‘Namaste’

Welcome to Diwali Festival

Valuing the Richness that Diversity Brings

What :

• The word Diwali has been derived from

Deepavali which in turn is formed by dipa

+ avali (row). Deepavali is thus a line or a

row of lamps.

Significance of lighting a lamp?

• Light symbolizes knowledge

• Darkness means ignorance

• Knowledge removes ignorance just as light

removes darkness. It is through the light

that the beauty of this world is revealed or

experienced. Hence we light the lamp to

bow down to knowledge as the greatest of

all forms of wealth.

Who :• Diwali is the most beautiful and the grandest religious festival. It is observed by

the majority of people in India and around the globe especially by Jains, Sikhs

and Hindus.

Why :

Hindu Ancient History -1

• Lord Sri Rama returned to his Kingdom

Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, where he

destroyed Demon King Ravana in a

fierce war.

• After this victory of Good over Evil, Sri

Rama returned to Ayodhya with wife Sita

& Laksmana.

•  In Ayodhya, the people welcomed them

by lighting rows of clay lamps. So, it is an

occasion in honor of Rama's victory over

Ravan’s of Truth's victory over Evil.

Hindu Ancient History - 2

• Lord Sree Krushna liberated the troubled

masses from immorality, greed and bad

tendencies by slaying the demon

Narakasur, who was an icon of demonic

attitude. Deepavali symbolises this

conquest of divine thoughts over evil

tendencies. The dying Narakasur asked

Lord Krushna for a boon "On this date

(tithi) let one, who takes an auspicious oil

bath (mangalsnan) not suffer in hell."

Jain

•    Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana achieved to a

state of absolute bliss. The Lord discarded the

body and the bondage of all Karmas on that

night, and attained Mukti or Salvation. During this

period devotees observe fasting and chant Sutra.

• The new Jain year, Vira-Nirvana-Samvat 2529 begins right after this Diwali day.

Sikh

• The Moguls Emperor Jahangir who

imprisoned the sixth Sikh Guru and 52 Hindu

Kings. However at the request of the Indian

people, Jahangir released Guru Hargovind

Sahib on the day of Diwali along with the 52

kings. Sikhs were very happy as their leader

was released and Guru Horgovind Sahib ji

went to the Golden Temple to offer his

prayer on the day after his release.

Worshippers floated coloured light candles in

the lake of Golden Temple and the day was

celebrated with a grand fire works display

When:

• The Hindu calendar is based on the lunar

cycle and the movement of the moon, unlike

the conventional Western (or Gregorian)

calendar.

• Diwali is a series of festivals of 5 days,

which fall towards the end of the Hindu

month of Ashwin

How: The five days of Diwali

• The First day is called DHANTERAS The word "Dhan" means wealth. People buy

jewellery and worship it to God Dhanvantari . 

• The Second day is called "NARKA-CHATURDASHI" It marks the death of the tyrant king

“Narakusara” who imprisoned on this day, lighting lamps can destroy demonic energies.

• The Third Day is the main Diwali new moon day: This is the day Mother Goddess Laxmi

is worshipped with utmost devotion. the Goddess of good luck, wealth and fortune.

• The fourth Day is "Nutan Varsh' the Hindu New Year's day for some regions of India. It is

looked as the most auspicious time to start any venture

• The Fifth day known as Bhai-Duj Love and Good wishes between brother and Sister.

Sister puts a sacred mark(Kum-Kum) on her brother's forehead and prays for his long life

and prosperity.

Rangoli is drawn in front of the door or in the front of the place of worship or on the wooden platform to worship Goddess Sri Laxmi. Rangoli emanates divine frequencies. Hence it is drawn on any auspicious ritual to be protected from the trouble from negative energies.

How:

This "festival of lights", for the common practice is to light small sesame oil lamps (called diyas) and place them around the home, and also on the roof tops

WISH YOU ALL VERY HAPPY & PROSPEROUS DIWALI