Diwali Hindu Festival of Light HRT3M1 October 19, 2012

Introduction  The festival of lights: inner light  Celebrated across India with great devotion and happiness  A time of celebration with family  Celebrates Lakshmi

Other Religions  Celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists  Jains: marks the attainment of moksha by Mahavira (527 BCE)  Buddhists: commemorates the conversion of Emperor Ashoka to Buddhism

History  Originated as a harvest festival  More than one story to explain the meaning  The story that people believe is determined based on where people live.

History North India:  To celebrate the return of the Rama to the kingdom after he had been exiled for 14 years. Western India:  To celebrate when an evil king named Bali is sent to the underworld

History South India:  To celebrate when Krishna destroyed a demon who caused unhappiness to the people.

History  All stories talk about the victory of good over evil  Reason of Diwali being known as the festival of light

When is it Celebrated?  Calculated according to the moon  15 th day of the Hindu month of Kartik  20 days after Dusshra or Vjaya Dashmi

Five Days of Diwali First Day: Dhanteras  Lord Dhanwantari came out of the ocean  Hindus bathe, offer lighted Diya with Prashad to Yama Raj, and pray to Goddess Lakshmi Second Day: Narak Chaturdasi  Lord Krishna destroyed the demon  Hindus massage body with oil, bathe and rest.

Five Days of Diwali Third day: Diwali or Lakshmi Puja  Actual day of Diwali  Worship unto Lakshmi is preformed.  Families come together Fourth day: Padwa and Govardhan Puja  Govardhan Puja is performed.

Five Days of Diwali Fifth day: Bhai Dhooj  Dedicated to brothers and sisters  In Vedic era, Yama visited his sister and gave her a Vardhan.

Environment  Colorful and Decorative  Diwali Party vs. Home  New Clothing  Jewelry

Clothing  Examples of Clothing that are worn Kurta (Women) Saris Indian Suits Kurta (Men)

Food  Sweets  Prashad  Store-Bought  Delivering to Family  Dinner (main meal)

Rangoli  Art that includes drawing of patterns on the floor  Rangoli designs are made to welcome goddess Lakshmi  Began in Maharshtra  Common themes: Dancing figures, flowers, swastika, human figures, and stars

Rituals at Home  Homes and businesses are decorated  Miniature footprints are represented with rice flour & vermilion powder in all parts of the household  Lamps lit and burn  Women adorned with gold and silver

Kandeel  Lanterns with colourful papers covering wooden framework  Hung in front of homes  Welcomes spirits into homes

Narak Chaturdashi  Commemorates triumph of Lord Krishna over demon Naraksura  Hindus get up before sunrise and make ‘blood’ by mixing Kumkum in oil  Oil bath using sandalwood paste

Lakshmi Puja  Small clay diyas are lit to dispel the evil forces  Bhajans sung  Sweets are offered to the goddess

Bhai Dhooj  Brothers visit sisters for Bhaiyaduj  Sisters mark the foreheads of the brothers to ensure safety  Brothers give gifts to sisters

Questions?

By: Molly Cong, Ayesha Jain, Malin Kuo and Natasha Lad