Adelmo Fernandes
One of the most joyful and beautiful festivals to be celebrated on the Indian subcontinent is Diwali, the festival of lights. The very word Diwali conjures up the image of winking lights and flickering diyas. Not to forget the gorgeous array of sparkling colours emitted by the firecrackers that seem to awaken the night sky. Coming close on the heels of Dussehra it is one of the most important Indian festivals and is celebrated on a mass scale by Indians not only in India, but also all over the world.
The word ‘Diwali’ derives from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’ — Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row. It means a row of lights and indeed illumination forms its main attraction. Every home — lowly or mighty, the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich — is lit with the orange glow of twinkling diyas (small earthen lamps) to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Multi-coloured Rangoli as also designs drawn with rice flour on the grounds in their house, floral decorations and fireworks lend beauty and grandeur to this festival which heralds joy, peace and happiness in the ensuring year. This festival is celebrated on a grand scale in almost all the regions of India and is looked upon mainly as the beginning of New Year.
Diwali, the festival of lights even today in this modern world, projects the rich and glorious past of our country and teaches us to uphold the true values of life. Deepavali is very enthusiastically celebrated for five continuous days and each day has its significance with a number of myths, legends and beliefs. Diwali is one of the happiest holidays in India and with significant preparations.
People clean their homes and decorate them for the festivities. Diwali is one of the biggest shopping seasons in India. People buy new clothes for themselves and their families, as well as gifts, appliances, kitchen utensils, even expensive items such as cars and gold jewelry. People also buy gifts for family members and friends which typically include sweets, dry fruits, and seasonal specialties depending on regional harvest and customs. Girls and women go shopping and create rangoli and other creative patterns on floors, near doors and walkways. Youth and adults alike help with lighting and preparing for fireworks.
There is significant variation in regional practices and rituals. Depending on the region, prayers are offered before one or more deities, with most common being Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
On Diwali night, fireworks light up the neighborhood skies. Later, family members and invited friends celebrate the night over food and sweets. Hindus across the world celebrate Diwali in honor of the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana from exile of 14 years after Rama defeated Ravana. To honour the return of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana from Lanka and to illuminate their path, villagers light Diyas to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Diwali is the celebration of this inner light over spiritual darkness, of knowledge over ignorance and right over wrong. It is a festive restatement of the belief that good ultimately triumphs over evil.
