Diwali 2004

WHAT IS IT?

Diwali (Du-vah-ly) is the holy tradition that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. It also traditionally marks the beginning of the New Year ( I think ) and is one of the most important holidays for Hindus.

WHEN IS IT?

Diwali is a five-day celebration that begins on the 15th day of Kartika according to the lunar calendar. In 2004 it will be celebrated Nov. 12. ..Oh and itz today!

HOW IS IT CELEBRATED?

A typical Indian celebration includes fresh flowers, exchanges of cards and gifts, new clothes, meeting new and old friends, and offerings of traditional sweets.Because there are many regions in India, there are many manifestations of the Diwali festival. In at least one area, the festival begins with Dhanteras, a day set aside to worship Laksmi, the goddess of wealth. In the Indian culture, wealth is not viewed as a corruptive power. Instead, a wealthy person is considered to have been rewarded for good deeds of a past life.On the second day, Kali, the goddess of Strength, is worshipped. This day also focuses on abolishing laziness and evil. On the third day (the last day of the year in the lunar calendar), lamps are lighted and shine brightly in every home. The lamp symbolizes knowledge and encourages reflection upon the purpose of each day in the festival. The goal is to remember the purpose throughout the year.The fourth day of Diwali falls on the first day of the lunar New Year. At this time, old business accounts are settled and new books are opened. The books are worshipped in a special ceremony and participants are encouraged to remove anger, hate and jealousy from their lives.On the final day (Balipratipada) of the festival, Bali, an ancient Indian king, is recalled. Bali destroyed the centuries old philosophies of the society. However, in addition to this, he is remembered for being a generous person. Thus, the focus of this day is to see the good in others, including enemies.

WHAT IS ITS HISTORY?

Diwali celebrates Rama's (a Hindu God) homecoming, that is his return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king.King Dashratha had three wives named Kaushalaya, Keykayee and Sumitra, and four sons–Rama, Bharat, Laxmana and Shatrughan. Rama was the son of Queen Kaushalaya and Bharat was the son of Queen Keykayee. Keykayee wanted Bharat to be the next King of Ayodhya, while King Dasharatha wanted Rama, his eldest son, to be the King. But Keykayee made full use of the two wishes King Dasharatha had promised. Keykayee asked for sending Rama to exile for the period of 14 years and to crown Bharat as the king, though Bharat refused to accept the kingship.During that time, Lord Rama fought and won fierce battles in the southern part of the Indian sub-continent, killing the king of Demons, Ravana, who had forcibly taken away his wife, Sita. Diwali marks his victorious return to his kingdom along with Hanuman, the Vanar who helped him in achieving success. The legend states it took 20 days for Rama to return to his kingdom after defeating Ravana. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country. In north India, Diwali celebrates Rama's homecoming from 14 years of exile, that is his return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and his coronation as king; in Gujarat, the festival is celebrated to honor goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; and in Bengal, it is related with the goddess Kali. But everywhere, it is celebrated with the same spirit and signifies the renewal of life.

source: Hallmark.



Enough said..

Thinking of you all at Diwali: ...and wishing you a year rich with wisdom, light, and love.



Also visit Hallmark.com to check out the e-card selection and online paper card service.

Jegan