Oct 20, 2006 04:38 PM
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(Updated Oct 20, 2006 07:21 PM)
Prayers to Laskmi, goddess of wealth, special clothes and the lighting of lamps marks the celebration of "Diwali" in many Indian homes.
India has the best festivals in the whole world. In fact, it is a land of festivals. Diwali, the festival of lights, and Holi, the festival of colours, are two of my favorite holidays in India. THE LEGEND OF "DIWALI" King Dishrath ruled the rich and prosperous city of Ayodhya. He had three wives and Kaikayi was his favourite. She saved his life in a war at a very crucial time. Dashrath granted her two favors for saving his life. Dashrath had four sons. Ram, the oldest, was everybody's favourite. He was married to the beautiful and devoted Sita. Just before Ram's coromation, Kaikayi reminded Dashrath of her two favors. She told him to crown Bharat as king and to banish Ram to the jungle for fourteen years. Her wishes were granted. The old king Dashrath later died of a heart attack. After a few years in the forest, Sita was lured by the demon king Ravana. Ram, with the help of a monkey general, Hanuman, rescued Sita and defeated Ravana.After fourteen years in exile Ram and Sita and returned to Ayodhya. returned to Ayodhya. It is in their honor that "Diwali" is celebrated. "Diwali" signifies the victory of good over evil.
Diwali in other parts of the world
Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world, in countries such as Britain,The Netherlands,Suriname,Canada,Guyana,Mauritius,Fiji,Japan
,Indonesia,Malaysia,Myanmar,Nepal,Singapore,Sri Lanka,South Africa,Trinidad and Tobago,Thailand,United Arab Emirates,Australia, much of Africa, and the United States. With more and more Indians now migrating to various parts of the world, the number of countries where Diwali is celebrated has been gradually increasing. While in some countries it is celebrated mainly by Indian expatriates, in others it has become part of the general local culture. In most of these countries Diwali is celebrated on the same lines as described in this article with some minor variations. Some important variations are worth mentioning.
In Malaysia, Diwali is known as "Hari Deepavali," and is celebrated during the seventh month of the Hindu solar calendar. It is a federal public holiday. In many respects it resembles the traditions followed in the Indian subcontinent.Diwali is decalared Public holiday in entire Malaysia.
In Nepal, Diwali is known as Tihar and celebrated during the October/November period. Here, though the festival is celebrated for five days, the traditions vary from those followed in India. On the first day, cows are given offerings, in appreciation of the food they have given and agricultural work they have performed.. On the second day, dogs and all living animals are revered and offered special food. On the third day, celebrations follow the same pattern as in India, with lights and lamps and much social activity. On the fourth day Yama, the Lord of Death, is worshipped and appeased. On the fifth and final day, brothers and sisters meet and exchange pleasantries.In Singapore, the festival is called "Deepavali", and is a gazetted public holiday. Observed primarily by the minority Indian community, it is typically marked by a light-up in the Little India district and is most known for the fire-walking ceremonies not practised as part of the festival in other countries.Hindu Endownment Board of Singapore along with Singapore Government organises lot of cultural events around Diwali time.
In Sri Lanka, This festival is called as Deepavali and is celebrated by the Tamil community. On this day people wear new clothes and exchange pleasantries.
Diwali is celebrated in the Caribbean Islands as well. Especially in Trinidad and Tobago, Diwali is marked as a special occasion and celebrated with much fanfare. It is observed as a national holiday in this part of the world and some Ministers of the Government also take part in the celebrations publicly. Diwali is also celebrated in the South American country of Guyana
WISH YOU ALL Happy Diwali
Happy reading..........................
