Publisher’s Note
I
November 2015,
’m delighted to introduce another issue of the premier Diwali publication - Jyoti to both the Hindu and non-Hindu communities across New York. Diwali, popularly known as the ‘festival of lights,’ is a five day Hindu festival. It is perhaps one of the most important Hindu festivities and is celebrated fervently by families who perform traditional activities in their homes and at temples. The most anticipated activity involves the lighting of clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. Persons who celebrate this auspicious day, often wear traditional Indian attires and share sweets, snacks and gifts with family members and friends. This publication was first published in Guyana, where Diwali is celebrated elaborately.In New York, Queens in particular, it is no different where
the thriving Hindu communities eagerly anticipate this holiday and celebrate in a grand and memorable way. Families and friends light diyas in their homes and at the temples and distribute delicious
sweets to one another. Diwali is not just a festival, it’s a cultural identity and every effort is made to preserve this spectacular occasion. Jyoti attempts this in the form of print. The team at GreenHeart Publications is most grateful to the gracious sponsors for their kind and much appreciated support. May good continue to triumph over evil, love over hatred, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Warmest, Vic Singh.
Publisher Information
GreenHeart Publications 729, E 93rd Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11236
Publisher & Chief Editor Vickram Singh
Contributing Photography Amanda Richards
Assistant Editor Vanie Beepat
Editorial Reference www.diwalifestival.org www.festivals.iloveindia. com www.indiankhana.net www.diwalirecipes.com www.diwaligiftsideas.com
Marketing & Sales Vickram Singh Media Consultant David Cumberbatch Creative Director Vanie Beepat Layout Coordinator & Designer Zaheer Baksh
Contact Information 347-569-7177 greenheartpubs@gmail.com © All Rights Reserved 2015
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Lights The Festival of
Diwali
D
iwali or lesser known, Deepavali, is renowned across the globe as ‘the festival of lights’ and signifies the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The very word Diwali conjures up the image of winking lights and flickering diyas. Not to forget the gorgeous array of sparkling colours emitted by the firecrackers that seems to awaken the night sky. Diwali generally comes in the months of October or November, on the English calendar. It is one of the most important Indian festivals and is celebrated on a mass scale by Indians not only in India, but also all across the world.
Legend
It is believed that on this day Lord Rama, along with his consort Sita and his loyal brother Lakshman were returning to his hometown Ayodhya after 14 long years of exile in the forest. He had just finished battling and overcoming the fierce King Of Demons, Ravan, who had abducted Sita. In this battle he was ably helped by Lord Hanuman and his army of courageous monkeys. The people of Ayodhya lit lamps in every home to welcome their true
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King as well as celebrate his victory over Ravan and also the safe return of their Queen Sita. They danced and made merry and lit firecrackers to express their joy over his return. And as a mark of respect and worship the festivities continue every year till this day. As another lesser-known story goes, Lord Krishna had battled a demon called Narakasura and emerged victorious. The people of the city were overjoyed and welcomed Krishna back with lamps in their hands. Since Rama and Krishna are two of the most popular gods in the Hindu legends, it is only logical that Diwali is celebrated with such splendor and glory.
How Diwali is Celebrated
According to an ancient myth, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth travels through all our homes on Diwali night and stops to bless the homes that are shiny and sparkling clean. So as this festival approaches, all houses go through a thorough spring-cleaning in anticipation of her wealth and blessings. She will be greeted by a beautiful gaily painted Rangoli on the threshold of each home while
inside too she is welcomed by an array of sparklers and little earthen lamps that light up and considerably brighten the atmosphere. The actual festivities start from Dhanteras, which is celebrated two days before Diwali. Everybody goes out of their way to make big purchases and buy new clothes and jewellery. This is because this day is considered auspicious for wealth, and it is said that if you buy any silver or gold on this day, you will be lucky throughout the year. This is followed by Choti Diwali. On the actual day of Diwali, the goddess Lakshmi is worshipped by means of a Lakshmi puja, which is performed not only in the homes but in temples, shops and offices as well. But what would Diwali be without a burst of firecrackers and lights? The sound and light show starts at least a week prior to the actual festival. Of course it reaches a crescendo on the day of Diwali itself, a day when people dress up in their best new clothes and visit each other, their relatives and friends with boxes of dry fruits and sweets and loads of love in their huge generous hearts. The other two days are Padwa and Govardhan puja and Bhai Duj.
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New York celebrates
Diwali with Zest
A
Maa Lakshmi - Goddess of Wealth, Beauty and Prosperity
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s is customary, the festival of lights is celebrated by thousands of Hindus in the Big Apple annually. It has become one of the most anticipated events of the Hindu calendar and is a huge tourist attraction. In Queens, which has one of the largest Hindu populations, the festival has become a renowned attraction with thousands of participants lining the streets to get a glimpse of the richly decorated motorcades and parade and the highly enthralling cultural show. This activity which is organized by the Divya Jyoti Association, takes place a few days before Diwali and is usually preceded by the Hawan Ceremony which begins around 2 pm. During this time attendants are encouraged to participate in the prayers and rituals conducted by several pandits. Here the devotees seek the blessings of the divine Mother Lakshmi, who bestows wealth, beauty and prosperity to her followers. This is followed by the Diwali parade which begins around 5:30 pm at 133rd Street, Richmond Hill and continues down Liberty Avenue. Thousands of spectators revel at the extremely beautiful and brightly illuminated motorcades to see the replica of the stunning motor Lakshmi seated at the top of the vehicle. They listen keenly to the chanting of devotional songs dedicated to the Goddess and tassa drumming. Many are seen snapping pictures, trying to savor this captivating site. The evening concludes with a cultural show that brings together artiste and performers to showcase their talents with religious songs related to Diwali and classical dances of India on display. It is a mesmerizing attraction which is free to the public. The evening is filled with tons of sweet delicacies on sale and other Diwali tokens. Both the adults and children enjoy engaging with the artistes who are usually dressed as gods and goddesses. It is definitely an unforgettable affair.
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D
iwali is among the best celebrated holidays in Guyana and is eagerly anticipated with much fervor and glee. Among the many traditions of Diwali is the renowned Diwali Motorcade celebrated on the eve preceding Diwali. A Diwali Motorcade is much like a parade or procession of persons dressed in costumes depicting something prominent and admired.
Guyana Continues to Shine with
In the case of a Diwali Motorcade, children and sometimes adults are adorned with richly decorated costumes to represent Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Lakshman’s return from exile. On the apex of these vehicles, sits a little girl beautifully dressed and representing the Supreme Goddess of Wealth and Beauty – Mother Lakshmi. She sits in an astonishing, elegantly crafted Lotus flower which is illuminated with fairy lights and other forms of decorations. Her red and gold sari and beautiful flowing hair portray beauty and femininity of women. She is sometimes accompanied by an equally stunningly dressed Lord Vishnu, her consort. The vehicles are all richly decorated with lights and other creative props that fascinate on-lookers and make the procession even more beautiful. There are also many other persons on board these vehicles who engage in singing of bhajans, devotional songs and chanting God’s name. Sometimes they also walk behind the respective vehicles they represent and sing enthusiastically.
Dazzling Motorcades The colourful lights from these motorcade contrast magnificently with the darkness of the night. This creates a stunning scene and one that almost every Guyanese looks forward to. Many persons could be seen flashing their cameras and patiently videoing, not daring to miss a second of this memorable event. Various organization and religious
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institutions, Hindu Temples in particular, opt to participate in this event. They compete for the number one spot and are awarded various prices at a ceremony later in the night. Diwali Motorcades are very popular in Georgetown. Thousands of people of all ethnicities camp out with their family and friends at the seawall to get a glimpse of this lighted affair.
Others go to the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Community Centre ground with the hope of securing a good spot so they can view the motorcade better. The event culminates at various center grounds across the country where judges wait anxiously to examine and scrutinize the floats and their participants.
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T
oronto is undoubtedly one of the most culturally diversified cities in the world and boasts one of the largest Indian populations. Like the rest of the world, in Toronto, Diwali is a significant occasion which is welcomed with much gaiety and zeal. It is celebrated intimately in the homes of Hindus by lighting diyas and lamps and more elaborately at various venues with singing and dancing. These larger events include cultural shows, charitable activities, fashion shows, puja and satangs, dinners and a host of other activities. Some of the most popular events to be held in Toronto are the Annual Free Diwali, Diwali Open House, Annual Diwali Gala and Fundraiser, Canada Dry Diwali Fest, GTA Diwali Dhoom, Diwali Dhamaal, Diwali Celebrations and Govardhan Puja, Diwali Dhamaka etc.
TorontoDiwali
Continues to Embrace
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DiwaliFacts
Did You Know?
► Diwali is the largest and most famous holiday celebrated in India. It marks the Hindu New Year. ► Diwali is translated to mean “row of lights” ► Diwali is generally associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of wealth and prosperity ► Diwali marks the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. Farmers thank the deities for the harvest they had and pray for a prosperous harvesting season in the upcoming year. ► The business community celebrates Diwali by opening new accounting books. Diwali marks the beginning of the new financial year ► “Shubh Deepavali” is a customary greeting associated with Diwali, which literally means “Have an auspicious Diwali”.
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Diyas
The Significance of
D
iwali is basically a symbol of the victory of good over evil, brightness over darkness, and truth over falsity. Each and every legend associated with this fabulous festival gives the same message. The thick dark new-moon night on which the Diwali festival is celebrated, seems like a full-moon night, because of the effulgent light of numerous diyas lighted on this night. These diyas not only make Diwali, the festival of lights, but they also symbolize the supremacy and consequence of brightness over darkness. Diya can be defined as a small earthen lamp that is specially lit on Diwali for puja and decorative purposes. A cotton wick is used in diyas, and oil or ghee serves as the burning fuel. Diyas are plain and colored, big and small, simple and fancy. Their evolution over the years has been phenomenal. In the early years, they were made at home from clay and left in the sun to dry. Now the varieties are endless. Different types of diyas are appropriate for different applications. Children are sometimes encouraged to make their own diyas as a fun activity on Diwali. This could be done by using clay or dough. As the festive season approaches near, markets get flooded with various types of gifts, decoration, and puja items. The crafted and designer diyas are one of the biggest attractions in such markets. Diyas embellished with zari, painted patterns, mirrors, etc. are quite enticing by their very appearance. Diwali melas, markets and stores showcase a multitude of handcrafted items made by ceramic and handicraft artists throughout the world, India in particular. Diwali diyas are one of the major attractions in such markets. Besides the conventional diyas, Lakshmi-Ganesha diyas can be seen in Diwali markets. However old may be the tradition of diyas on Diwali, it has never lost its significance and charm. Diwali celebrations are incomplete and graceless without the use of Diwali diyas. There is no doubt, diyas were, are, and will remain a significant part of the Diwali festival as they continue to extinguish the darkness in our homes.
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G
iving gifts has always been an important ritual of the festival of Diwali. As is customary, Diwali gifts are an acknowledgement of love and affection that we give to our loved ones. After Diwali Puja and before lighting the crackers, gifts are exchanged among friends, acquaintances and family. Everyone competes for the best or the most number of gifts. With the ever increasing distances, Diwali gifts are now an extended expression of best wishes shared between near and dear ones. There are many auspicious gift ideas that can be chosen for this occasion. Some of these popular Diwali gifts are discussed below.
Diwali Sweets - A perfect way
to express your love or send best wishes is through sweets of different tastes adorned with beautiful packaging.
Ganesha-Lakshmi Gifts - Bring home this beauti-
fying divinity and decorate your home with their gracious presence and blissful blessings.
Diwali Silver Gifts - Divine elegance crafted in pure silver and some such ideas of silver gifts are Thalis, Idols, Jewelry, Coins. Diwali Gold Gifts - Gold is a pre-
cious metal which is most easily associated with Diwali festival. Any Diwali celebration is incomplete without gold based gift items.
The Mystery A
R
ll over the world, e sp e c i a l ly where there a r e Hindu inhabitants the Diwali festival is marked by gaiety and prosperity. During Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi is believed to visit homes that are well lit, so families decorate their homes. People wear their best clothes or buy new ones, children are given presents and New Year greetings are exchanged through visits or Diwali cards. Thus, a Rangoli design is created on doorsteps to welcome everybody. Rangoli exudes a pattern in color that varies from location to location. During Diwali, in the art of floor painting, the central rangoli design is
of the
angoli
the symbolic one denoting the deity or the theme. Most of the rangoli designs are circular exuding a sense of endlessness of time. Celestial symbols such as the sun, moon and other zodiac signs are also common themes for rangoli. Layered with symbolism is the lotus denoting Goddess Lakshmi, the unfolding of life. The raw materials mainly used to make rangoli are edibles like rice, rice flour, pulse and leaves. All over India, floor paintings are essentially white in color. White is a symbol of peace, purity and tranquility. The material used is rice flour or rice paste, because rice to all Indians is a sign of prosperity. Yet another symbol of
prosperity is the color yellow. Turmeric yellow is also often used to fill in the white outlines. More popularly in Guyana, however, the white rice is coloured with various colours and left to dry. It is then used to fill the outlines of the patterned rangoli. Though this is a time consuming activity, the end result is worth it, for you as well as your family, adore this creation to welcome the Goddess.
Diwali Diyas / Diwali Candles –
Fresh Flower Bouquets –Carefully selected fresh flower bouquets and arrangements are usually exchanged during Diwali. Florists prepare in advance with a wide array of flowers to choose from and they can even be ordered and sent in different parts of the world.
Earthen, Clay, Brass, White Metal, Silver are the most commonly used materials of which Diyas are made. All these gifts or products are an inseparable part of this occasion and give an auspicious feel to the festival of lights, Diwali.
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The Truth Behind the Tradition of The Diwali illuminations with lighted diyas bring the spiritual brightness and joy with the hope of finding light in darkness, achieving knowledge where there is ignorance, and spreading love amidst hatred. Light is significant in Hinduism because it signifies goodness. So, during the Festival of Lights, 'diyas', or oil lamps, are burned throughout the day and into the night to ward off darkness and evil. There are many types of earthen lamps with intricate designs that would fascinate you. There are also the star-shaped earthen diyas that hold a large quantity of oil and five wicks in one lamp and are available at most Indian stores. Corners of rooms and puja rooms can be decorated and lighted up with brass, copper or metal lamps. Candles also offer a wide choice. There are the regular rodshaped candles and large sizes. available in small, For those looking for medium designer candles, there are the flower-shaped and heartshaped floating candles in soft hues. These scented candles when placed in glass bowls filled with water will float and burn for about two-and-ahalf hours. Homes are filled with these oil lamps, candles and lights. Traditionally people use 'earthen lamps' with cotton wicks and oil to light up the dark night. As gressed man prohowever, tradition gave way to modernity. Earthen lamps have replaced candles of various colors and forms and electric lights of different shapes and sizes are used instead. In essence, the importance of light in the home cannot be over exemplified as this joyous occasion purifies our hearts and souls and remind us that good has the power to extinguish evil.
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“Lights”
Continue on Pages 20 & 21 »
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Best
Diwali Recipes Coconut Barfi Prep Time: 10 Mins Cook Time: 15 Mins Total Time: 25 Mins
INGREDIENTS: ■ 2 Cups - Fresh Grated Coconut ■ 2 Cups - Sugar ■ 1/2 tsp - Freshly Crushed Cardamoms ■ 1/2 tbsp. - Chopped Cashew nuts ■ 1 tsp - Ghee METHOD: 1. Heat ghee in a pan or wok and fry cashew nuts until golden brown, keep aside. 2. In the same wok add grated coconut, sugar and mix well and cook in slow to medium flame
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3. Keeping stirring the mixture until the sugar melts and you can see water release from coconut. 4. Stir constantly until the coconut mixture leaves the sides of the pan and comes together. Press the coconut with your spatula to see if any water remains, if there is, then continue to stir and cook. 5. Add cardamom powder, cashew nuts and mix well. The mixture will change from white to off white. 6. Immediately pour mixture to greased plate and level it using spatula/knife 7. Let the mixture cool a bit for 2-3 minutes and cut into desired shapes. Jyoti Diwali Publication 2015 21
Rasmali
Gulab Jamun Prep Time: 10 Mins Cook Time: 20 Mins Total Time: 30 Mins
Made of cheese, milk, sugar and kesar, Rasmalai is considered a ‘royal recipe’.
INGREDIENTS: ■ 1 cup Carnation Milk Powder ■ 1/2 cup all purpose flour ■ 1/2 tsp baking soda ■ 2 tablespoons butter -melted ■ Whole milk just enough to make the dough ■ 2 cups Sugar ■ 1 cup water ■ Oil for frying
INGREDIENTS: ■ Pinch of saffron ■ 1/4 tsp crushed cardamom seeds ■ 1/2 cup blanched almonds ■ 2 tbsp crushed green pistachios ■ 2 lbs Cows Milk or Ricotta cheese ■ 1/2 cup sugar ■ 32 oz half & half milk METHOD: 1. Mix the cheese with sugar and a little cardamom powder, then spread out on a baking tray. 2. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or wait until it sets. Do not allow it to get brown. 3. Remove from the oven, cool at room temperature and cut into 2" squares. Place them in a dessert bowl. 4. Mix the other ingredients (except the pistachios) in a separate dish, and pour over the squares. 5. Decorate with pistachios. 6. Chill for 2-3 hours, and then serve.
METHOD 1. Make the dough by combining the milk powder, flour, baking soda and butter. Add just enough whole milk to make a medium-hard dough. 2. Divide the dough into 18-20 portions. 3. Make balls by gently rolling each portion between your palms into a smooth ball. Place the balls on a plate. Cover with a damp yet dry kitchen towel. 4. Heat the oil on high and then lower the heat to medium. 5. Slip in the balls into the hot oil from the side of the pan, one by one. They will sink to the bottom of the pan, but do not try to move them. Instead, gently shake the pan to keep the balls from browning on just one side. 6. After about 5 mins, the balls will rise to the surface. The Gulab Jamuns should rise slowly to the top if the temperature is just right. Now they must be gently and constantly agitated to ensure even browning on all sides. 7. If the temperature of the oil is too high then the gulab jamuns will tend to break. So, adjust the temperature to ensure that the gulab jamuns do not break or cook too quickly. 8. The balls must be fried very slowly under medium temperatures. This will ensure complete cooking from inside and even browning. 9. The syrup should be made earlier and kept warm. To make the hot sugar syrup add mix the 2 cups of sugar to 1 cup of water. Add 4-5 cardamom pods. Mix with a spoon and then heat at medium heat for 5-10 minutes until sugar is all dissolved in water. Do not overheat, that will caramelize the sugar. 10. Transfer this hot syrup into a Corning serving dish. Keep warm on stove. Add the fried gulab jamuns directly into the warm syrup. 11. Leave gulab jamuns in syrup overnight for best results. They can be served warm or at room temperature. 22 Jyoti Diwali Publication 2015
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Also acclaimed as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is associated with lights, sweets, and liveliness, especially lights. As it is celebrated on the new-moon (Amavasya) night, lights and fireworks have a significant role to play in this festival. This is why, when we heard the name Diwali, the first impression that flashes through our mind is one of multi-colored and impressive fireworks, sprinkling various sorts of bright colored lights in the night sky. Although the tradition of fireworks on Diwali is not very old, still they have succeeded in becoming such a vital part of this festival that we can't even imagine a wonderful Diwali without them. The majestic appeal of the Diwali festival is such that, it drifts everyone into a festive and relaxed mood even before its arrival. Temples and homes are decorated and lighted a few days before Diwali, as a sign of paying homage to and welcoming this great Hindu festival. Diwali is really a fabulous festival and fireworks play a significant role in increasing its charm among all age-groups. Whether they are kids, youngsters, or older people, everybody enjoys the fireworks. However, there are some environmental issues associated with the use of firecrackers or fireworks on the Diwali festival, still there will be no exaggeration in saying that fireworks are an inherent part of Diwali celebrations.
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a l F e
r o f ir
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Tradition of Gifting Sweets on
Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a symbolic festival of fun, happiness and celebrations. It is also the celebration of sweets. It is a known fact that for any kind of happy event or occasion, sweets are an essential part of the celebrations. Diwali is an occasion to enjoy sweets of different varieties. This festival is a time of exchanging gifts and showering your love and regards to friends, family and relatives. When we talk about the festival, it is not limited to only lights, lamps and firecrackers. Diwali is associated with some mouth-watering delights as well. Gifting sweets is a way of spreading joy and goodwill among both the givers and the receivers. Diwali Mithais and sweets are integral to the festival. Every house welcomes its visitors with sweets on that day. Gift packs of sweets or sweet hampers are distributed among neighbours, corporates offices, workers in factories, friends, loved ones and expected or unexpected guests at home. Companies gift mithais to their employees, parents send mithais to their married daughters house, elders buy sweets for the younger ones and so on. Special sweets are prepared at this time and shared with relatives and friends as Diwali Gifts. All the different varieties of sweets exude wonderful aromas and flavors and are enjoyed by the young and the old during Diwali. Most of the sweet dishes are enriched with ghee, dry fruits, nuts and saffron. Diwali sweets are numerous, but the most common sweet dishes include Gulab Jamun, Kheer, Barfis, Laddoos, Sweet Rice, Mittais, Jalebi, Peda/ Pera, Parsad etc. These sweets depict the joys and happiness of celebrating the festival and giving the recipients the warmest wishes of happiness and enjoyment throughout the festival.
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Did You Know
Diwali
is Celebrated for
Five Days? Diwali is a festival of joy, splendor, brightness and happiness. It is the festival of lights and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by all Indians all over the world. The uniqueness of this festival is its harmony of five varied philosophies, with each day to a special thought or ideal. People celebrate each of its five days of festivities with true understanding, it will uplift and enrich the lives.
of Kartik. On this day at sunset, Hindus should bathe and offer a lighted diya with Prasad (sweets offered at worship time) to Yama Raj, the Lord of Death and pray for protection from untimely death. This offering should be made near a Tulsi tree, the Holy Basil or any other sacred tree that one might have in their yard.
The first day of Diwali: Dhanteras The first day of Diwali is tari Triodasi or Dhandasi also called Dhan fact the thirteenth Krishna Paksh, the dark fortnight of the month
The second day of Diwali: Choti Diwali The second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi. On this day Lord Krishna d e stroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear. On this day, one should massage the body with oil to relieve it of tiredness, bathe and rest so that Diwali can be celebrated with vigor and devotion.
called Dhanvanwantari TrioTheras. It is in lunar day of
the day when worship unto Mother Lakshmi is performed. Hindus cleanse themselves and join with their families and their Pandit (priest) and they worship the divine Goddess Lakshmi to achieve the blessings of wealth and prosperity, the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
The fourth day of Diwali: Padwa & Govardhan Puja On this day, Govardhan Pooja is performed. Many thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna caused the people of Vraja to perform Govardhan Pooja. From then on, every year Hindus waorship Govardhan to honour that first Po o j a
done by the people of Vraja. The fifth day of Diwali: Bhai Duj The fifth day of the Diwali is called Bhai teeka. This is the day after Goverdhan Pooja is performed and normally two days after Diwali day. It is a day dedicated to sisters. Many moons ago, in the Vedic era, Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of death) visited his sister Yamuna on this day. He gave his sister a Vardhan that whomsoever visits her on this day shall be liberated from all sins. They will achieve Moksha or final emancipation. From then on, brothers visit their sisters on this day to enquire of their welfare. This day marks the end of the five days of Diwali celebrations.
The third day of Diwali: Lakshmi Puja on Diwali This is
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The Evolution of
I
Diwali
through the years
n the midst of today’s busy and hectic lifestyle, Diwali gives us an opportunity to pause and be grateful for what we have, to make special memories with family and friends, to laugh and enjoy what life offers us. Though the festival of Diwali has undergone some changes in due course of time, it has continued to be celebrated since the time immemorial. Every year, the festive season of Diwali comes back with all the excitement and merriment. With the evolution of our contemporary lifestyle, there have been certain changes in the way people celebrate Diwali, as more and more technology has been included, but the zeal and the spirit of celebration remains the same. Earthen lamps may have been replaced with stunning electric illuminations, dress code may have changed, but the custom and tradition of performing puja has been carried very well through generations as is something every Hindu home eagerly anticipates. People wake up at the crack of dawn to conduct the customary pujas and continue with the preparation of sweet delicacies. Dressed in brilliant silks and glittering gold jewelry families gather and light crackers to usher in the great evening. After a session of bursting crackers, it’s time to visit friends and relatives armed with sweets and savories. Even today, Diwali is such a wonderful festival, a time of giving and sharing, a time to catch up with people. It gives us a chance to catch up with the little joys that we keep overlooking for the remaining part of the year.
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