A friend wished me happy Dewali. What does it mean?
Thank you.
2007-11-07 03:26:41 · 6 answers · asked by MumOf5 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
DIWALI literally meaning ARRAY OF LAMPS, this festival is by far the most radiant and important festival in India. With, with a magic that never fails to create an atmosphere of joy and festivity. It is celebrated twenty days after Dusshera. Homes are decorated, new clothes are worn, thousands of laps are lit to accompaniments of fire crackers and sweets are distributed to family and friends.
Diwali also symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil - the glory of light over darkness.
Legend behind the Lights …
Though a wide number of legends are connected with the original of Diwali, the most widely accepted one is the return of a triumphant Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14 year period of exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, after defeating the demon king Ravana. It is believed that the people lit oil lamps along the way to light up the path of return of their King. According to one legend this is why the festival is celebrated a day earlier in South India, since Lord Rama traveled from the south to his kingdom in the north.
Yet another popular legend gives much importance to Lord Krishna, for slaying the demon king Narakasura, as a ruler of the Pragjyothispura Kingdom, tortured the villagers and kidnapped all the womenfolk. Here again, the basic concept is victory of good over evil.
Thirdly, Diwali is also celebrated as the festival of Laxmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi visit everyone during Diwali and brings peace and prosperity to all.
The above are the main reasons for celebrating Diwali though people celebrate the festival for different reasons in different places.
Originally a Sanskrit word Deepavali was popularly modified to Diwali, especially in Northern India, as Sanskrit became a much lesser known language among the people.
Visiting a Hindu Household during Diwali will be a truly a Tasty experience, as one will get to taste of wide variety of delicious food in each house, there will be a tempting spread of sweets – Halwa, Burfi, Laddu and many more. Surprisingly, one will also find a tempting spread of Non-Vegetation dishes on the table in some places in North India. For them Diwali (Though celebrated with religious pious) is the only festival during which non-vegetarian food is consumed, since the festival is celebrated in commemoration of the slaying of the demon kind by the Lord. -
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2007-11-07 11:43:58 · answer #1 · answered by Jayaraman 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Im told its a celebration of lights. You can read loads of Dewali myths online in wiki if you want. Not really sure EXACTLY what their celebrating.
Sociologically, im guessing it has its roots in the start of the harvest season.
2007-11-07 03:30:25 · answer #2 · answered by Menon R 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Diwali is a festival during which the friends and acquaintances exchange love and affection, pleasantries and memorable gifts too.
A day before was Naraka Chaturdasi. That day, the demon called 'Narakasura' (the demon called Naraka) was killed by the incarnation of Lord Vishnu (his better half) and the next day was celebrated by the people then, with lighted lamps. Dipavali is the actual name of the festival, which means the row of lights/ lamps.
In Indian scriptures, the killing of a demon is also symbolic in that something bad in a person or in a society has been eradicated.
2007-11-07 03:34:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Celebrating the coming home from the forest of Lord Ramachandra. We light candles all over our house or temple room. There are some other meanings that some materialistic worshipers do for Diwali for wealth and some made up ideas as well. Thanks Ma
2007-11-07 11:16:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's the celebration of the anniversary of Ram's return from his exile in the forest. The story is told in the Ramayana.
People turn on many lights and light candles to metaphorically light Ram's path on his way home.
2007-11-07 03:31:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
a happy time for Hindus :)
can be found under society and culture
[holidays]
http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/;_ylt=Ap_ORNY5VU1cGP1ChtPzDovf7BR.;_ylv=3?link=list&sid=396547153
Diwali....oops
2007-11-07 04:23:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋