This time of the year we celebrate many other festivals too. The most important of these is the Festival of Lights or Diwali. This particular festival is observed differently in different regions of the country. For example, in West Bengal - the state from where I come- it is a two day festival. On the afternoon of the first day fourteen different types of greens are cooked together and were eaten with rice during lunch. Why fourteen-I really do not know. But it was always done. Then as the evening drew near fourteen clay lamps were lit and placed in different rooms of the house-including bathrooms and even, just outside the front door- to drive away evil spirits and dispel darkness. Next day got really exciting! All the youngsters of the household had to make wicks from old white cotton sari for approximately a hundred clay lamps which were filled with oil and arranged on the balustrades of our house and lit as the evening fell. The sight was spectacular!! The picture posted here will give the reader some idea of how beautiful our homes looked.
Then all of us gathered outside for the fireworks. Almost every household had a show of their own - even if it was just sparklers. Next on the agenda was usually getting in our car and going for a ride around the neighborhood to see the lights on other houses. We returned to a sumptious dinner which was more like a feast. After that we again piled into the car to go to see Kali puja, worship of Goddess Kali, a diety who came to earth Hindus believe to rid our planet of evil. This was again victory of good over evil. That was Diwali of my growing up years.
In other parts of India instead of Kali, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped. Lakshmi is believed to be in charge of wealth and good fortune. Believers there think that the houses are illuminated so that Lakshmi would know which house to enter and bestow her blessings to the inhabitants of that household. Some believe that we celebrate Diwali for Rama - the banished king of Ayodhya- who returned to his kingdom with his consort Sita and brother Lakshman after fourteen years. Fireworks were lit and the houses were illuminated to welcome him back. Dewali is a celebration of that anniversary. Some believe, specially among merchants, it is the beginning of new year. New clothes are bought as gifts for family members and sweets are distributed to workers.
There are still other beliefs. But be that as it may, Dewali is a celebration with light, fireworks, special worships, new clothes, jewlry, utensils for the house, good food and delicious desserts. Keeping all that in mind we celebrate the festival in this country- our adopted home- by getting together either in our homes or temples or community halls. Our children perform in cultural programs with dances and songs which are taught to them by some talented adults. There is always some form of religious ceremony, followed by either a potluck or catered banquet. If possible we light some fireworks and reminesce of other Dewalis of the past. Some things have changed in India too. I am told that instead of the clay lamps, candles or tiny electric lights similar to Christmas lights, are now used. Commercialism has crept in and huge amounts of money are now spent in decorating the markets and business districts of every town and city. Cards and other gifts are send out with Dewali greetings to friends and family.But the spirit of the festival is still there and that is what we try to establish here-even it is for a weekend or day.
No comments:
Post a Comment