Lord Ram 's Return
Thousands of Years have passed by, and yet so ideal is
the kingdom of Ram (Ram Rajya) that it is remembered to
this day. Ravan has been eliminated along with most of
his rakshasas - by Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman,
and their army of monkeys. Sita has been returned to her
husband Ram, and they now make their way to Ayodhya in
triumph and glory. Kaikeyi, meanwhile, has done
enough penance for the misery caused to the family and
the kingdom. Bharat had refused to sit on the throne,
and has kept vigil as a regent, and had told Ram that
if he did not return on the last day of the fourteen
years' exile, he would immolate himself. Consequently,
to commemorate the return of Ram, Sita and Lakshman
to Ayodhya people celebrate Diwali with the bursting
of crackers and by lighting up their houses with earthen
diyas or other lamps in the grandest style, year after
that year.
Dhan Teras
The thirteenth day of the dark fortnight, i.e. two days
before Diwali is known as Dhan Teras. On this day a
new utensil is bought for the house. The house has to
be cleaned, washed and whitewashed. On this day, the
children are taken out to buy crackers, candles, earthendiyas
and a hatri (a small house-like structure made of mud,
where a small idol of Lakshmiji sits in the middle).A
pair of earthen Lakshmi and Ganeshji are a must for
Diwali pujan.
(Ganeshji is to be worshipped in all pujas before
any other god or goddess.) Lakshmiji, the goddess of
wealth, is supposed to visit everyone during Diwali;
therefore she must also be fussed over. Earthen katoris
known as kulris and chaugaras, lots of kheel (puffed
rice), toys made out of candy (known as khand ke khilone),
batashas, etc., are required for the puja. The markets
are extremely well decorated and full of items which
one can buy for the home. Special foods like paari and
deevlas are made at home. The day prior to Diwali is
known as Chhoti Diwali.
Yamraja King of Death
Once Yamraja, the king of death, asked his servant this
question, "When you go to the place of mortals and snatch
men's life, did you any time feel bad about it?"
"Yes, your Majesty," the servant replied. "While taking
the life of the son of king Haim I felt really sorry.
It was the 4th day after his marriage, while joy and
merryment was going on all around, when I had to take
away his life. I request you never to ask me to cause
an untimely death like that."
Yamraja listened and became very concerned. "Alright,"
he said, "Today is the thirteenth of the dark half of
Ashvin, Dhantrayodashi. From today all those who will
observe the five day festival of light will not die
an untimely death." Because of this the custom spread
of lighting lamps on the five days from Dhantrayodashi
to Bhaubij.
Narakasur
The following day, the 14th of the dark half of Ashvin,
is known as Narak Chaturdashi, ("narak" = hell; "chaturdashi"
the 14th day). Narakasur was a wicked king. He fought
against neighbouring kings and imprisoned 16,000 women.
He snatched away the "chatra" of Indra. He took away
the "Kundale" from the ears of Adity, the mother of
the gods. He took possession of the abode of the gods
at Manyparva among the eternal mountains. His ambition
was that no one should ever defeat him. So he turned
his capital into a fortress.
When Krishna heard about the wicked deeds of Narakasur
he decided to destroy him. But Satyabhama, Krishna's
wife, took this task upon herself. Krishna would only
be her helper. In the early hours of the 14th day of
the dark half of Ashvin, Satyabhama killed Narakasur
and liberated the women from his prison. They went home
and expressed their joy by lighting lamps and drawing
"rangoli". In remembrance of this event even today people
get up early in the morning, take bath, draw "rangoli"
and make a great celebration.
On this occasion we are reminded of the struggle between
good and evil. Narak means hell. Narakasur personifies
the powers of hell, a symbol of Satan. Satyabhama represents
the role of women in the struggle.
The Liberation of Laxmi
The new moon night, "amavasya", of Ashvin, is a big
celebration, known as Laxmi Pujan. King Bali had taken
Laxmi as a slave. Vishnu, in his fifth avatar as Vaman,
defeated Bali and liberated Laxmi. On this day the liberation
of Laxmi is celebrated by worshipping Laxmi. Shopkeepers
and merchants worship their account books and their
merchandise. Light overcomes darkness and night becomes
like day. People play firecrackers.
Bali Pratipada
The first day of the month Kartik is a full "muhurta",
or auspicious day. This is New Year's Day for merchants.
In the month of Bhadrapad Vaman Dwadashi was celebrated
to commemorate the story of Vaman's victory over King
Bali, who was thrown to hell by Vaman's third step.
But since Bali had shown some goodness by keeping his
word, Vaman was satisfied and made Bali king of the
lower regions and promised him that on the first Pratipada
of Kartik people would remember him. So on this day
some people take the name of Bali, they worship his
picture together with that of his wife, Vindhyavati,
and waving the lamp before the picture or idol they
sing, "Ida Pida javo, Balitse rajya yevo." ("Let suffering
go and let Bali's kingdom come.")
Bhaubij: Brothers and Sisters All
Today is the feast of the brother, also called Yamadwititya,
or the Second Day of Yama, because on this day Yama
went to visit his sister Yami, and they waved the lamp
to each other as a sign of mutual love and respect.
On this day sisters wave the lamp to their brothers,
and brothers offer gifts to their sisters. This occasion
invites brothers and sisters in every family to foster
real brotherly love. |
