Wednesday - October 29, 2008
let there be light!
Hindus the world over are celebrating Diwali again right now. It’s a festival that celebrates the victory of the good over the evil. Good is symbolized by light and color, standing out against the evil darkness. It’s also a New Year’s Eve celebration, as their lunar calendar begins anew.
I think it’s a very nice annual event, that reminds nearly a quarter of the world that things can be better.
Ok, diwali is actually a lot more complicated than my simple description*, and it has roots that reach waaay back in time and deep into their religion:
The story goes like this: Prince Rama, the rightful heir to his father’s throne, was banished to the forest for 14 years by his wicked stepmother. While there, Rama’s wife was kidnapped by the evil King Ravan of a neighboring land. A battle ensued and Rama rescued his wife, defeated Ravan and returned to his kingdom to reclaim his throne.
In celebration of Rama’s victory, people feasted and lit oil lamps in their homes. And that was the first Diwali, which is short for Deepawali or “row of lights” in Sanskrit. Today, the festival, which falls in late October or early November, is celebrated according to regional customs.
Most mark the day by worshipping Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity and Ganesh, the god of wisdom and good fortune; visiting loved ones and exchanging homemade traditional sweets. Also, following a half-hour prayer service, or puja after sunset, children light the diyas (the oil lamps) that have been placed around the house on each windowsill and on flat rooftops. Others may worship the goddess Kali instead of Lakshmi, set off fireworks and pass out small amounts of cash to everyone present at the celebration.
Diwali is observed nationally, the most widely celebrated festival on the Hindu calendar and an affair that reaffirms the bonds of family and close friends.
It’s a happy time for them, and makes for pretty pictures for the rest of us. And a little happy news is nice.
Posted by Drew458 on 10/29/2008 at 12:59 AM
Filed Under: • International • Religion •
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