Diwali: Festival of Lights

Hindus across the globe just celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Homes were thoroughly cleaned; oil-filled lamps and colorful candles were lit; great feasts were prepared; family, friends, and neighbors visited each other; gifts were exchanged; worship or puja was given to various deities. This Indian holiday, also known as Deepwali, is a five-day event. It can be compared to Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah.

Each day has its own significance. Day one is called Dhanvantari Triodasi, Dhanwantari Triodasi or Dhan Theras. On this night, Lord Dhanvantari, the god of holistic healing and medicine, leaves the ocean to bring healing to the world. Day two called Naraka Chaturdasi, Lord Krishna-another important god-and his wife, Satyabhama defeat the demon Narak and free the world from fear. Lakshimi, the goddess of wealth, is celebrated on day three. This deity is actually the focal point of Diwali, so the day is known as Main Diwali. Day four is Govardhan Puja. Lord Krishna is said to have called on the people of Vraja to perform this worship. The fifth and final day, Bhratri Dooj or Yama Dwitvya, is the Day of The Sisters. Sisters invite their brothers to their homes to pray for their good health and fortune. Visit www.diwalifest.org for more details.

This major autumnal holiday began in ancient India. The position of the moon determines when it is celebrated. There are also legends for the overall creation of Diwali. Some say it was to celebrate the return of Lord Rama-king and lord of virtue- and his wife, Sita from their 14-year exile. Others say it was to celebrate the marriage of supreme god, Lord Vishnu to Goddess Lakshmi. Whichever legend is believed, the holiday revolves around light's triumph over darkness. To Hindus, light represents knowledge, justice, bravery, peace, beauty, joy, fun, wealth. Darkness represents evil, violence, anger, fear, poverty, and all things negative. Light reveals the pathway to heaven.

The Indian night sky is therefore ablaze with fireworks and firecrackers during the festival. The lights, the sounds, and the odors all pay homage to God with the hope of being given a joyous, healthy, and prosperous new beginning. Belief in this is so strong that it spawns heavy gambling. Legend says that the Goddess Porvati played the game of dice with her husband, Lord Shiva then pronounced that all who gambled on this night would have prosperity for the entire year.

Overall, Diwali symbolizes and celebrates mankind's triumph over doom and despair. Light shows us what is good and positive in the world. Light cleanses our souls. Light allows us to connect to the Holy or in the Hindu religion, to connect to the gods and expose our own divinity.