and.html
http://indian-heritage-and-culture.blogspot.in/2013/07/my-second-seminar-on-indian-heritage.html
A J Patel sir please look into my Heritage of India blog and share your comments.