Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, perhaps the best-known Hindu festival, marks the end of the festival season that opens with Ganesh Chaturthi. Diwali is celebrated throughout India , as well as in the Indian diaspora worldwide. It usually takes place eighteen days after Dussehra in October/November. Diwali is called the "festival of lights", and the name itself means an array of lamps. Illumination is characteristic of Diwali - even the humblest of households lights small oil lamps, diyas , and places them around the house. The diyas are symbolic of the welcome given to Lord Rama, Prince of Ayodhya, on his return after 14 years of exile. Homes are given a thorough cleaning and rangoli designs (intricate patterns made of coloured powders or flowers on the floor) adorn the entrance. Everyone feasts on mithai (traditional Indian sweets) and as night falls, children celebrate with fireworks. South Indians start their day with an oil bath.
Diwali is celebrated for five continuous days and each day has its significance.
The first day is Dhanteras . The word dhan means wealth, and as such, this day has special significance for the rich mercantile community (especially of Western India ). Women purchase gold, silver or new utensils.
The second day is Narka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali . This commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna (divine) over the demon king Narakasur (evil). A traditional oil bath before sunrise is a must, especially in Maharashtra . The third day, that of Lakshmi Puja or Chopda Puja, is regarded as the most auspicious. It is believed that on this day the Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Vishnu (the preserver in the pantheon of Hindu gods), roams around, showering her blessings on man, for plenty and prosperity. One of the most curious customs, especially in North India , is the practice of gambling on a large scale. It is believed that Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband, Lord Shiva, on this day and she decreed that whoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuring year.
The fourth day, Padwa or Varshapratipada , marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya. It is the first day of a new year according to Vikram Samvat, the Hindu calender, which started from this day. This day is regarded as the most auspicious to start a new venture.
The fifth and final day is called Bhaiya Duj in the Hindi-speaking belt and Bhau Beej in the Marathi-speaking community. Like Raksha Bandhan, it is a day for brothers and sisters, and on this day, brothers go to their sisters' houses for a special meal.
In South India and in the business community, Diwali is associated mainly with the Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth. In rural areas, it is celebrated mainly as a harvest festival.
Diwali has the same importance for Hindus as Christmas does for Christians.
Dussehra
Dussehra, or Vijay Dashmi, is celebrated in September / October, to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama, virtuous Prince of Ayodhya, over ten-headed Ravana, the evil king of Sri Lanka who abducted Rama's wife, Sita, and was subsequently vanquished in battle. Dussehra thus celebrates the victory of Good over Evil.
The nine days preceding Dussehra are known as Navaratri. During this period, the Mother Goddess (“Devi Ma”) is worshipped in all her forms - as Saraswati (consort of Brahma, the creator, and goddess of knowledge), Lakshmi (consort of Vishnu, the preserver, and granter of wealth), and Parvati (consort of Shiva, the destroyer, and the most powerful and complex of all the goddesses). People also worship the tools of their trade.
During the ten days of celebrations, Ramlilas (dance dramas enacting the story of Lord Rama) take place all over North India . On the last (tenth) day, effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkaran, and his son, Meghnath, are packed with firecrackers and burnt at sunset.
In Mysore , Dussehra is a grand occasion. The Mysore palace is illuminated for a month. Caparisoned elephants lead a colourful procession through the streets of the city. A torch light parade and many musical / dance events round off celebrations.
In Gujarat Navaratri is a community affair. Young girls, resplendent in traditional finery, dance away the night doing the traditional Garbha dance or Dandiya Raas .
In Bengal , Dussehra is celebrated as Pujo . Each locality erects a pandal with beautifully decorated idols of Goddess Durga.
In Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra is celebrated with a week-long fair in the hill town of Kullu . Deities are brought, in procession, from the little temples in the hills to Kullu, to pay homage to the reigning deity, Raghunathji.
Easter
The Sunday marking the resurrection of Christ is celebrated by Christians all across India . It is preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and prayer from February to March, that begins with Ash Wednesday and culminates in Good Friday, the day of mourning when Jesus Christ was crucified. Easter eggs and hot cross buns are some of the goodies distributed on Easter.
Eid-Milad-ul-Nabi
The birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad is celebrated all over India with the reading of the Quran and religious discourses in the mosques. |
