Deepavali – Effulgence of Lamps to Drive Away Evil Forces


Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Oct 20: Time to celebrate! The annual festival of ‘Deepavali’, which is widely known as ‘Diwali’ in north Indian states, apart from other names like ‘Kaumudi Dipam’, ‘Dipalika’ etc elsewhere, is here. Deepavali falls on the 26th of October this year. It is celebrated in different periods in different regions. In Karnataka, normally, a three day festival beginning with Naraka Chaturdashi and ending with Gao Puja is celebrated, while in north India, a five day festival beginning on the 13th day of the dark half of Ashvija month (Dhanteras) and ending with second day of the bright half of Kartika month (Bhaidooj) is celebrated.

All the communities including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains etc celebrate Deepavali. The festival is celebrated by people of all the states of India, and in some other countries. There are some beliefs associated with Deepavali.








































Naraka Chaturdashi is the day on which demon Naraka was annihilated by Lord Krishna in association with Satyabhama. Before dying, Narakasura sought from Lord Krishna the boon of celebrating the day of his death as a festival, which was readily granted.  The next day falls of Amavasya, when Laxmi Puja is held. The third day is Bali Padyami (known as Govardhan Puja in north India). In Karnataka coast, Bali Padyami is celebrated in honour of King Bali, who was reverred for his excellent qualities. However, as his virtues were threatening to unseat Indra, who ruled heaven, Indra sought the help of Lord Vishnu to blunt competition. Lord Vishnu, who appeared in the form of ‘Vamana’, pushed Bali to the nether world. Bali was granted permission to visit his subjects once a year, and the people of Karnataka coast spread out food, flowers and lighted pieces of cloth tied to small sticks etc in their fields, as a mark of extending hearty welcome to King Bali and celebrating his visit.

Colourful earthen and other lamps are set out during Deepavali festival to invite Goddess Laxmi to earth and to seek her grace for the people living here. Merchants decorate their shops and perform puja to their wares. Cows are also worshipped during this festival. Goodudeepas and crackers are an integral part of this festival. Dealers of crackers have already piled up stocks of different crackers and announced schemes of prizes and other incentives to lure customers.

In north India, people believe that on the second day of Kartika month, which is known as Bhaidooj, Lord Yama was invited by his sister, Goddess Yamuna, to have food. Pleased at the food and services offered by his sister, Yama gave the boon of longevity to brothers who visit their sisters on this day and accept their services. It is also believed that Lord Rama, who killed demon Ravana on Vijayadashami day, reached Ayodhya, his kingdom, on Deepavali.

It is important that this festival is celebrated with a free mind, and with the purpose of spreading love and respect among the mankind like kindling of other lamps with the help of a single lamp. People visit their friends and relatives, distribute sweets and crackers, and enjoy the festival in various ways. It is hoped that Goddess Laxmi, who is in charge of wealth, prosperity and produce, will come to earth on Deepavali day, and shower on people the boon of happiness, affluence, and good health.

  

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Comment on this article

  • daya, uae

    Fri, Oct 21 2011

    happy happy happy..........dipavali

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • RAKESH, VALENCIA

    Fri, Oct 21 2011

    wish u all a happy diwali...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sandesh, Mangaloe, Oman

    Thu, Oct 20 2011

    Beautiful pictures DAIJIWORLD. Great job from those who spent time and efforts to make these beautiful GOODUDEEPAS. "HAPPY DEEPAVALI", festival of lights to all Indians.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • IMRAN, MANGALORE- SAUDI

    Thu, Oct 20 2011

    Sweet memories of Deepawali comes to mind while watching the above pics, the days i enjoyed with my neighbour friends blasting the crackers and sharing the sweets and special foods prepared for deepawali. Missing those moments, Wish you a Happy Deepawali to all of my friends especially to my childhood friends.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Thu, Oct 20 2011

    A Happy Diwali to all the daiji readers and my hindu brothers and sisters in advance. Have a nice day.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Raj, Udupi

    Thu, Oct 20 2011

    Time to Celebrate our National Festival ............Deepavali
    Festival of lights bring loads of happines to all Indians.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Thu, Oct 20 2011

    I fully endorse the statement of CK Dayananda and appriciate his concern.There is a greater need to celebrate Deepavali envoronment friendly.Let us keep the earth planet free from popution to that extent.
    Greetings and wishes to all.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Harsha Malhotra, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Thu, Oct 20 2011

    it's happens only in india...
    wish you all prosperous 'Happy Deepawali'..cheers and enjoy..

    DisAgree [6] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • C K DAYANANDA, MANGALURU

    Thu, Oct 20 2011

    Basically, all our festivals are environmental friendly.

    Bursting of crackers is not mentioned in any of our Shastras.

    Apart from pollution and injury to children, it frightens domestic and other animals.

    As per Sanathana Dharma, Atma not only resides in human beings, but also in the animals and non-movable things.

    We shall not burst crackers.

    We shall celebrate the Deepavali by lighting the lamps.

    Sarve Janaha Sukhinobhavanthu
    Samastha Sanmangalani Bhavanthu.

    DisAgree [18] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • nelson, mangalore/kuwait

    Thu, Oct 20 2011

    Looking at the pics. I did enjoy my Diwali.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE-YANBU/KSA

    Thu, Oct 20 2011

    Well preparation for the colorful lighting festival DIPAVALI.Seansons greeting to all DAIJIWORLD readers in advance.BUT one request please take care while cracking crackers...HAPPY DIPAAVALI TO ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse


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