Festival of lights : Deepavali or Diwali

Diwali or Deepavali, the festival of lights has no religious boundary to celebrate it. Though it is a Hindu festival but nowadays, people of all the religions celebrate this festival. It has crossed all the physical boundaries of the country and has reached far off countries. In the age of Globalisation, Indian festivals too are globalised. Soon Diwali will be a International festival.

NASDAQ salutes festive spirits of India – 2006

Last year, US administration recognized the Indian festival and as a part of that the NASDAQ (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations), which is the American stock market, saluted the festive spirit of India on the occasion of Diwali by decorating the building with Indian tricolour by lights.

This year the house of representatives of US has for the first time passed resolution recognizing the “Religious and historical significance” of Diwali. It’s a great honour for the Indian festival.

Some section of the society observes Deepavali as two days festival and for some it is a three day festival. It starts with the Dhan-Teras, on the 13 day followed by Narak Chaudas (the 14^th day) and by Deepavali on the 15^th day of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of “Kartik” (October-November) month.

There are various origins attributed to this festival. Some part of India celebrates it as the marriage of Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. In Bengal, the festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali. In some parts it is also celebrated to commemorates the day on which Lord Rama returned to ayodhya with His wife Sita after defeating Ravana. This is the historical significance of the festival.

Little clay lamps are lit as an offering to God to ward off evil spirits and to usher prosperity. This is also to welcome the new year on the following day, when businessmen start their new account books. Families visit relatives and friends and exchange gifts and sweets. It is an auspicious day for new beginnings. This is a festival of brotherhood, peace and harmony too because people from all religions are celebrating Deepavali in India.

On this auspicious occasion, I wish you all a very happy Deepavali. Hope you have a wonderful year up ahead. May this festival of light brings all brightness, happiness to your life.

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