City welcomes Deepavali with joy

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Nov 12, 2012: Deepavali will be celebrated this year on Nov 13, although different regions celebrate Deepavali on different days.

In Karnataka, Deepavali is a 3-day festival that begins with Naraka Chaturdashi and ends with Gau Pooja. However, in North India, it is a 5-day festival that begins on the 13th day of the dark half of Ashvija month and ends on the second day of the bright half of Kartika.

 

Deepavali is associated with a number of legends. Naraka Chaturdashi is the day on which Naraka was killed by Lord Krishna. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on the following day, and the third day is Bali Padyami, also known as Govardhan Pooja.

The people of Karnataka celebrate Bali Padyami in honor of King Bali, who became a victim of Indra’s jealousy and had to retreat to the netherworld. However, he is allowed to visit his subjects every year, and people welcome him with flowers and food.

Devotees light colorful lamps to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and shop owners clean and decorate their shops on this occasion. Cows are also worshipped during Deepavali. Highlights of Deepavali include firecrackers and goodu deepas. 
 
People visit one another, light crackers, and distribute sweets irrespective of caste, creed, and community.