Diwali
Diwali or Deepavali or Diwali or Deepavali ( Hindi, दीवाली, Divali " arrangement of lights ", Tamil, தீபாவளி, dipavali " path of light " ), the festival of lights, is a major multi-day Hindu festival in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal and in other from Hinduism influenced countries, for example in Mauritius, Suriname, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as in South Africa and the Indian diaspora. The festival can be compared on the basis of his spiritual and social significance and its cheerful character with Christmas. In north India, Diwali is also the New Year's Day.
Time
Diwali always begins on the fifteenth day of the Hindu month of Kartik ( late October / early November ), 20 days after Dasahra to new moon. Since the country-specific local time for the new moon time of the longitude and time zone depends, it may be that Diwali is celebrated in the West Indies, Europe or America a day later than in the East Indies (as was the case in 2003 ). The next dates for Diwali are:
- October 23, 2014
- November 11, 2015
Importance
In different parts of the Indian subcontinent, the festival is widely celebrated with various traditions and different mythological references. Depending on the region, it takes between one and five days. Key message of the festival is the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and learning about your inner strengths.
For many Hindus, particularly in North India, it goes back to the day on which Lord Rama with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman after 14 years in exile in the jungle to his capital Ayodhya returned, as it describes the Ramayana. Since it was dark, people inflamed oil lamps along its path.
In the south of India, however, the people see a Diwali related to Krishna, who defeated a demon and sixteen thousand women had liberated, who were in the captivity of the demon.
Diwali is also celebrated by other religions of India. In Jainism, it is reminiscent of the entrance Mahavira's nirvana and moksha. In Sikhism is thought to Har Gobind victory over Jahangir and his return to Amritsar.
Rituals
An essential element of Diwali are the lights. Was it originally only small oil lamps - placed on windows or entrances in rows - there are now more and more electric lights, the houses, shops and streets light up across the country. Sometimes they hang lights in trees and placed candles on the roofs. After an interpretation of this custom show the lights the Pitris, the spirits of the dead, the way to the land of bliss. At the Christian All Souls remember the customs for example in Bengal ( East India ), where you have to Diwali, the black goddess Kali worshiped, symbolizing the death and the overcoming of death. Days before the festival are lit all over the streets of firecrackers and other fireworks, crashes on the holiday itself and slams it anywhere, similar to Germany for New Year's.
The first day is called Dhanwantari Triodasi (also Dhantrayodashi, Dhan means wealth ). On this day admits the house and decorate it, buy new clothes and cooking utensils, including valuables and jewelry primarily from gold or silver.
The second day of the festival is Narak Chaturdasi (also Kali Chaudas ). He is regarded as the day on which Krishna defeated the demon Narakasur. For ritual of the feast heard that people get up before sunrise and take a bath, preferably with perfumed oil. Man sets fire to oil lamps and decorated the house with special kolams. It usually wears new clothes, visiting each other and gifted with sweets, evening men light fireworks and firecrackers.
The third day is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi and Lakshmi Puja is called. He is regarded in northern India as the most important day of the festivities. Here you interpret the lights as a welcome for them. It is said that they do not einkehre in apartments facing no lights are available and have not been cleared and cleaned. For shop owners, this day has special meaning. Clean and paint for not only their business but also create new business books. For next year, they ask Lakshmi to success. Lakshmi Puja is considered to be particularly favorable for gambling, as the goddess embodies happiness itself. As an omen for the coming year, many people take for example in a raffle in part or go to the casino.
The fourth day is called Govardhan Puja (also Balipratipada, Padawa ), Krishna and Vishnu are worshiped him, and he is considered the first day of the new year. Wives swing a tray with lights blessing to the head of their husbands around and then pat them a blessing point on the forehead.
The fifth and final day of Diwali is Bhau Beej (also Bhaiduj, Bhayitika ) to the sisters their brothers with the light bless. At this brother-sister day both promise to protect one another.