Diwali : The Festival Of Lights

D I W A L I

Deepavali also known as “ Depawali, Dipavali, Dewali, Diwali, Divali, Dipotsavi, Dipapratipad “ is the festival of lights.

Diwali is one of the biggest festival of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days, where the third days is celebrated as the main Diwali festival or 'Festival of lights'. Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around their house. They perform Laxmi Puja in the evening and seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. The festival Diwali is never complete without exchange of gifts. People present diwali gifts to all near and dear ones.

The Origin of Diwali :

Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali or 'Deepawali.' Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen yearlong exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.

Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, from his 14-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas and by bursting firecrackers.
                        The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year. The second day of the festival, Naraka Chaturdasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the third day of Diwali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the Bali, and banished him to Patala. It is on the fourth day of Diwali, Kartika Shudda Padyami, that Bali went to patala and took the reins of his new kingdom in there. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

When is Diwali 2012 being celebrated ?

11 November, 2012 - Dhanteras (Dhantheran/Dhantrayodashi/Dhanwantari Triodasi/Yamadeepdaan/Dhan Teyras)
12 November, 2012 - Choti Diwali (Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaturdashi )
13 November, 2012 - Main Deepavali / Baddi Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
14 November, 2012 - Padwa Puja & Govardhan Puja (Pratipat, Gudi Padwa, Annakoot )
15 November, 2012 - Bhai Duj (Bhhaya Dooj, Bhai Beej, Dvitiya )

Some Diwali Wishes

1)       May this Diwali bring joy, health and wealth to you. May the festival of lights brighten up you and your near and dear ones lives. May the Diwali light show us the way and lead us together on the path of peace harmony WISH U A VERY HAPPY DIWALI  

Maa Lakshmi

2)     May The Millions of Lamps Illuminate Your Life With Endless JOY,LOVE,PROSPERITY,HEALTH,WEALTH AND HAPPINESS.
Wish u and your family a HAPPY DEEPAWALI

3)       With Gleam of Diyas, And the Echo of the Chants, May Happiness and Contentment Fill Your Life ! Wishing you a very happy and Prpsperous Diwali !!!  

4)      May the Divine Light of Diwali Spread into your
Life Peace, Prosperity, Happiness and Good Health.
Happy Deepawali 

Wishing Happy Diwali to everyone! Shubh Diwali!!

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  Wish You  All  A  Happy Diwali