History of Deepavali

LEGENDS OF DEEPAVALI
Importance of Dussehra, Rama Return to Ayodhya, Diwali

As Harvest Festival , Killing of Narakasura , Emergence of
Lakshmi
Meaning & Significance
Diwali or Deepaavali means an Array of Lamps i.e .Rows of diyas (Deep = Lamp, Vali =Array)
Deepavali is a festival where people from all age groups participate. They give expression to
their happiness by lighting earthen 'diyas' (lamps), decorating the houses, bursting firecrackers
and inviting near and dear ones to their households for partaking in a sumptuous feast. The
lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to god for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge,
peace, valor and fame.
It is one time in the whole year that children volunteer to leave their beds long before the day
begins. In fact, the traditional oil bath at 3 a.m, is the only chore that stands between them and
the pre-dawn adventures. They emerge, scrubbed clean to get into their festive attire, and light
up little oil lamps, candles and scented sticks(agarbathis), the wherewithal for setting alight
crackers and sparklers.
On Diwali night, little clay lamps are lit in Hindus homes, but now a days colored electric lamps
are also used. What is the significance of lighting a lamp? There is a logical answer to this
question. It is through the light that the beauty of this world is revealed or experienced. Most
civilizations of the world recognize the importance of light as a gift of God. It has always been a
symbol of whatever is positive in our world of experience.
To Hindus, darkness represents ignorance, and light is a metaphor for knowledge. Therefore,
lighting a lamp symbolizes the destruction, through knowledge, of all negative forces-
wickedness, violence, lust, anger, envy, greed, bigotry, fear, injustice, oppression and suffering,
etc. Competition is stiff, and even the little girl in silk frocks and their finery are watching out
for the best sparklers and flowerpots, the rockets and Vishnuchakras, which light-up the night
sky like a thousand stars. Grown-ups are the soul of generosity. Festive bonhomie abounds.
The unique festival of lights
Diwali or 'Deepawali',as it is known as,is the festival of lights.It is celebrated all over India
with great enthusiasm and joy. The celebration of Diwali finds its roots in the Hindu
religion. On this day Lord Ram had returned to his kingdom Ayodhya after demolishing the
demon Ravan. The people enlightened the whole city with diyas to welcome Lord Ram. It is
thus a festival to mark the victory of good over the evil. Diwali falls on Amavasya that is a
'no moon night' and people enlighthen their houses to conquer the darkness. It is a five day
festival.
The first day is called Dhanteras - On this day people buy new utensils or anything in gold
or silver. The second day is Choti Deepawali - On this day diyas are kept at any dark corner
of the house to symbolize that no evil can enter the house in the lights.
The third day is Deepawali - People decorate their homes with diyas,candles and decorative
bulbs and lights. Laxmi Ganesh Pooja is performed and then people light up crackers and
enjoy themselves.Sweets and rich food is also prepared at home to celebrate the festival.
The fourth day is Govardhan pooja on which the Govardhan pooja is performed to celebrate
the great deed of Lord Krishna who lifted 'Govardhan Parbat' on a single finger and gave
protection to the people from the heavy rains. And the last day is Bhai dooj on which sisters
put 'roli teeka' on their brother's forehead and pray for their well being. Deepawali is thus a
unique light festival filled with joys and happiness!
A Festival of Lights
Diwali is known as the 'Festival of Lights'. It is a Hindu Festival. Diwali is celebrated to mark
the day when Lord Ram came to Ayodhya. After 14 years of exile. Lord Ram went on an exile
because his cruel step-mother, Kaikayi wanted her own son Bharata to become king of
Ayodhya. Kaikayi forced King Dasharata to send Rama to forest for 14 years.
To celebrate Diwali we buy new clothes, firecrackers, sweets, etc. We also meet our relatives
and friends on Diwali. At dusk we do puja of Goddess Lakshmi. We also give food, clothes,
money and other useful things to the poor. Some days before Diwali we burn statues of evil
King Ravana. This is because Lord Rama defeated him. Thus, Diwali is a festival which
celebrates victory of good over evil.
What I do on Deepavali
On the 9th November it is Diwali. On Diwali I go to the temple to celebrate. I usually have to
be a vegetarian, because I go to the Alter and offer different sweets and fruits . One sweet is
called "Peira" which is very fruity. We also take bananas, apples and grapes and many other
fruits. I dress in Indian clothes. When I go to the temple I sing and play the harmoniam
which is an Indian instrument. We light little lamps called dias, and put at least three in
each room. This is to invite Mother Lasoni, the Goddess of Light into our house.
Deepavali Delights
To all Indian Students SMK KOTA KULAI,
Deepavali is here, Deepavali is here

That grand festival of Lights
That ends evil after a protracted fight
When good with all its might
Leads us from darkness to Light.
That great festival of sound
When crackers and laughter abound
When crackers and sparklers light up the sky
When delighted children jump with joy.
That gorgeous festival of snacks and sweets
Where everyone enjoys a royal feast
When old and young with delight meet
With love and affection all hearts beat.
Diwali is here, Diwali is here
That gracious festival which celebrates victory
The ancient festival of myth and mystery
That is mentioned in both mythology and history
The festival that signals Triumph over Tragedy.
From,
Indian teachers SMK KOTA KULAI

History of Deepavali

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LEGENDS OF DEEPAVALI

Importance of Dussehra, Rama Return to Ayodhya, Diwali

To all Indian Students SMK KOTA KULAI,

Deepavali is here, Deepavali is here

Indian teachers SMK KOTA KULAI

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