Finally Diwali is upon us!
Finally, Diwali is upon us! What a countdown it has been this year. It is amazing the number of celebrations and events that have been held this year. This just goes to show how much the Indian population is growing, both in numbers and in strength. It also makes us think how fortunate we are to live in a country that embraces diversity like New Zealand does. Our past few issues have been full of reports of Diwali celebrations from across the country. Now in our Diwali special issue, we bring you a basket full of wishes from across the community.
Back home our festivities actually start right from Eid then rolling on to Diwali, followed by Christmas and finally heralding the New Year. So the festive cheer is still on and Diwali possibly is one of the main high points. Diwali is our biggest festival and is celebrated by everyone. The firecrackers, the exchange of gifts and sweets, the shopping of new clothes and jewellery; there is possibly hardly anyone who does not indulge themselves during Diwali.
Traditionally, Diwali is celebrated over five days, which is marked with different rituals for each day and the lighting of diyas (oil lamps) and plenty of firecrackers.
The first day of Diwali is Dhanteras, which is traditionally associated with wealth, with many choosing to buy gold or other items on this day.
The second day, Naraka Chaturdasi, is considered to be a day of light, celebrating when Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. People traditionally bathe before sunrise on this day and give thanks to Lord Krishna and Vishnu. It is also sometimes called Choti Diwali (or little Diwali).
The third day of Diwali is Amavasya, the most important day of the festival. On this day, households worship Lakshmi the goddess of wealth, and Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Houses are lit up with diyas and fireworks take over the skies. This is the day that could even be referred to as the “actual Diwali”.
The fourth day of Diwali is known as Govardhan Puja in the North and Bali Pratipada in the south. In the north, it celebrates Lord Krishna saving his people from floods by lifting the Govardhana Hill, whilst in the south they celebrate Vamana's victory over the demon-king Bali.
The last day of Diwali is Yama Dwitiya (or Bhaidhuj), celebrating affection between siblings. Brothers are invited into their sister's homes and usually come bearing gifts for them. Sisters also affirm their affection for their brothers by tying a sacred thread around their wrist.
As we go into celebrating Diwali in our own homes with our families, let us remember to reach out to those who are far away from their own families and times like these can also be quite trying for those away from home.
On behalf of the entire Indian Weekender team, I have immense pleasure in wishing all our readers, advertisers, supporters and well-wishers a very Happy and a Prosperous Diwali. May this festival of lights, light up your lives and open up new doors of opportunities and good fortune.
Until next time...
Finally, Diwali is upon us! What a countdown it has been this year. It is amazing the number of celebrations and events that have been held this year. This just goes to show how much the Indian population is growing, both in numbers and in strength. It also makes us think how fortunate we are to...
Finally, Diwali is upon us! What a countdown it has been this year. It is amazing the number of celebrations and events that have been held this year. This just goes to show how much the Indian population is growing, both in numbers and in strength. It also makes us think how fortunate we are to live in a country that embraces diversity like New Zealand does. Our past few issues have been full of reports of Diwali celebrations from across the country. Now in our Diwali special issue, we bring you a basket full of wishes from across the community.
Back home our festivities actually start right from Eid then rolling on to Diwali, followed by Christmas and finally heralding the New Year. So the festive cheer is still on and Diwali possibly is one of the main high points. Diwali is our biggest festival and is celebrated by everyone. The firecrackers, the exchange of gifts and sweets, the shopping of new clothes and jewellery; there is possibly hardly anyone who does not indulge themselves during Diwali.
Traditionally, Diwali is celebrated over five days, which is marked with different rituals for each day and the lighting of diyas (oil lamps) and plenty of firecrackers.
The first day of Diwali is Dhanteras, which is traditionally associated with wealth, with many choosing to buy gold or other items on this day.
The second day, Naraka Chaturdasi, is considered to be a day of light, celebrating when Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. People traditionally bathe before sunrise on this day and give thanks to Lord Krishna and Vishnu. It is also sometimes called Choti Diwali (or little Diwali).
The third day of Diwali is Amavasya, the most important day of the festival. On this day, households worship Lakshmi the goddess of wealth, and Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Houses are lit up with diyas and fireworks take over the skies. This is the day that could even be referred to as the “actual Diwali”.
The fourth day of Diwali is known as Govardhan Puja in the North and Bali Pratipada in the south. In the north, it celebrates Lord Krishna saving his people from floods by lifting the Govardhana Hill, whilst in the south they celebrate Vamana's victory over the demon-king Bali.
The last day of Diwali is Yama Dwitiya (or Bhaidhuj), celebrating affection between siblings. Brothers are invited into their sister's homes and usually come bearing gifts for them. Sisters also affirm their affection for their brothers by tying a sacred thread around their wrist.
As we go into celebrating Diwali in our own homes with our families, let us remember to reach out to those who are far away from their own families and times like these can also be quite trying for those away from home.
On behalf of the entire Indian Weekender team, I have immense pleasure in wishing all our readers, advertisers, supporters and well-wishers a very Happy and a Prosperous Diwali. May this festival of lights, light up your lives and open up new doors of opportunities and good fortune.
Until next time...
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