Diwali International festival

Diwali International Festival

Diwali is one of the happiest Hindu festival in India and Nepal. In India people say Diwali as Deepavali means series of light and in Nepal this festival is called Tihar. Diwali is celebrated in between end of october and mid november every year. It falls in Hindu month Kartik on new moon day (darkest night). It celebration includes millions of light everywhere.There are many castes and creed in India.

One of them is Jain who pray Mahavir. They celebrate Deepavali, a festival of light to attain of Moksh by Mahavir.

Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Baandi chhor Divas to mark the release of Guru Hargobind from prison.

Buddhist- Newer Buddhist celebrate Diwali by worshipping Laxmi and making Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism.

Diwali is celebrated in different way in different part of India.

In eastern part of India e.g. West Bengal and Odisha people celebrate Kali Pooja and worship the Goddess Kali instead of Goddess Laxmi.

In north central part of India people worship Krishna and mark Mount Goverdhan. People prepare 56 to 108 different cuisines and offer to Lord Krishna and celebrate Goverdhan pooja (Annakoot).

In north,west and central part of India, people celebrate Diwali (5 days pooja) and Diwali marks the start of a New Hindu Year.

People clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. They purchase new clothes. It is 5 days pooja.

1^st Day—Dhanterus:-

Dhanterus Pooja

It falls on 18 days after Dusshera. Dhanterus marks the birthday of Laxmi ( the Goddess of wealth and prosperity ) and the birthday of Dhanwantari ( the God of health and healing ).

On Dhanteras, Laxmi - the Goddess of wealth - is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. It is also the day for celebrating wealth, as the word 'Dhan' literally means wealth and 'Tera' comes from the date 13th.

In the evening, the lamp is lit and Dhan-Laxmi is welcomed into the house. Alpana or Rangoli designs are drawn on pathways including the goddess' footprints to mark the arrival of Laxmi. Mantras and Aartis are sung to please Goddess Laxmi and sweets and fruits are offered to her as prasad.

Hindus also worship Lord Kuber as the treasurer of wealth along with Goddess Laxmi on Dhanteras. This custom of worshiping Laxmi and Kuber together is in prospect of doubling the benefits of such prayers.

On Dhanterus people buy gold and silver items.In the night diyas ( earthenware / metal lamps filled with oil and little cotton roll ) are kept burning all through the nights in honour of Laxmi.

IInd Day—Narak Chaturdashi:-

It is known as chhoti Diwali. On this day demon Narkasur was killed by Lord Krishna, Satyabhama and Kali. Some people take fragrant oil bath on this day. Women apply henna ( mehandi ) in their hands and feet. On this day people perform small pooja in the evening. They make rangoli ( colourfull floor pattern ) at their main door entrance and enlighten diya in cleaned house.

Legend behind the Dhanteras and Naraka Chaturdashi:-

There is an interesting story about the 16 year old son of King Hima. His horoscope predicted his death by snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that particular day, his newly-wed wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid out all her ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a heap at the entrance of the sleeping chamber and lit lamps all over the place. Then she narrated stories and sang songs to keep her husband from falling asleep.

The next day, when Yama, the god of Death, arrived at the prince’s doorstep in the guise of a Serpent, his eyes were dazzled and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the jewelry. Yam could not enter the Prince's chamber, so he climbed on top of the heap of gold coins and sat there the entire night listening to the stories and songs. In the morning, he silently went away.

Thus, the young prince was saved from death by the cleverness of his new bride, and the day came to be celebrated as Dhanteras. And the following days came to be called Naraka Chaturdashi ('Naraka' means hell and Chaturdashi means 14th). It is also know as ‘Yamadeepdaan’ as the ladies of the house light earthen lamps and these are kept burning throughout the night glorifying Yama, the god of Death. Since this is the night before Diwali, it is also called 'Chhhoti Diwali'.

IIIrd Day—Diwali:-

People dress up in new clothes after taking bath and light up diyas( lamps and candles ) inside and outside their neat and clean homes and offices. They perform prayers with their family and friends. People pray to Goddess Laxmi ( Goddess of wealth) and Lord Ganesh( God of knowledge and removal of obstacle ). If we pray to Goddess Laxmi and Ganesh we receive power to gain money after utilizing our brain and to spend money after thinking twice.Goddess Laxmi is believed to roam on earth on Diwali night. People invite Goddess Laxmi after opening their doors and windows. They keep diyas light on their pooja place,entrance,windows and balcony. Lamps/diyas are lighted and kept in a row in the house, temples, rivers and streams also.

Pooja/Prayer Method:-

Diwali Pooja Items

For performing a simple Laxmi, Ganesh Pooja during the occasion of Diwali, the following Pooja items are used. The given items are easily available in any local Indian grocery stores.

Following is the list of Diwali Pooja Items:-

Kumkum Powder- 1 teaspoon
Turmeric Haldi- 1 teaspoon
Chandan Powder- 1 teaspoon
Agarbatti / Dhoopsticks- 5
Flowers
Bell (small)
Camphor, Dhoop plate
Oil lamp/ Diya
Oil- 1 cup ( for diya )
Kalash
Utensil and spoon for Achman
Puja Plate
Camphor 1 pkt
Raw Rice half cup
Milk 1 cup
Curd half cup
Ghee half cup
Honey 2 spoon
Sugar 1 cup
Paper roll
Ganesha Idol or picture
MahaLaxmi Idol or picture
Laxmi,Ganesh coins
Few spoons
Few paper plates
Cotton wicks to light lamp
Betel nuts- 2
Betel leaves- 2
Red or white cloth (towel or blouse piece)
Home cooked Prasadam
Sweets (optional)
Banana- 1 dozen (any fruit )

Guidelines to be followed during Diwali Poojan

Purification of soul and body is must before performing any Pooja, so first take bath and wear new or washed clothes.

Collect all Diwali Pooja items at your neat and clean prayer place where you’ll perform Diwali Pooja in your house/office.
While performing Diwali Pooja, facing should be toward east direction.
Spread red cloth or unused small towel on clean table.
Place Goddess Laxmi’s and Ganesh’s pictures/idols on top of the red cloth.
Put oil lamps.
Put incence/dhoop sticks on the right hand side of the picture.
Prepare a plate with Kumkum, Chandan, turmeric power, Laxmi Ganesh coins, betel nuts and leaves.
Place bananas/any fruits.
Place Prasad on one side.
Akshat- Mix half cup of rice and half tea spoon turmeric powder and sprinkle few drops of water and mix it again. This is called Akshat.
Place flowers on your right hand side and put Akshat (prepared above) in the same plate
Keep water filled Kalash ready to your left
Aachaman-Place a cup filled with water and spoon in your front for aachaman.
Place paper napkins on side
Keep Laxmi coins right in front of the picture

Mantra

Chanting Mantras are very significant sacred part to perform a delightful Pooja and to please God or Goddess. Chanting mantras will make Diwali Puja divine. Following are the different Mantras given for different purposes.

"Om sarvebhyo gurubhyo namah |
Om sarvebhyo devebhyo namah ||
Om sarvebhyo brahmanebhyo namah ||
Prarambha karyam nirvighnamastu |
Subham sobhanamastu |
Ista devata kuladevata suprasanna varada bhavatu ||
Anujnam dehi ||"

Deep Sthapana( illuminate Diya/oil lamp )

As Diwali is the festival of illuminating lights, establishing deep or diya (lamps) is divine part of Diwali Pooja. By lighting Diya, you pray to God to remove darkness or evil influence from your life forever.

Achamanam

(Take a spoonful of water in left hand and pour it on right hand palm and sip it and repeat the process three times with each Mantra outlined below and wash your hands at end)

"Om Kesavaya svaha | Om narayanaya svaha | Om madhavaya svaha |"

Given below are the mantras. Do Namskaram with each of the following mantra.

"Om govindaya namah | Om vishnave namah | Om madhusudanaya namah | Om trivikramaya namah | Om vamanaya namah | Om sridharaya namah | Om hrsikesaya namah | Om padmanabhaya namah | Om damodaraya namah | Om sri krisanaya namah | Om vāsudevāya namah | Om pradyumnaya namah | Om aniruddhaya namah | Om purusottamāya namah | Om adhoksajaya namah | Om narasiṁhāya namah | Om acyutaya namah | Om janardanāya namah | Om upemdraya namah | Om haraye namah | Sri krisnaya namah ||"

Praanayaam (take spoonful of water in your right hand)

"Om pranavasya parabrahma rsih | paramatmadevata | daivi gayatri chandah | pranayame viniyogah ||" (Drop water from your hand in a plate) (Sit straight, fill your lungs with air, hold it and exhale)

"Om bhuh | om bhuvah | om svah | om mahah| om janah | om tapah| om satyam | om tatsaviturvarenyam bhargodevasya dhīmahī dhiyo yo nah prachodayāt || Om apojyoti rasomrtam brahma bhurbhuvassuvarom ||"

(Offer Akshata and flower to Lord Ganesha)

"Om Sri mahaganadhipataye namah |"

"Sri gurubhyo namah | Sri sarasvatyai namah | Sri vedaya namah | Sri Vedapurusaya namah | Istadevatābhyo namah | kuladevatābhyo namah | Sthanadevatabhyo namah | Gramadevatabhyo namah | Vastudevatabhyo namah | Sachipuramdarabhyām namah | Umamahesvarabhyam namah | matapitrbhyam namah | Padmavati narayanabhyam namah | Sarvebhyo devebhyo namo namah | Sarvebhyo brahmanebhyo namo namah | Karma pradhana devatabhyo namo namah ||"

Ganapati puja-

(hold a spoonful water in your right hand, chant following Mantra and offer the water at the end)
(Offer water in hand to Lord) "Adau nirvighnatasidhyartham maha ganapatim pujanam karisye |"
"Om gananam tva saunako grtsamado ganapatirjagati ganapatyavahane viniyogah ||" (offer water in hand to lord)
"Om bhurbhuvasvah mahaganapataye namah | avahayami |" (offer Akshata)
"Om bhurbhuvasvah mahaganapataye namah | dhyayami | dhyanam samarpayami |" (offer Akshata)
"Om mahagahapataye namah | avahanam samarpayami |" (offer Akshata)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | asanam samarpayami |" (offer flower petals, Akshata)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | padyam samarpayami |" (sprinkle water drops)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | arghyam samarpayami |" (offer flower petals, water drops and Akshata)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | acamaniyam samarpayami |" (offer a spoonful water)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | snanam samarpayami |" (offer a spoonful water)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | vastram samarpayami |" (offer akshata, flowers )
"Om mahaganapataye namah | yajnopavitam samarpayami |" (offer akshata, flowers )
"Om mahaganapataye namah | camdanam samarpayami |" (offer chandan paste)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | parimala dravyam samarpayāmi |" (offer kumkum)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | puspani samarpayami |" (offer flower petals)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | dhupam samarpayami |" (offer agarbatti)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | dipam samarpayami |" (show ghee lamp)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | naivedyam samarpayami |" (offer sweets or home made prasad)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | tambulam samarpayami |" (offer betel leaf, betel nut)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | phalam samarpayami |" (offer some fruits)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | daksinam samarpayami |" (offer money/coins)
"Om bhurbhuvasvah mahaganapataye namah | mantrapuspam samarpayami |" (offer flowers)
"Om bhurbhuvasvah mahaganapataye namah | pradaksinan namaskaran samarpayami |" (offer akshata, flowers)
"Om mahaganapataye namah | sarva rajopacaran samarpayami ||’ (offer akshata)
"Anaya pujaya vighnaharta mahaganapatih priyatam ||"

Laxmi Puja

Goddess Laksmi is the Goddess of wealth and richness. Worshiping and venerating, her devotees are blessed with boundless wealth in life. She is represented to offer gold, silver and infinite money coming out from grace of her hands. Thus, it is very auspicious and important to venerate Goddess Laxmi during Diwali. Also, Laxmi Pooja is important ritual in Diwali pooja vidhi. Know below the method of invocation to adore Goddess Laxmi.

Now, chant following Mantra 108 times and keep offering mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar as well as honey over MahaLaxmi’s idol, Laxmi coins. If you don’t have Laxmi coins, you can use regular dollar coins etc. And then pour clean water. Cleanse and put them again in clean Puja plate.

"Om namo mahālakṣmyai namah |" Now chant this Mantra and wash Vigraham, idol and coins with clean water. Rinse and place them in clean Puja plate.

Now take flower petals, chant following mantras one after another and keep offering petals. Alternatively, you can also offer flower petals by chanting "Om namo mahālakṣmyai namah" 108 times.

Ganesh and Laxmi Aarti:-

Aarti successfully concludes any Pooja. For delightfully concluding Diwali Pooja, it is must to sing Ganesh Aarti and Maha laxmi Aarti. Through singing Aarti, devotees devotedly show reverence inclined toward deity. Offering Aarti is one way to adore God or Goddess. Therefore, for completely delighting God Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi during this Diwali Pooja, must offer Aarti. People sing Ganesh Aarati first then Laxmi Aarati --

Lord Ganesh Aarati:-

"Om mahaganapataye namah | artikyam samarpayāmi |" (light ghee lamp, do arati )

Aarati- 1: This aarati is popular in east, north and central part of India.

Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva

Mata Jaaki Parvati, Pita Mahadevaa x2

Ekadant Dayaavanta, Chaar Bhujaadhaari

Mathe Par Tilak Sohe, Muse Ki Savaari। x2

(Mathe Par Sindoor Sohe, Muse Ki Savaari)

Paan Charhe, Phool Charhe Aur Charhe Meva

(Haar Charhe, Phool Charhe Aur Charhe Meva)

Ladduan Ka Bhog Lage, Sant Karein Seva x2

Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Devaa

Mata Jaaki Paarvati, Pita Mahadevaa॥

Andhan Ko Aankh Det, Korhina Ko Kaayaa

Baanjhan Ko Putra Det, Nirdhan Ko Maayaa x2

'Soor' Shyama Sharana Aaye, Saphal Kije Sevaa

Mata Jaaki Parvati, Pita Mahadevaa x2

(Deenan Ki Laaj Rakho, Shambhu Sutavaari )

(Kaamana Ko Pooran Karo, Jag Balihaari)

Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Devaa

Mata Jaaki Paarvati, Pita Mahadevaa|

Aarati – 2: This aarati is popular in western India specially in Maharashtra.

Sukhkarta Dukhharta Varta Vighnachi ||

Nurvi Purvi Prem Krupa Jayachi ||

Sarvangi Sundar Uti Shendurachi ||

Kanti Jhalke Mal Mukataphalaanchi..||

Jaidev Jaidev Jai Mangal Murti ||

Darshan Maatre Man: Kaamna Phurti ||

Ratnakhachit Phara Tujh Gaurikumra ||

Chandanaachi Uti Kumkumkeshara ||

Hirejadit Mukut Shobhato Bara ||

Runjhunati Nupure(2) Charani Ghagriya ||

Jaidev Jaidev Jai Mangal Murti ||

Lambodar Pitaambar Phanivarvandana ||

Saral Sond Vakratunda Trinayana ||

Das Ramacha Vat Pahe Sadana ||

Sankati Pavave Nirvani Rakshave Survarvandana ||

Jaidev Jaidev Jai Mangal Murti ||

Laxmi Aarti:-

"Om namo mahalaksmyai namah | artikyam samarpayami | ( now sing aarati )

"Om Jai Laxmi Mata, Maiya Jai Laxmi Mata,
Tumko nish din sevat, Hari, Vishnu Data……….. Om Jai Laxmi Mata
Uma Rama Brahmaani, Tum ho Jag Mata…………..Maiya, Tum ho Jag Mata,
Surya Chandrama dhyaavat, Naarad Rishi gaata……………Om Jai Laxmi Mata.
Durga Roop Niranjani, Sukh Sampati Data, ………..Maiya Sukh Sampati Data
Jo koyee tumko dhyaataa, Ridhee Sidhee dhan paataa…………….Om Jai Laxmi Mata.
Jis ghar mein tum rehtee, sab sukh guna aataa,………….Maiya sab sukh guna aataa,
Taap paap mit jaataa, Man naheen ghabraataa…………..Om Jai Laxmi Mata
Dhoop Deep phal meva, Ma sweekaar karo,…………………..Maiya Ma sweekaar karo,
Gyaan prakaash karo Ma, Moha agyaan haro……………….Om Jai Laxmi Mata.
Maha Laxmiji ki Aarti, nish din jo gaavey……………Maiya nish din jo gaavey,
Dukh jaavey, sukh aavey, Ati aananda paavey……………Om Jai Laxmi Mata.

"Om namo mahalakshmyai namah | mantrapuspam samarpayāmi |" (offer flowers)
"Om namo mahalaksmyai namah | pradaksinan namaskaran samarpayami |" (offer akshata, flowers)
"Om namo mahalaksmyai namah| sarva rājopacārān samarpayāmi ||" (offer Akshata)
"Anaya pujaya mahalaksmih priyatam ||"

With this, you may end your puja and place the diyas in different corners of your house. Distribute the Prasad amongst all guests and friends and grant blessings from the deities.

After Pooja people enjoy fireworks and exchange of gifts among family and friends too.

IVth Day—Padwa:- This day is dedicated to wife-husband relationship. In many regions, newly married daughters with their husbands are invited for special meal.

Govardhan-Puja

Govardhan-Puja is also performed in the North on this day. Govardhan is a small hill in Braj, near Mathura, U.P. in India and on this day of Diwali people of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar build cowdung, hillocks, decorate them with flowers and then worship them. This festival is in commemoration of the lifting of Mount Govardhan by Lord Krishna. As per Vishnu-Puraan the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honor of Lord Indra and worshiped him after the end of every monsoon season but one particular year the young Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Lord Indra who in terrific anger sent a deluge to submerge Gokul.

Lord Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan with his little finger and sheltered men and beasts from the rain. This gave him the epithet Govardhandhari. After this, Indra accepted the supremacy of Krishna.

This day is also observed as Annakoot meaning mountain of food. People keep awake the whole night and cook 56 or 108 different types of food for the bhog (the offering of food) to Krishna. In temples specially in Mathura and Nathadwara, the deities are given milkbath, dressed with ornaments of dazzling diamonds, pearls, rubies and other precious stones. After the prayers and traditional worship innumerable varieties of delicious sweets are ceremoniously raised in the form of a mountain before the deities as "Bhog" and then the devotees approach the Mountain of Food and take as Prasad from it.

Vth Day—Bhai Dooj:-

On this day, sisters perform prayers for the well being of their brothers. Sisters put teeka ( round circle of wet vermillion/sandal wood powder/turmeric ) on their brother’s forehead, offer them sweets and in return take gift from their brothers. This festival is dedicated to brother-sister loving relationship.

Significance of Diwali:-

There are 10 historical reasons why Diwali is a great time to celebrate.

1.Goddess Laxmi’s Birthday: The Goddess of wealth, Laxmi incarnated on the new moon day (amaavasyaa) of the Kartik month during the churning of the ocean (samudra-manthan), hence the association of Diwali with Laxmi.

2. Vishnu Rescued Laxmi: On Diwali day, Lord Vishnu in his fifth incarnation as Vaman-avtaara rescued Laxmi from the prison of King Bali and this is another reason of worshipping Maa Laxmi on Diwali.

3. Krishna Killed Narakaasur: On the day preceding Diwali, Lord Krishna killed the demon king Narakaasur and rescued 16,000 women from his captivity.

4. The Return of the Pandavas: According to the great epic ‘Mahabharata’, it was ‘Kartik Amavasya’ when the Pandavas appeared from their 12 years of banishment as a result of their defeat in the hands of the Kauravas at the game of dice (gambling). So this day is celebrated by lighting the earthen lamps.

5. The Victory of Rama: According to the Holy book Ramayana, it was the new moon day of Kartik when Lord Ram, Ma Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravana and conquering Lanka. The citizens of Ayodhya decorated the entire city with the earthen lamps and illuminated it like never before.

6. Coronation of Vikramaditya: One of the greatest Hindu King Vikramaditya was coroneted on the Diwali day, hence Diwali became a historical event as well.

7. Special Day for the Arya Samaj: It was the new moon day of Kartik (Diwali day) when Maharshi Dayanand, one of the greatest reformers of Hinduism and the founder of Arya Samaj attained his nirvana.

8. Special Day for the Jains: Mahavir Tirthankar, considered to be the founder of modern Jainism also attained his nirvana on Diwali day.

9. Special Day for the Sikhs: The third Sikh Guru Amar Das nominated Diwali as a Red-Letter Day when all Sikhs would gather to receive the Gurus blessings. In 1577, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar was laid on Diwali. In 1619, the sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind, who was held by the Mughal Emperor Jahengir, was released from the Gwalior fort along with 52 kings on Diwali.

10. The Popes Diwali Speech: In 1999, Pope John Paul II performed a special Eucharist in an Indian church where the altar was decorated with Diwali lamps, the Pope had a ‘tilak’ marked on his forehead and his speech was bristled with references to the festival of light.

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Friday, October 14, 2016

Diwali International Festival