Kali Chaudash
Kali Chaudash is observed a day
before Diwali in North India and Gujarat . It
is also known as Narak Chaturdashi. Deepavali in South
India is celebrated on the day. Legend has it that Lord Krishna
killed demon Narkasur on the day with the help of Sathyabhama. Special prayers
are also offered on the day to Lord Hanuman.
Hanuman puja is a major spiritual
event on the day for many Hindu families.
People bath before sunrise on the
day. Special prayers are offered to Lord Hanuman. Hanuman is believed to remove
the fear of evil spirits and assure in auspiciousness on the day.
Simple Diwali Rangoli – Ideas and Photos of Rangolis
Rangolis are an important aspect of
Diwali celebrations. Rangoli adds more color to the colorful Deepavali
celebrations. Imaginations run wild when it comes to designing the Rangolis.
There are thousands of ways to draw Rangoli. Most people stick to the traditional
ideas. But there are many who always opt for something new by using
innovative ideas. Here are pictures of a few simple Diwali Rangoli designs.
Bali Pratipada – Balipadyami during Diwali in Karnataka
and Maharashtra
Bali Padyami, or Bali Pratipada, is
observed after Deepavali in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Balipadyami
celebrates the reign of Asura King Balindra, popularly known as Mahabali, who
was killed by Vamana, an incarnation of Vishnu. Legend has it that due to a
boon given by Lord Vishnu, King Balindra gets an opportunity to rule to entire
universe for one day and this day is Bali Padyami.
Legend has it that King Bali
attained immense popularity due to his good governance. He attained near
invincibility with the help of his Guru Shukracharya. As a result, Indra soon
lost heaven to Bali . And Balindra got the
coveted title of Chakravarthi – emperor. Bali
decided to conduct Ashvamedha Yajna, to show his strength.
Indra sought the help of Lord
Vishnu to regain his lost heaven.
Lord
Vishnu attended the Yajna, as Vamana, a dwarf. Vamana asked for three steps of
land and it was immediately granted by King Bali. Soon, the short Vamana grew
in size – so huge that it was impossible to describe in words.
With his first step, Vamana covered
all of Earth. His second step covered all of the Sky. There was no place for
the third step and King Bali offered his head. Vamana sent Bali
to Patalaloka or Underworld.
King Bali was a popular and great
ruler; therefore he was made the emperor of underworld by Vamana. He was also
given the boon that he will be allowed to rule the entire universe for one day,
which is the Balipadyami day.
The popular Onam
festival in Kerala (August - September) also has the same legend. But
there Mahabali visits his erstwhile subjects on the Thiruonam day.
On Balipadyami day, people remember
King Bali and pray for the return of prosperity that existed during his rule.
Exchanging gifts on this day is a major highlight.
Vagh Barash – Vagh Baaras during Diwali
Diwali celebrations in Gujarat begin with Vagh Baaras, or Vagh Barash. It can be
considered as the first day of Diwali celebrations of Gujarati people.
Vagh Barash is also known as Govatsa Dwadashi and Guru Dwadashi. Cows and other
domestic animals are worshipped on the day. It is also the last day of
transactions in the financial year for businesses and those who maintain
account books.
Vagh during Diwali also refers to
clearing of all financial deals and debts. New transactions begin only from
Labh Pancham day.
At Nathadwara, Navnit Priyaji (Lord
Krishna) appears newly dressed before the devotees on the day. Temples
Dhanteras in 2008 – Diwali Dhan Teras to buy gold –
silver or make investment
Dhanteras, or Dhan Teras, is the
first day of Deepavali or it marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations
in North India. It is observed two days before Diwali. Also known as
Dhanvantari Puja or Dhantra Yodashi, it falls on the thirteenth day of the dark
fortnight of Kartik Month. In Gujarat and Maharashtra ,
the same period is the thirteenth day of Ashwina month.
A new utensil or gold or silver is
bought for the house on the Dhan Teras day. Some people make an investment on
the day. Most people also wait for the day to give away Diwali gifts. The day
is also dedicated to Dhanavantri, the physician of the demi-Gods, and therefore
special Dhanvantari Puja is held on the day.
The day is of great importance to
business community and homes. Houses are decorated and special rangolis are
drawn on the floor. Small foot prints are made in the houses.
Neer Thumba Habba – Cleaning and venerating Water a day
before Deepavali in Karnataka
Neer Thumba Habba, or Neer Thumbo
Habba, is a unique cleaning ritual performed a day before Deepavali (Diwali) by
some communities in Karnataka. ‘Neeru’ means water and the ritual is a sort of
physical and spiritual cleaning. The cleaning is to remove all dirt, evil and
inauspicious things before the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi on the next day.
Neer Thumba Habba is observed on
the 13th day during the waning phase of the moon in the month of Ashvija.
Toilets, wash areas, bath areas etc
are cleaned thoroughly. Water containers, vessels are emptied and cleaned. All
buckets and mugs are scrubbed and cleaned. Those still using huge urns decorate
them with turmeric and kumkum dots. Rangolis or kolams are drawn before wash
areas and before huge vessels.
Lines are also drawn on bronze and
silver vessels with red paint or red mud and also using paste of gypsum.
Simple Ideas and Tips to decorate home during Diwali
Financial crisis or prosperity,
rich or poor, decorating the house during Diwali is a must for all
people. Utmost importance is given to cleanliness during Deepavali because
Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed to home on this day. Decoration during Diwali is
not all about costly renovation and new paint. Time, few constructive ideas,
determination and patience can give every home a makeover and new look during
Diwali. Here are few simple tips and ideas for decorating home during Diwali:
Who is
going to clean the entire house? Don’t try to clean and decorate the entire
house in a day. Forget the big picture. Find time daily to do some work. Make
it a point to clean a room daily. Within a week the entire house will be clean.
This will help in better concentration and less work.
Forget about painting the house in
a short period. Instead give the walls a new look by tickling your creativity.
Use floor rugs, wall rugs, old colorful Saris, rangolis, flowers, colorful
clothes etc on the wall. Go for bright colors like red, blue, purple etc. (You
can also borrow or steal ideas from Hindi serials and films.)
Change the curtains, cushion
covers, door hangings etc with bright and fresh color materials. Again look for
inspiration in television serials and movies.
If you have time and ideas, change
the arrangements in living room. Rearrange the furniture. A change from routine
arrangements will bring a smile in all. This can be a Diwali decoration. Bring
in new green plants and flowers. Before rearranging, make a sketch in a paper
so that you will get a good idea of what to do.
Diwali is all about lights. Make
sure that all the lamps are working. Clean the chandeliers. Look for new lamp
shades. You don’t need to buy them all. Old hard sheets and other colorful
materials can be converted into lamp shades. While arranging Diyas, try to
create different shapes.
Finally, each region has a
traditional Diwali decoration. Try to be a bit flexible with the traditional
decorations.
Diwali Lakshmi Puja – Mahalakshmi Pooja during Deepavali
Lakshmi Puja, or Laxmi Pooja, is an
important ritual held during Diwali. During Mahalakshmi puja, Goddess Lakshmi,
the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, is worshipped. On the day, Goddess
Lakshmi is invited into the houses by Hindus. She is propitiated along with
Ganesha and Lord Kubera.
People also choose special time or
muhurats to perform the Lakshmi puja.
Lakshmi Puja during Diwali is an
important event for business establishments. New account books are opened by
shops and other establishments.
Lakshmi Puja is widely observed in
North India, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil
Nadu.
Naraka Chaturdasi
Naraka Chaturdasi, or Narak
Chaturdashi, is associated with the Deepavali or Diwali celebrations. In South India , Naraka Chaturdasi is observed on the
Deepavali day. In North India , it is observed
a day before Diwali on the Choti Diwali day. Naraka Chaturdasi day celebrates
the victory of Lord Krishna over Demon Naraka (Narakasura or Narakasuran).
It must be noted here that Diwali
in South India is celebrated a day before the celebrations in North India.
The legend for celebrating Diwali
in North India is based on the return of Lord
Ram from exile to Ayodhya. But in South India the legend is Krishna
defeating demon Naraka with the help of Satyabhama.
Legend has it that Demon Naraka,
the son of Bhumi Devi and Vishnu, with the help of a boon from Brahma became
very powerful. The boon was that he could only be killed by his mother Bhumi
Devi. With such immense power Naraka lost his self control and his ego took
over him. He started harassing people and demi-gods. He also forcibly took away
the earrings of Aditi, the mother of devas.
Finally,
the task of annihilating Naraka fell on Krishna .
As always, a clever Lord Krishna asked his wife Satyabhama, an incarnation of
Bhumi Devi, to accompany him to the battle against Naraka and be his charioteer.
The battle between Naraka and Krishna shook the entire world. During the battle, an
arrow hits Krishna and he acts being
unconscious. Satyabhama could not tolerate this and she took the bow and arrow
of Krishna and kills Demon Naraka.
It is said that before dying Naraka
realized his mistakes and requested for a festival in his name from his parents
which will remind people what will happen when they are overtook by inflated
egos.
Naraka Chaturdasi thus indicates
that good and evil rises from the same root. It also suggests that personal
relationships do not matter when it comes to the good of the society. Victory
of good over evil always prevails.
Diwali Muhurats – Best time to do puja and purchases
Diwali (Deepavali) is not all about
celebrations and merry making; it is also a time for spiritual contemplation,
pujas, opening of account books by business people, investing in gold and
properties. Here are the dates and Muhurats for Pushya Nakshatra, Vagh Barash,
Dhanteras or Dhanvantari Puja, Hanuman Puja, Chopada Pujan, Sharda Puja and
Lakshmi Puja during Diwali.
A large section of Hindu society
believes in astrology look for ideal time (muhurats) to do the pujas and
investments. There are also an equal number of people who are only interested
in the particular day and they skip the muhurats and do puja during a
convenient time
The Muhurats are provided by
Dharmesh Bhai, an astrologer based in Gujarat .
This is only a guide to help those people who are interested in Muhurats for
pujas. If you are so particular about muhurat please check the local panchang
also.
Diwali is on and for Sri RAMA
The most popular Hindu festival
Diwali literally means ‘an array of lamps.’ The Diwali lamps signify the
removal of spiritual darkness and the ushering in of knowledge capable of
realizing Brahman (That) – the Supreme Being present in all animate and
inanimate. It also signifies the victory of good over evil – where the good and
the evil are present in us.
There
are several reasons for celebrating Diwali. The most important one is the
commemoration of the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
Lakshmi Puja during Diwali is
observed as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean on this
day during the ‘samudra manthan’ (churning of ocean) by demons and gods as
mentioned in the Puranas. So for the business people, the new business year
begins on Diwali.
In South India ,
Diwali is the day in which Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura.
In Gujarat ,
the day after Diwali is observed as Annakut – New Year’s Day.
Dhanteras is celebrated two days
before Diwali honors Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods. He is believed to
have emerged from the ocean on this day during samudra manthan.
In Orissa, the lights are lit to
show the path to the spirits of ancestors returning to heaven.
In Bengal ,
Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja. It is believed that Goddess Kali
killed the demon Raktavija on this day.
Diwali - Deepavali in Tamil
Nadu and South India
Diwali, known as Deepavali, in
South India is celebrated a day before the Diwali day in North
India . The difference of dates is primarily due to the variations
in the regional calendars.
In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and parts
of Andhra Pradesh, Deepavali is celebrated to commemorate the killing of the
demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. In Kerala, Deepavali is a low-key affair and
is believed to be the day Lord Ram returned from exile. In Karnataka, the day
after Deepavali is observed as Bali Paadyami to mark the day of King Bali's
return to his subject once a year.
There may be difference in date and
reason for Deepavali but the central theme – good wins over evil, remains the
same.
Diwali Sayings
This Diwali let us give thanks for all we hold dear: Our health,
our family, our friends and to the grace of God which never ends.
Let us release our grudges, anger and pains, for these are nothing but binding chains.
Let us vow to live each day in the most pious, God-conscious way.
Let us vow to serve all who are in need, regardless of race, caste, gender or creed.
Let us vow to keep Lord in our heart, to chant His name each day at the start.
Let us vow to lead the world from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth, and from wrong to right.
And let us vow to remember that we are all one, embracing all, discriminating against none.
May this Diwali be filled with prosperity and peace, and love and joy which doesn't cease.
May you have success in all you do. And may God's blessings be showered upon you.
Let us release our grudges, anger and pains, for these are nothing but binding chains.
Let us vow to live each day in the most pious, God-conscious way.
Let us vow to serve all who are in need, regardless of race, caste, gender or creed.
Let us vow to keep Lord in our heart, to chant His name each day at the start.
Let us vow to lead the world from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth, and from wrong to right.
And let us vow to remember that we are all one, embracing all, discriminating against none.
May this Diwali be filled with prosperity and peace, and love and joy which doesn't cease.
May you have success in all you do. And may God's blessings be showered upon you.
Diwali Quotes
O Ram!
The light of lights, the self-luminous inner light of the Self is ever shining
steadily in the chamber of your heart. Sit quietly. Close your eyes. Withdraw
the senses. Fix the mind on this supreme light and enjoy the real Deepavali, by
attaining illumination of the soul.
He who Himself sees all but whom no
one beholds, who illumines the intellect, the sun, the moon and the stars and
the whole universe but whom they cannot illumine, He indeed is Brahman, He is
the inner Self. Celebrate the real Deepavali by living in Brahman, and enjoy
the eternal bliss of the soul.
The sun does not shine there, nor
do the moon and the stars, nor do lightning shine… All the lights of the world
cannot be compared even to a ray of the inner light of the Self. Merge yourself
in this light of lights and enjoy the supreme Deepavali.
Many Deepavali festivals have come
and gone. Yet the hearts of the vast majority are as dark as the night of the
new moon. The house is lit with lamps, but the heart is full of the darkness of
ignorance. O man! wake up from the slumber of ignorance. Realize the constant
and eternal light of the Soul which neither rises nor sets, through meditation
and deep enquiry.
May you all attain full inner
illumination! May the supreme light of lights enlighten your understanding! May
you all attain the inexhaustible spiritual wealth of the Self! May you all
prosper gloriously on the material as well as spiritual planes!
Pictures of Traditional Rangoli Designs for Diwali and
Lakshmi Puja
Rangoli patterns are an essential part of Lakshmi Puja during
Diwali celebrations. These unique designs are known as ‘Kolam’ in Tamil Nadu.
Today, colorful Rangolis are more preferred. Rangoli designs are drawn
mainly to invite Goddess Lakshmi into the house. The two feet drawn along with
the Rangoli designs symbolizes Godddess Lakshmi.
Six petaled lotuses, pointed starts,
hexagons are some of the patterns widely drawn during Diwali. In some areas,
especially in North India , different types of
colors are widely used in the Rangoli patterns. In South
India , generally the designs are kept white in color. At night,
Diwali diyas are lit on the Rangoli designs.
Hundred Years of Diwali Celebrations in South Africa
A new book on Indian indentured
laborers reveals that 2007 Diwali Celebrations in South Africa
The Times South Africa reports
Ashwin Desai and Goolam Vahed
uncovered interesting information during research for their new book, “Inside
Indenture.”
Desai said their research led them
to an important movement called the Hindu Young Men’s Association, which was
formed in 1907 and organized the first communal Diwali celebrations in a hall.
“It shows that although Indians
arrived in Durban
The festival was officially
recognized by municipal officials only in 1907, when Hindus were given
permission to celebrate the occasion.
“Being the 100th year of
celebrations, we need to recognise and pay homage to those indentured labourers
and many other Hindus who sacrificed a great deal to convince the white
colonial authorities that Hinduism was a religion and that they had a right to
cele- brate Diwali,” said Desai.
What would have Diwali meant to
thousands of families living under oppressive conditions in a far off country?
Did they lose track of time? They might not have known the exact date but the
families would have surely discussed about Diwali and looking at the moon they
would have surely told stories about Diwali to their children.
Fifty years after their arrival in South Africa , when the families officially
celebrated Diwali, it surely would have been a momentous occasion because a
young generation was actively participating in the celebrations – a generation
which did not know how the celebrations were held in India
Diwali might have given hope
to thousands of indentured families, who lived under oppressive conditions. For
many an opportunity to go back to the roots of their faith, and for some an
opportunity to do something that you've already done in your homeland but was
not permitted in the new home.
How to perform Lakshmi Puja at home during Diwali?
Lakshmi Puja is an important ritual
during Diwali or Deepavali. There were numerous queries on how to do Lakshmi
Puja at home? There is no straightforward answer to this question as the ritual
varies from region to region. But here is a simple guide to perform Lakshmi
Puja during Diwali.
First and foremost step is to clean
the house. Through the puja we are inviting Goddess Lakshmi to our house and
she likes everything to be neat and clean. In some communities, even the broom
is worshipped on the Lakshmi Puja day. This symbolically represents the need
for cleanliness.
Three forms of Shakti – Goddess
Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswathi and Goddess Durga –Lord Ganesh and Lord Kubera are
worshipped on the day. No puja is performed without paying customary tributes
to Lord Ganesha. Lord Kubera, represents wealth, and he is the treasurer of
Gods. In homes, usually the locker or safe in which gold and cash is kept
symbolically represents the seat of Kubera.
Important
Items Needed For Lakshmi Puja
Kalash
Mango leaves
Idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi
Milk, curd, honey, ghee
Puffed rice
Usual puja Sweets
Coriander seeds
Cumin seeds
And other daily puja items
Mango leaves
Idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi
Milk, curd, honey, ghee
Puffed rice
Usual puja Sweets
Coriander seeds
Cumin seeds
And other daily puja items
Lakshmi Puja
Process
- First
decide on a place to perform the puja.
- Spread a
clean cloth and create a bed of rice.
- A Kalash
(pot) is placed on the bed of rice.
- Fill about
75% of the Kalash with water.
- Put a betel
nut, flower, a clean coin, and some rice in the Kalash.
- Now arrange
mango leaves around the opening of the Kalash.
- Place a
Thaali (a small plain plate) on the Kalash.
- On the
Thaali, draw a lotus with turmeric powder and place the idol or small
photograph of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Place some
coins on the Thaali.
- On the
right of Kalash, place the idol of Lord Ganesha.
- If you
need, you can also place the idols of Saraswathi and your favorite
deities.
Create a peaceful and calm
atmosphere. The best way is to close the eyes and meditate on ‘om.’
- Take some
water and sprinkle on all puja items to purify them.
- Do puja
with haldi, kumkum and flowers on the Kalash.
- Light a
lamp.
- Now take
some flower and rice in the hands and close the eyes and meditate on
Goddess Lakshmi. You are now invoking Goddess Lakshmi. If you know
mantras, recite them. Otherwise just simply meditate on Goddess Lakshmi.
Here is a simple Sanskrit mantra dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
Namosthesthu
Maha Maye,
Shree padee, sura poojithe,
Shanka, Chakra, Gadha hasthe,
Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Shree padee, sura poojithe,
Shanka, Chakra, Gadha hasthe,
Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
- Now
sprinkle the flowers and rice on the idol of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Take out
the idol of Goddess Lakshmi and place it on a Thaali. Clean the idol with
water, then with milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar. Then clean the idol
again with water.
- Place the
idol back on the Kalash.
- Now offer
garlands made of marigolds or leaves of bel tree, sandalwood paste, kumkum
and other daily puja items including lighting incense and agarbhatis.
- Now make
offerings of coconut, fruits, sweets, betel nuts and betel leaves.
- Next make
offerings of Batasha sweets, puffed rice, coriander and cumin seeds.
- Lastly,
perform a silent Arati for Goddess Lakshmi. And meditate on Goddess
Lakshmi.
- Take some
of the ‘prasad’ (that will stay for long period of time) and place it at
the place where ornaments and cash is usually kept.
Business people also worship the
account books on this day along with Goddess Lakshmi.
This is only a guideline. You can
show flexibility in the puja process. Some of the items needed might not be
readily available. But you can keep the house and surrounding clean. Finally,
if you can’t perform the puja, wherever you are simply mediate on Goddess
Lakshmi.
Difference between Diwali in North India and Deepavali in
South India
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated throughout India
The word 'Diwali' is most popularly
used in North India and South India it is
mostly used as 'Deepavali.' The meaning of both the word is the same. The
Deepavali celebration is a four-day festival in South
India and commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi. The first day
of the festival is known as Naraka Chaturdasi and it commemorates the victory
of Lord Krishna over demon Naraka. This day is celebrated as Deepvali in South
India and it usually falls on a day before the Diwali in North
India .
Diwali in North
India commemorates the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after his
exile.
In North India ,
the Diwali celebration begins two days before the actual Diwali day with the
Dhanteras.
The day after Dhanteras is
celebrated as Choti Diwali. Usually, the actual Deepavali in South
India takes place on this day.
On the Diwali day, Lakshmi puja is
held in North India . In South
India too Lakshmi puja is held on the same day. The myth is the
same – Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk
The day after Diwali in North India is the Govardhan Puja. This day in South India is celebrated as Bali Padyami and it is
believed that King Mahabali returns to earth on this day to visit his subjects.
The next day is Bhai Dhooj in North
India and in South India it is the Yama
Dvitiya. On this day sisters invite brothers to their home. This ritual is same
in North and South but with a different name and myth.
Significance of Dhanteras and its origin
Dhanteras or Dhan Teras marks the beginning of Diwali and is
observed two days before Diwali. It is the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight
of Kartik Month and is also known as Dhantra Yodashi.
The importance of Dhanteras is that a new utensil or gold or
silver is bought for the house. The day is dedicated to Dhanavantri, the
physician of the gods.
According
to Hindu legend, when devas and asuras were churning the ocean for ‘amrit’ -
the nectar of immortality - Dhanvantri emerged from the ocean with the jar of
amrit on this day.
On this day, Hindus purchase gold,
silver and other utensils. Many people begin the purchase for Diwali
celebrations on this day. Crackers, candles, diyas, hatri, clays idols of Lord
Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi, earthen katoris, kulris, chaugaras, toys and whole
lot of other items needed for Diwali are purchased on this day.
For those doing business, Dhanteras
is the day when new account books are bought and kept ready for the Lakshmi
puja on Diwali.
Interestingly, a girl child born on
Dhanteras day is considered as the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi into the house
and is considered lucky by certain communities in North
India . When girls born on Dhanteras get married and leave for her
husband’s home, she leaves her footprints on a plate covered with ‘kumkum’ (red
powder used in Hindu puja), this is to ensure that Goddess Lakshmi does not
leave the house.
------------------------- Various Sources from NET are used in making this Collection apart from my contribution ---------
