Sunday, October 31, 2010

Diwali - Fesitval of Light : Celebration of Life

(My daughter is the author of this post.)

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated all over the world. Diwali word is a contraction of word ‘Deepavali’ meaning “row of lamps.” The legend is that Lord Rama, his wife Sita and younger brother Laxman returned home after 14 years of isolation in the forest and winning a battle with Ravana to rescue Sita. They arrived home, Ayodhya, on a dark night with no moon in sight. Residents lit up the streets and houses to welcome them. It looked as if there were more Diyas (clay lamps) shining than stars in the sky.

Diwali symbolizes victory of good over evil, bringing families and friends together and in turn celebration of joy of life.

On Diwali, we make Rangoli, a flower design made of sand. We light Diyas signifying the importance of good over evil. Diwali is celebrated for five consecutive days. On the first day we clean our houses and welcome Laksmi, goddess of wealth. Second day is for worshiping Kali, goddess of strength and eliminate laziness and evil. Third day we light lamps that represent victory of good over evil and celebrate life. On the fourth days, new account books are opened and we remove anger, hate, and jealousy from our minds and life. Last day of Diwali we remember Bali, an ancient Indian king known for this generosity to see good in others even in enemies.

To me Diwali represents festival of life to enjoy with family and friends, eat sweets, party, and shop. 

Happy Diwali to all readers.   

How do you plan to celebrate Diwali?

40 comments:

Jidhu Jose said...

Happy Diwali .......

check and comment :http://jidhu.blogspot.com/2010/10/why-girls-like-pink.html

kiran sawhney said...

Wish you and your family a Very Happy, Joyful, Prosperous Diwali, full of love and peace all year round.

Kavita Saharia said...

Wish you and your family A Very Happy Diwali !The rangoli picture is very beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Happy Diwali. I am thinking of making a Rangoli this time. :)

RiĆ  said...

Diwali for me is fun with family and friends, lots of laughter n good food. No crackers for me coz i dont like to pollute the environment.

Punam said...

Happy Diwali to you and your family!

raji said...

Hi "a" happy diwali to you and your family.nice explaination.we celebrate diwali in 3 days 1st day-"NARAKA CHATURDASHI" signifying death of narakasur ,a demon;2 nd day-lakshmi puja and 3rd day-"BALI PADYAM" that is bali maharajas worship and also "go puja" worship of the cows.

raji said...

Oh ..i just read tht this post was your daughter's ;very nice. convey my regards to her.

Tanvi said...

My last diwali here so lots of get-together's :)
And no fire-crackers for mee :)

you have fun too :)

Nice post!

Bikram said...

Happy diwali A.. have a good one .. to me its foood and crackerssss ... and i love patakhe :)

have a good one

Bikram

Bhargavi said...

Have a wonderful deepavali too..yummy food for me !

dr.antony said...

Happy Diwali.

It is an evil world.But celebrate Good.
We only have memories to go by.

Felicity Grace Terry said...

Nice to meet your daugher, I really enjoyed her post and want to wish you and yours a happy Diwali.

Rama Ananth said...

Happy Diwali to you and your family.

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

I love the sound of Diwali... I've never celebrated it, but I used to teach a unit to my English class. I think London has some Diwali festivals happening, so hopefully I'll get to go.

Nice post from your daughter. Will she be joining the blogging world? ; )

Anonymous said...

Happy Diwali to you and family. Another occasion for shopping buddy...

sm said...

Wish you and your family A Very Happy Diwali

NRIGirl said...

Good one Ms.A!

Diwali greetings to you and yours!

Insignia said...

Your daughter writes well. You should let her write more on your blog space :-P

Happy Diwali to your family

BK Chowla, said...

Happy Diwali to you all, especially to your daughter who has written this post so well.

chitra said...

A,
Happy Deepavali wishes to you and your family.
If it is Rama's return to Ayodhya for some, it is Narakasura's killing by Krishna for us. In west Bengal it's Kali pujo. What ever the legend,it's a joyous occasion for sharing, enjoying and gorging on goodies :).Off to Kerala- on a " pilgrimage". See you.

Rama Ananth said...

I really likes the Rangoli, did anybody from your house do it? It is very pretty.

shuchita said...

hey dear have a happy and prosperous diwali, have fun and tell your daughter its a great post

R. Ramesh said...

Wish you and your family A Very Happy Diwali buddy !The picture is very beautiful.

Punam said...

A: Thank you for joining me in my prayers at my blog for the well-being of my friend Corinne. Much appreciated. The circle of kindness and compassion shall continue. ~Punam

rantravereflect/ jane said...

Grt to read teh significance of diwali :) well , may good triumph over evil, n may we all have a great n safe diwali :D

SG said...

Happy diwali to you and your family.

Devie said...

Awww...this is so cute!
Happy Diwali to you and your fam!

Tanvi said...

This is the cutest post ever. Wish you and your family a very Happy Diwali.

I miss home like on no other day during the festival time!

Unknown said...

aww...happy diwali..i plan to ruin the peace in my neighbourhood!

Usha said...

Wonderful post from your daughter..she covered it well in small writeup.

Today is the first Day of Diwali...I do Laxmi poojan , cook festive food , make few Diwali snacks..make small Rangoli..lit Diyas and candles..meet friends..share sweets and make one visit to temple...It is quiet celebration. I miss vibrant Diwali celebration of India.

My Diwali wishes to you and your family. :)

jemina said...

Happy Diwali
I found your blog through Tanvi's blog
Indeed you and your daughter write so beautifully, and I am following you now :)

XOXO
J

Urmi said...

Wonderful post. Wish you a very happy Diwali.

Anonymous said...

Happy Diwali to you and family A...

We celebrate Diwali only for 1 day. It starts with bursting fire crackers early in the morning, then a heavy breakfast. Lunch with sweets, mostly with friends and relatives and in the evening lighting lamps and fire crackers.

then off to bed tired and happy...

Anonymous said...

Thanks for reminding us about the essence and spirit of Diwali.

Belated Happy Diwali to you and your family A :)

Aparna said...

The kid is talented for sure. You must be proud of her!

R. Ramesh said...

thanks boss

Geeta said...

Nice blog. Your fiction section is awesome and your non-fiction section, intriguing. Will stop by for more. Happy Diwali to you and your family.

hamaarethoughts.com said...

happy belated Diwali...to you and your family!

Unknown said...

Blog are totally awesome. Thank you for sharing.


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