Deepavali, the Festival of Lights is one of the oldest Hindu festivals celebrated in the month of Kartikai. This year it falls on Friday, 5th November.
The Deepavali festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, although the actual legends that go with the festival are different for different communities.The Times of India summed up the modern meaning of Deepavali:
"Regardless of the mythological explanation one prefers, what the festival of lights really stands for today is a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple - and some not so simple - joys of life."
Deepavali, literally 'an array of lamps', is celebrated on the darkest night of Kartikai. The celebrations include the lighting of lamps and bursting of crackers. Friends and neighbours exchange special sweets. People buy new clothes and in fact, for some it is absolutely essential to wear new clothes on this day.
Preparations for the festival begin many days prior to Deepavali. It is time for a thorough cleaning of the house, for the belief is that Lakshmi will enter clean and nicely decorated houses. The scientific reason is that the monsoon is a time for insects and fungus to breed. With the end of the monsoon in Indian sub continent, homes need to be cleaned and painted, and belongings aired and dried before the onset of winter.
During Deepavali people pray to Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, light, prosperty and wisdom, but also to God Ganesha, the 'Remover of Obstacles' or the 'Lord of Beginnings'.
Comments (8)
hiiiii
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Deepavali vaalthukal
"Board of Prefects 2010/11"
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Deepavali vaalthukal
J.H.C - Jatheepan Velayutham UK
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Theepawalli Vaalthukkal
Saba Suganthan
JHCOBA UK
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deppavali wishes
அனைவருக்கும் இனிய தீப ஒளித்திருநாள் நல் வாழ்த்துக்கள்
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Happy Deepaavali
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Happy Deepaavali
A joyful day for minds and hearts and souls;
And people throng the Temples to offer,
Prayers, resolving to take better roles.
And most of them are richly clad and clean,
And eat such dainty foods and sweets with mirth;
Whilst noisy crackers burst, their lights are seen,
It seems to be a happy day on Earth!
But are there not hearts woe-filled, very sad?
Denied of laughter, smiles for days;
Today's the triumph of Good over bad;
But what about the wastage in much ways?
True joy is when you see someone else smile!
True charity gives joy in Heav'nly style.
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