A party to fend off the darkness
In India, the festival of Diwali (or Diwali) celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance. On this occasion, Hindus celebrate with vigor and brilliance. Hundreds of candle lights decorate the windows and parapets of houses, rangolis made of colored powders are drawn on their thresholds, tables collapse under sweets, bright garlands decorate the entrances of temples, firecrackers and fireworks explode throughout the night.
Family meeting
It is also a family holiday, accompanied by feasting, new outfits and exchange of gifts. He prepares weeks in advance as houses are cleaned from floor to ceiling. Housewives arm themselves with brooms, brushes, wolf heads to remove the smallest particle of dust. Cupboards are emptied, laundry is clean, dishes are washed. Everything must be bright for the renewal party.
A five-day festival
The date of Diwali changes every year. It is determined by the position of the new moon in the month of Kartika, combined in October and November. This year, the festivities begin on October 23.
- On the first day of the festival, Dhanteras, clay bowls are filled with oil to be lit, rangolis are drawn, the house is immaculate. We buy a small gold or silver object to attract good luck.
- On the second day, we celebrate Krishna, who freed the world from fear by defeating Narakasura, and we rest.
- On the day of Amavasya, Hindus wear their best dresses and ornaments. They go to the temple of Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, to win her good graces. They illuminate every room in the house to keep the darkness at bay. Firecrackers and fireworks go off all night long.
- Annakut, the fourth day is dedicated to abundance. We offer food to the poor and the gods, and we stuff ourselves why?Indian sweets.
- On the fifth day, Bhai Duji, sisters pray for their brothers and apply tilak on their foreheads. In return, they are offered a gift.
Mysterious origin
If the origin of Diwali is religious, then no priest or guru can confirm with certainty the legend to which it refers. For some, Diwali celebrates the victory of the god Rama over the demon Ravana. The people of Ayodhya, Rama’s abode, lit many oil lamps to show their god the way back. For others, if the festival is celebrated on the new moon day of the month of Kartika, it is because it is the birthday of Goddess Lakshmi. Finally, in some states of southern India, people prefer to think that this festival pays homage to Krishna, who freed 16,000 women held hostage by an evil king. But all Hindus agree on the fact that Diwali is the most important festival that marks the entry into the new year.
Where to celebrate Diwali in India?
To:Jaipur. Buildings and squares are lit up for Diwali, and the city awards a prize to the best decorated market. The electricity bill on that day is taken care of by the Government of Rajasthan.
in Varanasi.India’s holiest city illuminates itself ghats thousands of oil lamps. Women come to pour milk into the Ganges to pay homage to the god Ganesh, the epitome of wisdom and prosperity.
in Calcutta.The capital of West Bengal is notable for celebrating the goddess of death, Kali. A scholar of the 16th century connected the festival of the goddess with the festival of lights, trying to soften her image.
In Goa.The former Portuguese colony worships Krishna. For Diwali, Goans build large effigies of Nakasura to be burnt.
Source: Le Figaro
