EXPLAINER
The core thought behind Diwali is the triumph of fine over evil, mirrored in its rituals like diyas and rangoli.
Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains worldwide will have a good time Diwali this yr on November 12. The festivities that run for 5 days are characterised by shiny lights, burning incense and opulent meals — particularly sweets. Households in any other case separated by distance or discord come collectively.
Here’s what to find out about a few of the rituals practised throughout Diwali:
Diyas
The phrase Diwali comes from the Sanskrit roots “deepa” (lights) and “avali” (row). The phrase, in flip, interprets to row of lights. The competition is characterised by totally different lighting decorations equivalent to fireworks and candles.
The decorations most intently related to the competition are earthen oil lamps known as diyas.
The importance of diyas is rooted within the Hindu legend of Ramayana. That is the story of Prince Rama, whose spouse Sita was kidnapped. When Rama and Sita returned to their kingdom, Ayodhya, folks welcomed them with diyas.
This legend is just not the one one behind Diwali. Different non secular and regional communities affiliate totally different mythologies with it. What unites them is the elemental concept that Diwali celebrates the victory of fine over evil, which is what diyas symbolise.
“People try to enlighten the dark places, not only in their homes but their souls,” Manpreet Arora, senior assistant professor at Central College of Himachal Pradesh, India, informed Al Jazeera.
Arora wrote in regards to the pivotal function girls play in Hindu festivals within the reminiscence of her late mom throughout one Diwali season. She reminisced about Diwali again in her childhood, when she would enthusiastically assist her mom put together the home for festivities.
Days earlier than Diwali, folks begin cleansing their homes. “Somebody is getting new curtains, somebody is getting their house painted,” Arora added. Folks guarantee their homes are clear and pristine in preparation for welcoming the goddess Lakshmi into the properties.
On Dhanteras, the primary of the 5 days of festivities — it fell on November 10 this yr — markets are bustling. Arora mentioned that on Dhanteras, folks’s purchases vary from small objects equivalent to diyas to luxurious merchandise. Nevertheless, silver jewelry and utensils are significantly wanted on at the present time. A silver coin is believed to deliver “good luck and fortune,” she mentioned.
Lakshmi pooja
The date of Diwali is definitely the third day of festivities, which falls on the brand new moon. On the night of at the present time, lamps are lit and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped.
Noise is often created utilizing drums and firecrackers to drive away Alakshmi, Lakshmi’s unfavorable shadow reverse. Nevertheless, fireworks have in recent times raised considerations about rising air air pollution.
Arora mentioned that the federal government is urging folks to not use firecrackers, which is main folks to practise “green Diwali” to minimise air pollution, Arora mentioned. Inexperienced Diwali additionally entails “promoting local handmade diyas by artisans rather than shopping from big businesses online”.
Rangoli
Completely different patterns are drawn on flooring and surfaces with supplies like colored sand, rice flour or powdered limestone. This artwork kind is known as rangoli and can be practised to welcome Lakshmi.
Whereas some rangoli patterns are geometric designs, totally different rangoli motifs maintain totally different meanings equivalent to:
- The lotus flower with six petals is a typical motif as it’s related to Lakshmi and it additionally signifies wealth and fertility. Lotuses develop within the mud to bloom as vibrant flowers, reinforcing the theme of sunshine over darkness.
- Owls are related to auspiciousness in Bengal the place they’re believed to be Lakshmi’s car, which makes them an vital motif of alpana, which is the rangoli practised in Bengal, created throughout Lakshmi pooja.
- Footprints, additionally known as paglya level in direction of the house to invoke Lakshmi. Footprints pointing in the wrong way are thought-about to be inauspicious and are related to Alakshmi.