Deepavali : Its time to embrace the warmth of tradition and the glow of love

As Deepavali celebrations fills the air with joy and merriment, its time for us to delve deep into the basics of these festivities. Deepavali is India's one of the most important festivals. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (Deepam)that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.

Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that's also being enjoyed by non-Hindu communities as well. For instance, in Jainism, Diwali marks spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavir on October 15, 527 B.C. In Sikhism, it honors the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru, was freed from imprisonment. Buddhists in India celebrate Diwali as well.

In North India, people celebrate the story of Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after He defeated Ravan, by lighting rows of clay lamps. In Southern India, people celebrate it as the day that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, who had terrorized the world. As the legend goes, Lord Krishna, with the help of Sathyabhama, his wife, vanquished Narakasura and freed the world from his tyranny. This event symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the importance of righteousness. In the western parts of India, the festival marks the day that Lord Vishnu, the Preserver, sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world.

Bursting crackers continue to remain an exclusive part of Deepavali celebrations fostering excitement amongst all. Sivakasi in Tamilnadu plays a major role in manufacturing crackers, sizeable quantity of which are being exported too to many countries. Thousands of families rely on the income generated by people who work in these cracker units throughout the year. It is noteworthy to mention that big shops and roadside vendors use to pray the Rain God to bestow/shower with rains belatedly after Deepavali celebrations only, enabling smoother conduct of their business.

With many farmlands either dried up or some of which are having seasonal farm-related works only that pay a meagre salary, many prefer to work in crackers-manufacturing bases and earn a decent income of more than Rs 500 daily.

Many cities in foreign countries started celebrating Deepavali a few decades back itself with arranging huge events programmes collectively recognised as "Diwali _______(City name)" with huge multi-agency operation that takes months to plan. With more than twenty-odd separate events spreading across these cities over a two week period, Deepavali celebrations do reflect a new age, a stronger community and a greater ambition for a festival with an international reputation. But there exists one common theme no matter where people celebrate : the victory of good over evil.

Happy Deepavali to our beloved readers.