 SIGNIFICANCE OF DIWALI
On the metaphysical level,
the celebration of Diwali or Deepavali invokes the removal of darkness,
ignorance, wickedness, violence, greed, envy, suffering and all other negative
elements from the face of the earth through the light of knowledge. Light
symbolizes knowledge and the virtues of life, while darkness is a metaphor for
all the negative forces. Hence the lighting of lamps or
diyas �during Diwali or Deepavali is quite meaningful and worthy. It
signifies the triumph of virtue over vice, of good over evil, of light over
darkness and of knowledge over ignorance ! Not only lighting lamps, candles or diyas, the bursting of
crackers
during Diwali is also geared towards this end--destruction of the evil.
Diwali or Deepavali means
different things to different people across India. North Indians celebrate
Diwali to commemorate the legendary hero-king Lord Rama's homecoming, that is,
his return to Ayodhya, defeating the demon-king Ravana. The people in Gujarat
(Western India) celebrate the festival of Deepavali to honor Lakshmi, the
Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The eastern states of India celebrate Diwali
to mark the destruction of the tyrannical demon Narakashura by Lord Krishna. In
Bengal, Diwali is linked with Goddess Kali. In the states of Maharashtra and
Mysore, Diwali is associated with the legendary king Bali and is locally known
as Bali Padyami. South Indians associate Deepavali with Goddess Lakshmi like the
Gujratis. But whatever the differences, Diwali or Deepavali symbolizes
rejuvenation, renewal of life everywhere ! Therein lies the common spirit of joy
and
festivity !�
And there�s more to the
significance of Diwali or Deepavali. The festival of Diwali, which Hindus
believe lead people into knowledge and virtue, also symbolizes the age-old
culture of India--the culture which fosters
love,
compassion and humanity.
Do you know what
significance do the rows of deeps or
diyas
have during Diwali? They stand for unity and integrity ! Placing these rows of
lights at the entrance, in courtyards, verandas, on rooftops and walls is to
signify the inner enlightenment of the individual reflecting outside.
It�s a known fact that
Diwali or Deepavali has numerous significances, various
regional interpretations and is celebrated differently by the
different groups of people in India and abroad. But whatever the differences,
Diwali remains an occasion of great festivity and
fun for
people of all ages everywhere and is a time for mega-celebration , feasting,
shopping, wishing,
gift-giving
and rejoicing in the company of near and dear ones. Diwali is also a time to
keep yourself away from the daily grind and leave your worries behind.
Chockablock with fun, food,
family and festivity, Diwali or Deepawali is a joyous and
happy
occasion for all.
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