One of the brightest (literally and figuratively) festivals of India is 'Deepavali '(Diwali).
Deepavali is the correct nomenclature as it means ' a row of light'
There are different reasons attributed as to why we celebrate Deepavali. The popular one is as follows,
Narakaasura was a demon king ruling over Praagjyotishapura (the present-day Assam). By virtue of his powers and boons secured from God, he became all-conquering. Power made him swollen-headed and he became a menace to the good and the holy men and even the Gods.
The Gods headed by Devendra implored Sri Krishna who was at Dwaaraka (in the present-day Gujarat) to come to their rescue. Sri Krishna responded. He marched from the western end of the country to its eastern end, Praagjyotishapura, destroyed the huge army which opposed him and finally beheaded Narakaasura himself. The populace was freed from the oppressive tyranny and all heaved a sigh of relief.
After the slaying of Narakaasura Sri Krishna bathed himself smearing his body with oil in the early morning of Chaturdashi. Hence the invigorating vogue of taking an early morning `oil-bath' on that day.
Mother Earth, whose son Narakaasura was, requested Sri Krishna that the day be celebrated as one of jubilation. Sri Krishna granted the request and since then the tradition has continued.
Mother Earth reconciled herself to the loss of her son and knowing as she did that the Lord had punished her son for the sake of the welfare of the world. She thus set a glowing example of how one has to brush aside one's personal joys and sorrows in the interest of society.
Another legend has Deepavali being associated with Sri Rama
Deepaavali is associated with the return of Sri Rama to Ayodhya after vanquishing Raavana. The people of Ayodhya, overwhelmed with joy, welcomed Rama through jubilation and illumination of the entire capital.
In South India, Deepavali falls on Monday, 27th October 2008. The next day is Amavasya, the new moon day, auspicious for offering prayers and gratitude to the bygone ancestors of the family and invoking their memories and blessings for treading the path of right conduct. This is also the sacred occasion for the worship of Mahaa Lakshmi, the goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. The business community open their New Year's account with Her worship. In India, the stock markets open for a hour on Deepavali day, despite it being a holiday, for people to make some token trade in securities.
Deepavali wishes to all my readers. May the year ahead bring you prosperity and wealth (hope this wish comes true, as it is an ambitious one in the current global financial scenario).
Needless to say, Blog would like to see for itself all the Deepavali festivities and hence will be off on Monday. It hopes to return on Tuesday with some tips as to how to make money.
