Importance Of Diwali
There is a science behind every festival in India. The ancient scholars developed such a system that every month in the Indian calendar bring joy and happiness to the common people. Indians worship nature and through the knowledge and belief system, so many festivals have emerged with the passage of time. With Holi, Dussehra, Ramzan Eid and Christmas being the important festival celebrated in India, one such festival Indian celebrates is Diwali also known as Deepawali. It is a festival of light and celebrating the victory over the evil. Due to the diversity in India, each state has a different style of celebrating the songs of Diwali.
Lord Rama defeated and killed Ravana for good on the day of Dussehra (also known as Vijayadashami). When he returned to his home Ayodhya as victorious. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him with garlands and there were lights of Diya burning in every home. From then till now Diwali is celebrated with full spirit and mark as a day of victory and hope.
Days of Diwali
Vasu Baras
On this day the Cow and Calf have been worshipped by the Indians. This ritual of worshipping the cow is for bringing peace and prosperity to the home. People observe fast on this day and the next day perform pooja and sankirtan ( Religious Song )
Dhanteras (dhantrayodashi)
Dhanteras is an auspicious day of Diwali days. According to the legend, on this very day during Samudramanthana, Lord Vishnu emerged with a pot of elixir; thus, he took the form of Dhanvantari, the father of Ayurveda, and Yagna (the worship of offerings).
People on this day purchase gold and utensil. By doing so, it is believed that your wealth will increase. However, in reality, the true meaning of celebrating Dhanteras is to worship Lord Dhanvantari for good health. The lord is associated with health and in Ayurveda, the word, Dhan is associated with good health and not money. On this day, one should eat meals in gold and silver plates for health.
Laxmi puja also known as big Diwali
Laxmi puja is the day where goddess Laxmi is worshipped in the stipulated time. For some community in India, this day is considered as New Year. After the period of exile, Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana welcomed by illuminated lamps by the people of Ayodhya. Every home was lit in the beautiful lamps to mark the return of their beloved prince.
Also, on this day it is a belief that lord Vishnu married goddess Laxmi. Laxmi Pooja is a combine pooja of 5 deities, viz, Goddess Mahalaxmi, Goddess Mahasaraswari, Goddess Mahakaali, Elephant God, Ganesha and Lord Kuber.
People starts cleaning their home and offices for this particular day. It is a belief that those who maintain hygiene and cleanliness in their home is always filled with wealth and health. On Laxmi Pooja, Indians prepare and distribute sweets, draw Rangoli on the main gate, inside of their homes and illuminate lots of lamp to welcome Goddess, Mahalaxmi. This is the day where actually the festival of Diwali begins.
Balipratipada
On this day, the king Bali is worshipped for his kind and charitable nature. According to the mythology, lord Vishnu took Waman Avtar and sent king Bali to the underworld killed his ego for being extra charitable.
It is also celebrated as new year for some community in India. In the north of India, people worship mountain Govardhan to pay respect to a lord Krishna. According to the story, lord Krishna lifted the mountain on his little finger to protect the village people from the lethal storm and rain by Lord Indra.Traditionally speaking, people also worship their instruments, ammunition, devices, and machines on this day.
Bhaidooj
The brother sister day. On this day all sisters in India, pray for their brother long life and happiness. Bhaidooj day is when a brother travels to his sister’s home. He eats and spend time at his sister place. They both exchange gift and sweets.
According to the legend, the god of death, Yamraja has gone to his sister home for dinner. His sister acted took good care of him by serving good cooked food and tambul (leaf eaten after meals). Yamraja was very happy by his sister hospitality and love. Out of happiness, he gave a boon to his sister that, whosoever brother shall visit home of his sister on this particular day would never be short of life and prosperity.
On bhaidooj, sisters pray for their brother’s good health and prosperity and gift them a belly chain made up of read thread with a purple bead made of thread and silver thread coating which the brothers worn around their loins.
All these days of Diwali are extremely considered as auspicious and brings peace and happiness in the heart of people. This festival originated in India; however, it is now celebrated across the globe. Every festival must bring happiness and togetherness. People should connect to each other and there should be universal brotherhood and love.
