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| Happy Deepawali 2020, depositphotos.com |
Happy Deepawali. Let this festival of light help us get through the worst Covid-19 pandemic and usher in a new period of happiness and prosperity.
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| Happy Deepavali 2020 pinrest com |
This festival of lights, symbolizing the ''victory of light over darkness, the good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance'' marks many events and one being fire-work displays and lighting of crackers and this year it is very much limited because of their impact on the air-quality that may further worsen the air-quality. Metros like Delhi and other cities face very much restrictions on fire-work displays in public spaces. However, on this day, in most of the homes oil lamps are kept all around the house at night and impressive and colorful Rangolis or Kolams are drawn by women in front of their homes in the early morning. Like-wise many homes display a variety of colored lights, .a tradition that symbolizes removal of darkness and negativity from our homes and inviting happiness and positive elements. It is an happy occasion to rejoice and cleanse our mind and begin a new life. Wearing new dress, eating sweets and special meal on this festival day bear testimony to it.
Lakshmi puja is a common one during this festival as on this day, Goddess Lakshmi was born in the month of Kartika and when she grew up, according to the Hindu mythology, her wedding with Lord Vishnu took place on the new moon day (Amavasya) Lord Rama, an incarnation of God Vishnu, returned victorious to his kingdom Ayodhya with his consort Sita after his long-drawn battle with the demon king Ravana of Lanka. God Rama's return to the kingdom also marks the end of his long exile - 14 long years.
As mentioned earlier, in some Indian states, it is a five-day festival and the events signify as follows:
01. First day called Naraka Chaturdasi marks the defeat of the demon Naraka by Lord Sri Krishna ( an incarnation of God Vishnu).
02. Second day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess of wealth - Lakshmi. People offer prayer to the goddess so that they will be blessed with prosperity and good health. Elderly people also narrate the story of Vishnu's incarnation as a dwarf saint to banish king Bali to Pathala Lokha - hell. On the Amavasya day, king Bali is allowed by God Vishnu to return to his land to spread the message of happiness, compassion and love.
03. Third day called Kartika Shudda Padyami, Bali comes out of Hell and rules the earth in accordance with God Vishnu's boon as the ruler happened to be a man of charity.
04. The fourth day referred to as Yama Dvitiya, also known as Bhai Dooj, is observed. On this day sisters invite their brothers into their home and give them gifts, etc and the brothers do the same. This event strengthens the bond between sisters and brothers.
05. The fifth day known as Dhanteras, is a celebration of wealth and prosperity. It is normally celebrated two days before Deepavali and Hindus around the world offer worship to God Shiva and Parvati as they spent the day happily by being cheerful and play the game of dice. It symbolizes the closeness of a well-knit family and the perfect relationship between husband and wife. Share-brokers and people who trade in company shares worship the god and goddess for their success in their new risky deals.
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