Deepavali - Festival Of Lights & Colors

By : Deepavaliblog.comDeepavali Celebration Of Lighting & Colors DEEPAVALI, as the name states it is a festival of lights and colors, celebrated all over INDIA. According to the Hindu calendar, the 15th day of month Kartik i.e. October or November on deepavali wallpapers, is the day kept aside especially for this festival. DEEPAVALI is also known as names such as diwali and dipotsavi. The Sanskrit meaning of the festival means Row of Lights. Deep means the lamps/lights and awali means row or line. The celebrations continue for 4 days. The first day is deepavali, followed by Lakshmi Puja, Kartika Shuddha Padwa and Yama Dvitiya in a sequential manner.

SIGNIFICANCE & CELEBRATION: When Lord RAMA returned home defeating the wicked RAVANA, people lighted up the lamps (diyas) to mark the great victory of good over the evil

Since then the day that falls on the new moon night amavasya, ending the month of Ashwina and begins Kartika is celebrated as deepavali 2014. Similarly it also resembles the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Naraka. People start the first day by a prayer followed by a special breakfast including various food items. After that, people lead processions along the streets, with statues and posters of GODDESS LAKSHMI in their hands. Goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of light, wisdom, wealth and prosperity. This festival is also dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

Second day is lakshmi puja celebrated in honor of GODDESS LAKSHMI. It is believed that the Goddess had emerged from Kshira Sagara, i.e ocean of milk.

Third Day is the Kartika Shuddha Padwa marking the significance of victory of Lord Vishnu, (in his dwarf incarnation, vamana) over the demon Bali.

For this reason it is also known as BALI PADYAMI. The 4th day is popularly celebrated yama dvitya. This day is especially for sisters, praying for the well being of their brothers. It is a day dedicated to the goddess yama. On the day of deepavali, people lighten up the lamps traditionally known as deepavali diyas made up of clay fueled with any kind of oil or ghee with a wick made of cotton.

Such lamps are laid outside the houses, on the floors, on the roofs and at doorways. Torans made up of marigold flowers and mango leaves are hung along the doors and windows for decorative purposes. Not only the Hindus, but the Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, etc celebrate this day with same joy and enthusiasm. Other celebrations of this day include bursting of crackers and fireworks, colorful sparklers. People also exchange gifts among friends and relatives. Bonfires are also a part of the celebration.

Various sweets and meals are also made for this occasion. Special kind of design is made on the floors at the doorsteps of the houses. These designs are called Rangolis, made up of different colors and flower petals. Many rangoli competitions are held at school & colleges. Schools and colleges have a long term vacation during this festive season for the children to enjoy it with great joy and fun. They can also travel distances to visit their relatives and celebrate deepavali with them. Wishing All A Happy & Safe Deepavali.. deepavaliblog.com

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