I wish you and your family members a happy, healthy, and prosperous Diwali. Live a healthy and happy life.
One of the most important festivals in India is Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Deepawali. “Deep” means light and “avail” means a row. Thus, the Deepavali is the row of lights. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the Hindu month of “Kartik”. which generally comes in the month of late October or early November. Diwali, the festival of lights, is the most awaited festival celebrated with enthusiastic gestures throughout India. Diwali is celebrated and is a holiday in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, etc. It symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” Diwali is celebrated for five days. The key rituals take place on the third day—by the lightening of Diyas and candles all around the house and commercial establishments, performing puja—worshipping the Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha to summon health and wealth, distributing gifts and sweets, and bursting crackers. A Happy Diwali is wished and gifts are distributed among family, friends, and colleagues as a gesture of showing respect, love, and affection. Special foods are prepared to celebrate the occasion, which mandatorily includes sweets.
The History of Diwali.
Diwali is an important harvest festival that can be traced back to ancient India. However, there are various opinions pointing toward its origin.
Some people believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of the goddess of wealth Laxmi with lord Vishnu. Others believe it to be the celebration of the birthday of the goddess Laxmi.
Diwali is also celebrated as a symbol of the return of Lord Ram along with his wife Maa- Sita and brother Lakshman from 14 years of exile- after winning over the demon king Ravan. The people of Ayudhya celebrated the occasion of the return of their king – Lord Ram by illuminating earthen Divas all over the kingdom.
In Bengal- the Diwali festival is celebrated by worshipping- the goddess of strength- Maa Kali.”Vighnaharta” Lord Ganesha- the elephant-headed god which is the symbol of wisdom and auspiciousness is also worshipped in most Hindu homes
In Jainism- Diwali is celebrated as a great event of attainment of eternal bliss of nirvana by Lord Mahavir.
The significance of the Diwali festival.
Significance of lightening up diyas, candles, and firecrackers during Diwali.
The rituals behind Diwali have reasons and stories behind them. Diyas and candles are representations of enlightenment, knowledge, and wisdom. Diyas are an essential part of Indian culture—removing darkness with enlightenment. Homes are decorated and illuminated with diyas and candles at night. Firecrackers fill the skies as an expression of joy, health, wealth, peace, and prosperity. It is also considered a way to pay respect to our ancestors. It is also believed that fumes generated from the burning of Diyas filled with oil or ghee and firecrackers destroy or repel the mosquitoes and flying insects, which are in abundance after the rainy season.
The spiritual significance of Diwali.
The Diwali festival has a deep spiritual meaning. It represents the awareness of inner light. It is the awakening and awareness of the inner light of knowledge and wisdom that possesses the power to overcome the darkness of ignorance and foolishness, paving the way to clear the obstacles in life to lead a healthy and fruitful life.
Forgive and forget the wrong deeds of others—Diwali is the festival to forgive and forget the wrong things done by others. Besides ending enmity and creating a friendly atmosphere of brotherhood around us, forgiving and forgetting the wrong things done by others has a great positive impact on our health for leading a healthy life.
Stay united: Diwali is a festival of staying united. It is the time when people meet and greet each other, distribute gifts and sweets, and enjoy special meals together. The vibrations produced by the greetings of love and brotherhood are powerful enough to relieve stress and bring joy to all. Diwali celebrations divert people from the path of hatred to love and peace. It teaches the path to pay due respect to all, irrespective of their position in society.
Progress and prosper– In North India- Hindu merchants perform puja, pray for success and prosperity, and open new account books for the coming year. New clothes are purchased for family members. Employers distribute gifts, sweets, and new clothes for their employees. Some give bonuses to their employees.
Diwali festival creates an atmosphere of charity among the hearts of people to perform good deeds- enabling each and everyone to celebrate the festival with joy and enthusiasm.
Inner illumination– Besides the outer world around us is illuminated during Diwali. It is the time for inner illumination on the path of spirituality. Hindus believe every one of us has an inner light that leads us to the path of peace and spirituality. Meditation illuminates the soul and mind. It leads to an opportunity to cultivate and enjoy the supreme light with eternal bliss.
Happy Diwali to all.
We wish you all a healthy, prosperous, and happy Diwali. Let the light that illuminates our homes and hearts bring peace, joy, togetherness, and hopes of leading a disease-free and progressive healthy life.
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Surinder Bhalla
Blogger & Marketing Consultant
40+ years of experience in the healthcare industry.
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