This is our first Diwali in India and with apologies to my esteemed Indian readers I want to give you a potted version and would happily hear your comments and corrections.
This is a festival which is determined by the Indian lunar calendar and heralds the New Year so it is a moving feast, probably the biggest festival in the Indian calendar. It is celebrated over five days with the central celebration being the Day of the Festival of Lights.
It seems that the festival, like Christmas, is now over commercialized and the papers are full of Diwali offers and bargains and there is a rush to buy and exchange gifts with friends and family.
As my friend explained though this is really a festival that dates back to when most Indians were farmers and were just reaping the first harvests after the monsoon when there was money in the house and food on the table.
It is a time when the goddess Lakshmi is given thanks and a pooja (prayer) is offered for the bounty and the harvest. This is also a celebration of Lord Rama's victory as the King of Ayodhya on his return to the kingdom from 14 years of exile, over the evil Ravana. His wife lit lamps to show him the way home and this custom is continued today. My friend emphasized that essentially it is a time for the family being together and being thankful for prosperity and well being with children given new clothes and shoes.I am off to light my lamps and lights. Happy Diwali everyone.
This is a festival which is determined by the Indian lunar calendar and heralds the New Year so it is a moving feast, probably the biggest festival in the Indian calendar. It is celebrated over five days with the central celebration being the Day of the Festival of Lights.
It seems that the festival, like Christmas, is now over commercialized and the papers are full of Diwali offers and bargains and there is a rush to buy and exchange gifts with friends and family.
As my friend explained though this is really a festival that dates back to when most Indians were farmers and were just reaping the first harvests after the monsoon when there was money in the house and food on the table.
It is a time when the goddess Lakshmi is given thanks and a pooja (prayer) is offered for the bounty and the harvest. This is also a celebration of Lord Rama's victory as the King of Ayodhya on his return to the kingdom from 14 years of exile, over the evil Ravana. His wife lit lamps to show him the way home and this custom is continued today. My friend emphasized that essentially it is a time for the family being together and being thankful for prosperity and well being with children given new clothes and shoes.I am off to light my lamps and lights. Happy Diwali everyone.
Correct.
ReplyDeleteHappy Diwali to you too :-)
And to you too. Have I got it largely right ?
ReplyDeleteMM
It's very correct. Hats off to you for the general knowledge.
ReplyDelete