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Diwali Celebrations take place everywhere in India,
at dusk when darkness unfolds itself, you can see a
spectacular illumination of tiny flickering lamps
adorning in rows - at homes, buildings and streets. All
sorts of makeshift stalls suddenly spring out on the
pavements and the bazaars are choc-a-bloc with people
and all sweet shops display their latest temptations.
In Punjab, the day following Diwali is known as tikka
when sisters make a paste with saffron and rice and
place an auspicious mark on their brother’s foreheads as
a symbolic gesture to ward off all harm.
In North India on the day of the Diwali the children
emerge, scrubbed clean to get into their festive attire,
and light up little oil lamps, candles and agarbathis
the wherewithal for setting alight crackers and
sparklers.
Likewise, on the second day of the month of Kartik, the
people of Maharashtra exchange gifts. In Maharashtra, it
is the thirteenth day of Ashwin, the trayodasi, that is
observed as a festival commemorating a young prince whom
Yama, the God of Death, had claimed four days after his
marriage. Filled, however, with compassion for the
luckless youth, the legend goes, Yama promised that
those who observed the day would be spared untimely
death—and so the lamps that are lit to mark the festival
are placed facing south, unlike on other festive days,
because south is the direction mythological assigned to
Yama.
For the Bengalis, it is the time to worship Goddess
Kali , yet another form of Durga, the divine embodiment
of supreme energy. KALI is the Goddess who takes away
darkness. She cuts down all impurities, consumes all
iniquities, purifies Her devotees with the sincerity of
Her Love.
People visit the places of their relatives and
friends to wish them on the occasion of Diwali and
exchange gifts and for those who can not pay a personal
visit there is a mind-boggling range of cards and gifts
to choose from. Feasts are arranged and gaily-dressed
men, women and children go to temples and fairs, visit
friends and relatives. Markets are gaily decorated and
lit up. Everybody adorns new and bright clothes,
especially ladies get decorated in the best of
ornaments. This captures the Diwali celebrations at its
happiest. Apart
from India, Diwali is celebrated worldwide. The hindus
in Guyana, Fiji, Mauritius, Myanmar, Malaysia, Nepal,
Japan, Thailand, Srilanka, Trinidad and Tobago as well
as Britain, Indonesia, Singapore, Africa, Australia and
even Southern America are known to celebrate Diwali.
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DIWALI CELEBRATION OUTSIDE INDIA |
Diwali is one of most
important festivals among Hindus in USA. Diwali is celebrated to commemorate
the coronation of Lord Rama as king after his return
from 14 years of exile. Much like India, earthen lamps
are lighted here in rows, sometimes, making beautiful
images of these lamps that look beautiful when the lamps
are lighted in the darkness of the night. Temples are
also decorated with colorful lights. In the evening, Diwali celebrated with
Community Gathering,
Cultural programs and Fire Works. People distribute
sweets and snacks among friends and relatives.
About 63% population in Mauritius has Indian origins and
80% of them are Hindus. Naturally Diwali is one of the
main festival among Indians. Here, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate
the coronation of Lord Rama as king after his return
from 14 years of exile. Much like India, earthen lamps
are lighted here in rows, sometimes, making beautiful
images of these lamps that look beautiful when the lamps
are lighted in the darkness of the night. Temples are
also decorated in different way, sometimes with colorful
light, sometimes with colored paper. Goddes Lakshmi
is worshipped and crackers and fireworks are burnt to
ward off the evil spirits.
The only Hindu Kingdom of the world, Diwali is known as
'Tihar' in Nepal. Lakshmi and Ganesha are worshipped
here. On the 1st day of the 5-day long festival, the
cows are revered as Goddess Lakshmi and are fed with
cooked rice. On the 2nd day, dogs are revered as the
carrier of Bhairava and are fed with delicious food,
especially prepared for them. On the 3rd day, houses are
illuminated and decorated with lights and lamps and
delicacies are prepared and fireworks and crackers are
the favorites of the day. On the 4th day, prayers and
offerings are made to Yama, the Hindu God of Death, to
please him and be blessed by him with long life. On the
5th and the last day, Bhaiya Dooj / Bhai Dooj is celebrated in which
sisters pray for long life and prosperity of their
brothers.
Malaysia has about 8 - 10% Hindu population who celebrate
Hari Diwali that symbolizes triumph of good over evil.
Festival usually starts off with the traditional oil bath
of South India and then visit the temples and pray.
Small earthen lamps with coconut oil are lit to
commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon-king
Ravana. Rooms and Doors are decorated with lamps and
colorful paper. Diwali is celebrated in most parts of Malaysia
except in the regions of Sarawak and Federal Territory
of Labuan.
Though most of the Indonesian population follows Islam,
Diwali is celebrated among Hindus.
Hindus constitute only 2% of the population. However,
the island of Bali is famous for Diwali celebration as
majority of its populations consists of Indians. The
rituals and the celebrations are mostly similar to
India. Diwali celebrated with Regional Gathering and
Cultural programs and Fire Works.
All this illumination
and fireworks, joy and festivity, is to signify the
victory of divine forces over those of wickedness.
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