 Diwali Date - End of Yearlong Wait
Added: 09/22/2007 |
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In the midst of the busy lifestyle o the present days, through the emergence of the diwali date we get an opportunity to pause and be grateful for what we have, to make special memories with family and friends, to laugh and enjoy what life offers us. What is its significance? To the foreigners it seems to be a new concept but to the Indians like us it is perfect embodiment of unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special and unique way. Through the years the festival of diwali has undergone several changes, but is celebrated with the same pomp and splendor since time immemorial. We do practically wait every year for the coming back of this festive season of Diwali with all excitement and merriment.
What is the origin of this noble festival? We perhaps have to run in the wilderness to get a definite answer. As Hinduism is considered as a way of life and it is futile to search for its founder, the same is applicable for the Diwali. However, to the popular history the festival is celebrated mainly for four days initiates on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. Here lies the true significance of the diwali date. Each day has its own solemn importance with the first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi symbolizing the triumph and killing of Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama over the demon king Naraka. It is true that though the festival is a part and parcel of the Hindu Dharma, but in consideration of the regional culture and an assortment of ethnicities in this sprawling landscape there is a great presence of difference form region to region. Though the diwali date happens to be the same, if one gives a deep glance, he/she will be able to ascertain the difference easily. There are indeed many legends that are associated with Diwali and its celebrations. In Northern and Western regions of India, Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating and killing the demon king Ravana. While in the Eastern states it is cited as the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura. Whereas in Maharashtra and Mysore, though the diwali date is similar, it is associated with King Bali. As the legend goes, he was in extremely good terms with his subjects for his generosity. But since he was an Asura or Demon, his popularity could not be endured by Gods. They requested Lord Vishnu, one of the most venerated of the Holy Trinity of the Hindu Dharma to cut Bali down to size. Being disguised as a diminutive Brahmin, he went to Bali and requested the king to give him land up to three steps. The munificent king agreed. Then Lord Vishnu occupied earth with one step and heaven with the second step. He then asked King Bali where he should put his third step. Bali agreed to take the third step on his head. Pushing King Bali to the under land Lord Vishnu gave him the lamp of the knowledge and allowed him to come up once a year and light lamps to chase away darkness and broaden the light of wisdom. From that time onwards, people have been celebrating his arrival on Bali Padyami. While in Bengal, the same diwali date is observed as a part of the Kali Puja. Kali is another name of Goddess Durga, the most powerful goddess and is set to pierce darkness with strength. In both the North and South of India, people in general light earthen lamps on the occasion of Diwali.
With the spread of Indians in other countries the celebration of Diwali is not only celebrated in India, but also in many other countries. With the migration of Indians in different countries, Diwali in the present days is celebrated with the same vigor as a major festival across the globe. Diwali is celebrated in countries such as the US, Britain, Suriname, Canada, Fiji, Australia, Mauritius, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, Guyana, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Thailand. In those countries this light of festival unites all the Indian people living there. Even the dynamism of the festival is also alluring the foreigners in the contemporary age, a stark deviation from the past, and they are also involving themselves in the same manner.
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