Festival of lights just round the corner

Festival of lights just round the corner

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Oct 21, 2011 : Deepavali, also referred to as Diwali, Kaumudi Dipam, Dipalika, and so on, is just around the corner. This year, it is celebrated on Oct 26, but it is celebrated on different days in different regions.

In Karnataka, Diwali is a 3-day event commencing with Naraka Chaturdashi and ending with Goa Puja. But in North India, it is a 5-day festival commencing on the 13th day of the dark half of Ashvija and ending on the second day of the bright half of Kartika.


Needless to say, there are a number of legends associated with this festival. Naraka Chaturdashi is the day on which Lord Krishna killed Naraka. Before he died, Naraka asked Krishna to mark the day as a festival. The next day is Amavasya and Goddess Laxmi is worshipped on that day. The third day is Bali Padyami, also known as Govardhan Puja in North India.

In Karnataka, Bali Padyami is celebrated in honor of King Bali, who was revered for his excellent qualities. Unfortunately, Indra felt jealous of him and he urged Lord Vishnu to humble Bali. Accordingly, Lord Vishnu appeared to Bali in the form of Vamana and pushed him into the nether world. However, the king was granted permission to visit his subjects once a year, owing to which people spread food, flowers, and torches in their fields to welcome the king and celebrate his visit.


Devotees light colorful lamps during this festival to attract Goddess Laxmi. Shop owners decorate their shops and perform puja. Cows are also worshipped during this festival. Goodu deepas and crackers are part and parcel of Diwali.


The second day of Kartik is observed as Bhaidooj, the day on which Goddess Yamuna, the sister of Lord Yama, invited him to have food. Pleased with his sister, Yama gave a boon of long life to brothers who visit their sisters on this day and accept food from them. People also believe that Rama, who killed Ravana on Vijayadashami, reached Ayodya on Diwali.

Today, the significance of the festival is that of spreading love and respect among human beings by lighting lamps. People visit one another, distribute sweets and  crackers, and enjoy the festival. Diwali is celebrated irrespective of caste, community, or religion.