Deepavali or Diwali is the festival of lights that is celebrated in India and other parts of the world. It is a time of joy, happiness, and positivity, where families come together to light lamps, share sweets, and enjoy the festivities.
While the festival is celebrated in different ways across India, its essence remains the same – the triumph of good over evil, the celebration of light over darkness, and the renewal of hope and faith. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of Deepavali and its spiritual and historical significance.
We will also look at the differences in spelling and etymology between Deepavali and Diwali, as well as the days of festivities celebrated in different parts of India.
Differences in Spelling and Etymology
Deepavali and Diwali are two words that have the same meaning, but are spelled differently and have different etymologies. The word Diwali is more commonly used in North India, while Deepavali is used in South India.
The root of the word Deepavali comes from the Sanskrit word “deep”, which means “light” and “avali”, which means “a row”. Therefore, Deepavali translates to “a row of lights” and is celebrated by lighting lamps and candles.
On the other hand, the word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word, “dipavali”, which also means “a row of lights”. In North India, the word has been anglicized to “Diwali,” while in South India, it is commonly known as “Deepavali”.
Days of Festivities
Deepavali and Diwali are celebrated over a period of five days, but the actual dates and traditions vary widely depending upon the region of India. In South India, Deepavali is celebrated as a three-day festival.
In contrast, in North India, it is celebrated for five days. The first day of Deepavali is known as Naraka Chaturdasi day.
It commemorates the victory of the divine Krishna over the demon king Naraka, who had terrorized the people and committed many atrocities. On this day, people take a symbolic bath to signify the purification of their inner selves and the shedding of sinful deeds.
The second day of the festival is celebrated as Lakshmi Puja, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and happiness. It is believed that Lakshmi visits homes that are pure, clean, and brightly lit on this day.
To welcome the goddess, people decorate their homes with flowers, rangoli, and light lamps and candles. In North India, this day is also known as Diwali.
The third day of the festival is celebrated as Kartika Shuddha Padwa or Bali Padyami. It marks the victory of God Vishnu over the demon king Bali, who had become a threat to heaven and earth.
It is also a day that celebrates the love between brothers and sisters, where sisters apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their longevity and happiness. The fourth day of the festival is known as Yama Dvitiya.
It is a day that celebrates the bond between sisters and brothers where sisters invite their brothers to their homes, feed them with sweets, and pray for their well-being and long life.
Historical and Spiritual Meanings of Deepavali
Deepavali has both spiritual and historical significance, and the festival celebrates different stories and legends depending upon the region and religion. However, the essence of the festival remains the same to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness.
Day One – Naraka Chaturdasi Day
The first day of the festival, Naraka Chaturdasi Day, celebrates the victory of the divine Krishna over the demon king Naraka. According to legend, Naraka was the son of the earth goddess and ruled the Pragjyotishapura kingdom.
He possessed many magical powers and could not be defeated by any human or deity. Krishna, the eighth avatar of the god Vishnu, was born to destroy evil and restore righteousness in the world.
He went to Pragjyotishapura and fought Naraka using his immense strength and intelligence. Krishna used the power of the Sudershan chakra, a divine discus, to kill Naraka and rescue the imprisoned women.
To celebrate the victory over Naraka, people light lamps, burst crackers, and decorate their homes on the first day of the festival. Day Two to Four – Lakshmi Puja, Kartika Shuddha Padwa or Bali Padyami, and Yama Dvitiya
The second day of the festival, Lakshmi Puja, celebrates the arrival of the goddess Lakshmi and the ushering of wealth, prosperity, and happiness in the home.
Lakshmi is the wife of Vishnu and is also known as the goddess of fortune and beauty. On this day, people clean their homes, decorate it with rangolis, flowers, and lights, and offer prayers to the goddess.
They light lamps and candles to invite Lakshmi into their homes and pray for wealth, prosperity, and peace in their lives. The third day of the festival, Kartika Shuddha Padwa or Bali Padyami, commemorates the victory of God Vishnu over the demon king Bali.
According to legend, Bali was a powerful demon king who conquered all the three worlds, including heaven, earth, and the nether regions. Vishnu, in his avatar as Vamana, approached Bali and asked him for three steps of land.
Bali, thinking that three steps would be insignificant, agreed to the request. However, the small Vamana avatar grew in size and covered the entire earth in one step and heaven in the second step.
Bali, realizing his mistake, offered his head for the third step, and Vishnu placed his foot on Bali’s head, which pushed him to the netherworld. Therefore, the third day of the festival celebrates the victory of Vishnu over Bali and the restoration of balance and order in the universe.
The fourth day of the festival, Yama Dvitiya, is a day that celebrates the bond between sisters and brothers. According to legend, the god of death Yama visited his sister Yami on this day.
She welcomed him warmly and applied a tilak on his forehead and prayed for his well-being. Inspired by her love and affection, Yama granted her a boon that whoever visits his sister on this day and receives her hospitality, shall be blessed with long life and good fortune.
Therefore, sisters welcome their brothers on this day, feed them with sweets, and apply a tilak on their foreheads.
Conclusion
Deepavali is a festival that is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in India and different parts of the world. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil, the victory of light over darkness, and the renewal of faith and hope.
Whether it is the story of Krishna and Naraka or Vishnu and Bali, the festival brings people together and reminds them of the importance of love, peace, and harmony.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deepavali
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Diwali
https://www.livehindustan.com/india/story-the-festival-of-diwali-or-deepavali-tradition-custom-and-significance-3813547.html
Diwali is a festival that has both historical and spiritual significance for Hindus and people all over the world.
The festival is celebrated over the course of five days, each day commemorated with its unique customs, traditions, and symbolic rituals. In this article, we will explore the historical and spiritual meanings of Diwali, delving into each day’s origins, stories, and mythological significance.
Day One and Two – Dhanteras and Choti Diwali
The first day of the festival is celebrated as Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi. Dhanteras is a day when people perform Lakshmi Puja and welcome the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and beauty into their homes.
The term ‘Dhan’ means wealth, and ‘Teras’ refers to the 13th day of the month as per the Hindu calendar. It is believed that Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, emerged from the cosmic ocean on this day.
On this day, people clean and decorate their homes, buy new utensils, jewelry, and other items of the household, and perform puja to please Lakshmi, invoking her blessings and wealth. In some regions, this day is also known as Yamadeepan, where people light lamps to ward off the god of death, Yama.
The second day of the festival is celebrated as Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi. The term Choti refers to “small” or “mini,” and thus it is sometimes called “mini Diwali.” This day commemorates the slaying of the demon king Narakasura by god Krishna.
According to the legend, Narakasura had captured many women and imprisoned them. Krishna and his wife Satyabhama rescued the captives and killed Narakasura.
This day is celebrated with the same zeal and enthusiasm as the main Diwali day. People clean their homes, decorate them with rangoli and lights.
They light lamps and fireworks to welcome and celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Day Three and Four – Diwali & Lakshmi Puja, and Govardhan Puja or Annakoot
The third day of the festival is the main Diwali day and marks the most crucial and significant event in history.
It is believed that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after an exile of fourteen years on this day. According to the legend, when Lord Rama was banished to the forest, his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshmana accompanied him.
Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, fell in love with Sita and abducted her. Lord Rama waged a war against Ravana and defeated him.
To celebrate his return to Ayodhya, the people of the kingdom lit lamps and decorated their homes with rangolis and flowers, welcoming the victorious Lord Rama. On this day, people perform Lakshmi Puja and welcome the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and happiness into their homes.
They offer flowers, incense, prayers, and sweets to the goddess. In some regions, people also perform a puja for Ganesha, the Lord of success and the destroyer of evils and obstacles.
The fourth day of the festival is celebrated as Govardhan Puja or Annakoot. It is believed that Lord Krishna, understanding the true nature of devotion, lifted the Govardhan hill to protect the people of his village, Vrindavan, from the wrath of God Indra, who was believed to cause floods and natural disasters.
According to the legend, Lord Krishna encouraged the people of the village to worship the mountain instead of the god Indra, and this led to the god of rain, thunder, and lightning, Indra to feel insulted and vow to create floods and natural disasters. Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger and held it for seven days and seven nights, protecting the people from the wrath of Indra.
This day is celebrated in honor of the compassion and selflessness of Lord Krishna, and people offer grains, sweets, and fruits to him.
Day Five – Bhai Dooj
The fifth day of the festival is celebrated as Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phota, Bhau Beej, or Bhai Tika. It is a festival that celebrates the bond between siblings, and people pray for their brothers’ health, longevity, and well-being.
According to the legend, on this day, God Yama, visited his sister, the river Yamuna. She welcomed him with a tilak on his forehead and treated him with love and affection.
Touched by her kindness, he granted her a boon that whoever visits his sister on this day and receives her hospitality, shall be blessed with long life and good fortune. On this day, sisters apply vermillion powder, called tika, on their brother’s forehead and pray for their prosperity, health, and happiness.
Brothers, in return, give gifts to their sisters, symbolizing their love, appreciation, and care. It is a day that celebrates the bond between siblings and strengthens their relationship.
Conclusion
Diwali is a festival that has deep historical and spiritual significance for Hindus and people all over the world. It is a time of joy, happiness, and positivity, where families come together to light lamps, share sweets, and enjoy the festivities.
Whether it is the story of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna or the bond between siblings, the festival brings people together and reminds them of the importance of love, peace, and harmony. In conclusion, Diwali is a festival that holds immense historical and spiritual significance.
Celebrated over the course of five days, each day represents various stories, legends, and rituals. From the triumph of good over evil in the slaying of demons to the celebration of Lord Rama’s return and the bond between siblings, Diwali brings people together in the spirit of love, prosperity, and harmony.
It serves as a reminder of the significance of light, positivity, and the renewal of faith. As we celebrate Diwali, let us embrace these values and strive to bring them into our lives throughout the year.