Diwali is perhaps the most awaited festival among people from the Hindu faith in India as well as other parts of the world. Diwali or Deepavali (as it is called in Sanskrit) is also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’. The Sanskrit word Deepavali means 'a row of lamps'. Throughout this festival, individuals illuminate small oil lamps, known as diyas, and position them around their residences in courtyards, verandas, and windows. The light that these diyas or lamps emanate, signify the victory of light over darkness. Diwali occurs in the Hindu month of Kartika, spanning from mid-October to mid-November, with the specific dates established by the Hindu lunar calendar.
The Story Behind Diwali
Diwali holds great significance in Hinduism and marks some of the most important events in the Hindu faith and history. Here are some of the key events and significance behind Diwali:
Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya
Lord Rama who is an incarnation of the Supreme Divine, as part of His “Leela” (a divine play of consciousness), returned to His kingdom of Ayodhya after going through a 14 years long period of exile. The holy scriptures say that the citizens of Ayodhya illuminated diyas or lamps and joyously welcomed their revered crown prince back home. Hence, the lighting of lamps is an important Diwali tradition even today.
The Killing of Demon Narakasura
As per the Hindu faith, a tyrannical demon king known as Narakasura governed the realm of Pradyoshapuram. His arrogance and cruelty stemmed from a potent boon bestowed upon him by Lord Brahma. To put an end to his oppression, Narakasura was slain on the day preceding Diwali by Satyabhama, the wife of Lord Krishna. This symbolizes the victory of good over demonic forces.
The Harvest Festival
Diwali also marks the end of the harvest season for the winter crops in India. Farmers celebrate the bountiful harvest by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and sharing their prosperity with all.
A New Year Begins
A huge number of Hindus primarily from the business community mark the festival of Diwali as the new year. Business persons and traders start new account books on Diwali, praying for success and prosperity in the new financial year.
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi
Diwali sees extensive celebrations in honor of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity representing wealth, prosperity, and beauty. Lighting lamps on Diwali are considered auspicious as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that the lights as a mark of devotion attract Goddess Lakshmi into people's homes and lives. Contact Future Point to book the Online Puja for Diwali 2023!
Alongside worshipping Goddess Laxmi for prosperity, people also worship Lord Ganesha to receive His blessings that wards off troubles & obstacles from one’s life.
The main Diwali festival will be celebrated on 12th November 2023.
Diwali Puja Rituals and Celebrations
The Diwali festival is celebrated over 5 days, with each day dedicated to different traditions and rituals. Here is an overview of the key Diwali puja rituals:
Dhanteras: Celebrated two days before Diwali, Dhanteras kicks off the festivities. Hindus worship Lord Dhanvantri, who symbolizes health and prosperity on this day. It is considered auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles as well as new utensils on this day. People also clean their homes and decorate with rangoli patterns on the floor.
Naraka Chaturdasi: The second day commemorates the killing of the demon Narakasura. People wake up before dawn and take a fragrant oil bath to cleanse themselves of impurities. In certain parts of India, an effigy of Narakasura is burnt to symbolize the victory of good over evil.
Laxmi Puja: The third day is the main Diwali day devoted to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. In the evenings, elaborate Lakshmi puja is performed by families in their homes. Small footprints are drawn at the entrance to symbolically invite the Goddess into the home. Lamps and flowers are used to decorate the puja area along with rangoli patterns. Lord Ganesha is also worshipped as part of the puja. After the puja finishes, friends and families come together to celebrate with firecrackers and a feast.
Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj
The next day to Diwali is celebrated with the Govardhan Puja or Padwa. Devotees celebrate Lord Krishna's victory over Indra who is the King of Gods. On this day Cow worship and yagnas are performed for cattle health and prosperity. The fifth and final day is called Bhai Dooj dedicated to celebrating the sacred bond of affection shared by brothers & sisters.
Festive Foods
A variety of traditional sweets and snacks are prepared to celebrate Diwali. Popular treats include gujiya, barfi, gulab jamun and kheer. Besides the sugary treats, many savory dishes like sabudana khichdi, dal vada, and dahi vada are also prepared. Food and gifts are exchanged between friends, families, and business associates throughout the festival.
Method of Diwali Puja:
The Diwali Puja is performed with great reverence and follows a set procedure:
Ganesh Puja: The puja begins with prayers to Lord Ganesha for the removal of obstacles. A small idol or image of Lord Ganesha is worshipped to seek blessings for a successful and obstacle-free puja and the year ahead.
Lakshmi Puja: Following the Ganesh Puja, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. The image or idol of Goddess Lakshmi is adorned with flowers, and traditional prayers, hymns, and mantras are recited to invoke Her blessings for wealth and prosperity.
Aarti: Aarti, a ritual involving the waving of lighted lamps & camphor before the deities, is performed. Devotional songs and hymns praising the deities & expressing our gratitude are sung during this ritual.
Offerings and Prasad: Fruits, sweets, and other offerings are placed before the deities as a gesture of devotion. Once offered to the deities, these devoted offerings are referred to as ‘Prasad’ and subsequently distributed in the family.
Family Gatherings and Celebrations: After the Puja, families come together, exchange gifts, share meals, and burst firecrackers to celebrate the festival.
Community Celebrations: Many communities organize larger Puja events, cultural programs, and fireworks displays to mark the occasion.
Performing Lakshmi Puja at Home on Diwali
On the main Diwali day, Hindus perform Lakshmi Puja at home to seek the blessings of the Goddess. Here are the traditional steps to perform the puja:
- Clean the house and decorate with rangoli and marigold flowers.
- Place the Lakshmi idol or image in the puja area.
- Light diyas all around the house and decorate with colorful lanterns or lighting.
- Prepare a platter with flowers, sweets, coins and rice for offering.
- Offer prayers to Lord Ganesha first to remove obstacles.
- Recite the hymns or stotras dedicated to Goddess Laxmi.
- Conclude the puja with the aarti of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Distribute prasad among family and friends.
The puja seeks to invoke the blessings of prosperity and fortune from Goddess Lakshmi. It is performed with great reverence, traditional rituals, and festive cheer. Friends and relatives are invited home after the puja to share in the auspicious occasion over sweets and gifts.
Conclusion
Diwali is celebrated with much exuberance and devotion by Hindus all over India and abroad. The festival holds deep spiritual and religious significance, commemorating traditional Hindu culture. Diwali celebrations bring people together in joy and serve to renew community ties.
The rituals and traditions around Diwali infuse the festivities with a beautiful, mystical, and divine quality. The rows of glowing lamps dispel any darkness and radiate the warmth, love, and happiness associated with this most awaited festival on the Indian calendar.
FAQs
What is the religious significance behind Diwali?
Diwali has great religious significance in Hinduism. It marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after exile and the killing of demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna's wife Satyabhama.
How is the date for Diwali determined every year?
The day for celebrating Diwali is determined based on the cycle of the Moon and the Hindu calendar month of Kartik. The darkest night of the month known as Amavasya is when Diwali celebrations occur.
What are the most important rituals of Diwali?
Some of the key rituals include cleaning and decorating homes with rangoli and lights, preparing and exchanging sweets and gifts, performing Lakshmi Puja on Diwali day, visiting friends and family, and lighting diyas to invite prosperity and luck. Waking early, taking a fragrant oil bath, wearing new clothes and celebrating with firecrackers are other Diwali traditions.
What are the special sweets made during Diwali?
Traditional Indian sweets prepared for Diwali include ladoo, barfi, gujiya, kheer, kaju katli, and varieties of halwa. Family recipes and local specialties are passed down through generations. Sweets are exchanged between loved ones during the festival.
How do people prepare their homes for the festival of Diwali?
Houses are cleaned and decorative floor rangoli patterns like flowers and geometric shapes are made using colored rice flour or powder. Lamps of oil called diyas are used to decorate the entrance, windows, balcony etc. in the house. Tiny clay lamps are also floated in rivers and ponds. People hang torans made of flowers and mango leaves on doors. Twinkling lights are hung to decorate surfaces.
