| The name Diwali itself is supposed to be a transformed
form of the more correct word Deepavali, the literal meaning
of which in Sanskrit is a row of lamps. Filling little clay lamps
with oil and wick, and lighting them in rows all over the house, is
a tradition that is popular in most regions of the country.
Earlier, on the main day (the third day), the best part used to
be the onset of darkness, which would then be dispelled by the lighting
of the lamps. A short prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, the progenitor
of wealth, with a one rupee silver coin soaked in milk, few low-tone
crackers and ordinary sparklers, marked the beginning of Diwali.
To welcome Lakshmi into their home, people made floor designs of
the lotus seat of Lakshmi at the entrance to the house. Lights were
kept on all night to ensure that she does not lose her way. Down
South, celebrations begin with an oil bath before sunrise. Goddess
Lakshmi is said to reside in the oil on that day and goddess Ganga
in the water.
Along with eating and exchanging sweets, gambling with small stakes
was a norm. The other aspect was of course, to wish for more money
after appeasing the goddess. The quickest way to earn that money
was by gambling, hence the significance of gambling.
Diwali has since come a long way. Though still important for the
devout and the God-fearing, it is no longer a revered festival.
Now Diwali is another name for fun, frolic, revelry and pleasure.
The religious trappings have been pushed to the background, while
rituals of liquor consumption, entertainment, merry-making and life
affirmation have taken over. The festival is a consumer’s delight
and a manufacturer’s dream. It is also the time to clear out
new stocks, in order to bring in the new goods.
The innocence has been invaded by sophistication and scale in all
its aspects. Fireworks are now thoroughly professional, pitched
at unbelievable decibel levels – especially so the bombs (read
crackers packed with gun powder). The art of pyrotechnics advances
every year. The rockets soar higher, making kaleidoscopic patterns
in the sky after bursting and of course making louder sounds than
ever before.
The earthen lamps have been replaced by flickering strings of lights,
neon and other innovations that make the flames gyrate to attract
attention. Diwali candles have, largely taken over the twinkling
from earthen diyas. Nobody has the time to twist and create wicks
out of raw cotton and to fill each individual diya with oil. And
yet, no Laskhmi Puja in any Hindu household is complete without
the lighting of a minimum of eight to sixteen diyas for which the
wicks are still created by the woman of the house.
Other Stories
All you
wanted to know about Diwali …
Diwali: Has anything changed?
|
