Mangalore: A Rendezvous with the Festival of Lights
By Florine Roche - Daijiworld Media Network, Mangalore
Mangalore
Oct 26, 2008
It is celebraton time again as Deepavali, the festival of lights has come once again bringing with it laughter, happiness and radiance. It is popularly know as the festival of lights and abbreviated to Diwali in contemporary usage. It is the most important festival for the world’s Hindu population with an array of lighted earthen diyas to illuminate the homes on a moonless night, flickering candles, impressive fire crackers and festivities all around. The festival brings with it joy and merriment to everyone – the young and the old, the haves and the have-nots, men and women and the entire population of this country. Basically a Hindu festival, today Deepavali has become a social festival when the entire country rejoices in unison cutting across religious and regional barriers.
In North India Deepavali marks the commemmoration of the triumphant return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after vanquishing the evil forces. According to Hindu mythology, it was on this moonlesss night when Lord Rama returned home to Ayodhya after completing 14 years in exile. To celebrate his home-coming, the residents of Ayodhya lit up their homes with diyas and the tradition continues even today. In the South Deepavali is celebrated in remembrance of Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. It is also celebrated as the worship of goddess Lakshmi who symbolizes wealth and prosperity.
The port city of Mangalore is all set to welcome this festival with traditional pomp and splendor. Festive mood is in the air as the city is gearing itself to welcome the festival of festivals. With its diverse culture, traditions, food habits and the cosmopolitan outlook the celebration of Deepavali in Mangalore has become an event eagerly looked forward to by all people. Gone are the days when Deepavali was considered as a North Indian festival that comprised predominantly Hindu population. Mangalore has a sizeable chunk of student population belonging to different parts of the country. IT revolution also has brought many North Indian families to this city and together they have played a major role in spreading the fervor of this festival in Mangalore.
Mangalore, true to being a cosmopolitan city with an assortment of religions, Deepavali is both a tradition and celebration. The festive mood is visible everywhere, from shopping malls, retail stores to fancy centres offering fabulous discounts on clothes, electronic goods, gizmos, vehicles and consumer durables. Colourful goodudeepas also known as shade lamps in a variety of shapes and sizes are ubiquitous by their presence outside the shops and malls.
Deepavali is also the time for family reunion as large number of Mangaloreans who work in different parts of the country and abroad come home to spend time together with the family. Those working in different parts of India or abroad come on a holidy to co-incide with Deepavali. The entire family take pleasure in shopping, bursting crackers, making sweets, lighting earthen diyas or just going out for a long drive to witness the city decorated like a bride in its full splendour. The custom of taking oil bath before sunrise (modified to suit the changing times and lifestyles) is still prevalent both in urban and rural areas.
Deepavali, known as the festival of lights is marked by the lighting of lamps known as diyas in several rows inside and outside the house. It is these luminous deepas that contain the essence of Deepavali. Just as light dispels the darkness of the night and shows the right path to a weary traveler, the lighting of lamps on the night of Karttik Amavasya, when the new moon is in Tula or Libra, symbolizes the victory of goodness over evil, justice over injustice, light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance.
The mere mention of this festival is enough to light up everyones faces. The preparation for this festival which has assumed the significance of a social even over the years, begins months in advance. The rituals, the celebrations and the preparations are basically centred around home, family, friends, relatives and the whole community. It is the time forget and forgive by extending the hand of friendship and spread the candour of brotherhood and amity.
Deepavali is the time for fun and revelry. As a festival children look forward to Deepavali with great enthusiasm and fervour. For them it is fun time with lights and glittering fire works. For women Deepavali is the time to go on a cleaning spree, shopping for new interiors and and don new clothes or buy new jewellery. Not to be left behind men have great time socializing and relaxing with friends and relatives. Lights, crackers and sweets only reinforce the optimistic spirit to which members of all communities respond with new vigour and gusto.
At a time when the atmosphere is vititated a festival of this nature will go a long way in bridging the gap and thus put an end to the anger, mistrust and hatred that has been creating havoc among us. Let us appreciate the true spirit that goes with this festival and pass on its radiance to the entire world on this great festival occasion.
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