DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL- DAWN OF A NEW LIFE

One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Deepavali symbolizes the spiritual victory of “light over darkness”,  “knowledge over ignorance” and  triumph of good over evil

“Perfect time for New Vision, New Hopes and New Expectations”

‘Deepam’ means ‘clay lamp’ and ‘avali’ means arranged in an order. Deepavali means ‘row of small oil lamps’ (clay oil lamps). Hence, the name Deepavali derived.
Deepavali is a large family celebration that often involves extended families coming together for a large meal and the exchange of presents.

Known as the ‘festival of lights’, Deepavali marks the time when millions of Hindus across the world celebrate the festival. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Deepavali symbolizes the spiritual victory of “light over darkness”, “good over evil”, and “knowledge over ignorance”,  triumph of good over evil. Hindus celebrate Deepavali with beautiful rituals such as festive lights, fireworks, and sweets. Food is a major part of the celebrations of Deepavali. During the festival, friends and relatives exchange sweets.

Deepavali is even more special this year, both socially and spiritually. As the shadow cast by the Covid-19 pandemic still exists, celebrating this festival is more palpable for people who are eager to get rid of the past darkness and turbulent times.

The Deepavali Stories

 Let us now delve into the Deepavali stories. history and traditions, to find out how Deepavali is celebrated and how you can take part in the magical festivities.
There are many interesting stories related to the origin of Deepavali. Let us focus on the very important stories to know more about Deepavali. 
In one story in Hindu Mythology,  Deepavali is the day Lord Rama returned to his homeland Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The villagers lit a path for Rama, who had defeated the demon king Ravana.

Another Deepavali story, also in Hindu mythology is that Deepavali marks the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon ‘Narakasura’ and freed the people of his kingdom. After he slayed the demon, Lord Krishna declared it a day of festivities.
 People also celebrate the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi during Deepavali.

As the Goddess of prosperity, wealth and fertility, the romantic Deepavali story says that she chose Lord Vishnu, one of Hinduism’s most important deities, to be her husband in the night of Deepavali. As per Hindu mythology Deepavali also marks the day of ‘Vamana Avatar’ of Lord Vishnu.
 The final story is that of the ‘Return of Pandava brothers. The Pandava refers to the five brothers namely, Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, who are five acknowledged sons of Pandu and are central of the epic Mahabharata.

Deepavali and the different traditions

 There are many different traditions that surround this festival. It is considered an important time for introspection, cleaning, decorating, gathering and worship.
“Clean house equals wealth”. According to popular Hindu belief, deities will shower blessings to those with clean homes. The cleaner, the better.

Preparations for the festival

To have the best Deepavali celebration ever, you could make sure that you follow these simple steps. Spring clean and decorate your home, light oil lamps during the night of the festival, shop for a brand new outfit, prepare a festive meal, make an awesome fireworks display, prepare for Lakshmi Pooja, play games, buy a gift for your siblings and lastly join in the fun and celebrate Deepavali with all family, relatives and friends.

Conclusion

We have old eyes. But, let us have a new and clear vision for our future. As we strive to meet our expectations, let us be conscious to our roles, duties and responsibilities on the eve of the Deepavali festival day. Based on the stories on Deepavali as illustrated above, we can learn many lessons for our daily living. My message to you on this holy festival day is “Be prepared, be focused, be firm, be responsible, be resilient, be victorious and be joyous”.

No matter how little their light is, they can still light up the whole world and bring us out of our dark agonies.
May the lights of Deepavali play such a role in your life.
Warm Deepavali wishes for happiness and joy to you.
 May the warmth and splendour, that are a part of this auspicious occasion fill your life with happiness and bright cheer, and bring to you joy, peace, power, good luck, good health, wealth and prosperity for the whole year.
I hope that Goddess Lakshmi will fulfill all your dreams.
You may wish your friends and relatives literally in the following  manner; “Enadhu Iniya Deepath Thirunaal Nal Vaalthugal” meaning “My pleasant wishes on the festival of Lights day” or simply by stating “Iniya Deepavali Nal Vaalthugal“, meaning “Pleasant Deepavali Wishes”.
Wish you and the family a very happy, memorable and wealthy Deepavali.
 Finally, let us welcome a “new life” full of “light and wealth”.

The writer was the former Senior Advisor and the Senior Lecturer at Sri Ponnambalawanesvarar Hindu Religious School and former President of Youth League for Sanathana Dharmic Perception(YLSDP). He is a Pharma Marketing and Training Consultant.