Deepawali is a festival which has gained its popularity owing to the nature of its celebrations. It has long been considered to have a religious significance which is now lost in the universal feelings of goodness and joy which envelop everyone on this day. Of all traditional Indian festivals, Diwali can be safely said to be the most widely accepted and loved by the people of this country. It is one of those rare occasions which give Indians a unique identity.
Lakshmi Pooja, on Deepawali
An important part of Diwali festival is Lakshmi Pooja. This Pooja, is carried out by households and especially by the business community in India. It is also considered New Year by business people, so much so that all new accounts are opened on this day after the ritual of praying to the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. This Hindu deity represents prosperity, wealth and good fortune.
Diwali Pooja Preparations
Deepawali Pooja is performed before the sun sets over the dark night of dark moon day. The actual time for this Pooja is calculated by religious scholars and pundits, which is declared in newspapers the day before Deepawali. When preparing for the traditional Pooja, idols of Lakshmi – Ganesh, ghat, Oil lamp, coins, rice grains, red color powder to keep on forehead, betel leaves and betel nuts, incense sticks, camphor, flowers, garlands are required. For offerings and Prasad, sweets and fruits are needed.
One essential before the Pooja, is a neat and clean house illuminated, and candles welcoming Goddess Lakshmi, and driving away evil spirits. And draw some designs using chalk, white rice powder, white rock powder at the entrance and small footprints with rice flour and vermilion are also drawn to indicate the long-awaited arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Oil lamps are kept burning throughout the night to guide Lakshmi, after her secret arrival in the nighttime.
Lakshmi – Ganesh Pooja Sequence
It is considered auspicious to start every Pooja by taking Sri Ganesha’s name, and so is true with Lakshmi Pooja, as well. The idols are given a ritual bath and seated on a platform. A devotional song, is sung and Prasad, is distributed amongst everyone gathered. Every family performs this Pooja, to please the Gods to shower them with prosperity and wellbeing. Fire crackers can be burst only after the Pooja completion.
It is to be noted that this Pooja, is a combined worship of five deities. Lord Ganesha is worshiped first. Our Lakshmi is worshiped in all her three forms as Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, Mahasaraswati, the Goddess of Learning and Sri great Kali. Another God that is worshiped on Diwali Lord regarded as regent of north- the Treasurer of Gods.
Lights and Deepawali
Each and every household gets decorated with colorful and lovely lights on Diwali! From oils lamps to vibrant electric lights and candles, people never miss on a single chance to make their homes a glowing and lighting place. Traditionally, people celebrate the festival by lighting earthen lamps with cotton wicks. Though, in most parts of the country the tradition of earthen lamps has gradually faded away but/ it still the concept of lights remains unchanged.
People often are eager to find out on how and why the concept of Oil lamp came for celebrating Deepawali.
Let's get a clear view on what is the importance of lighting oil lamp or candlelights on the day of Diwali.
An earthen lamp or oil lamp is synonymous to the festivity of Diwali. Oil lamp decorate every nook and cranny of the home and make it look as bright as the starts in the sky. To add to the spirit of Deepawali celebration, delicious recipes are prepared and people wear new clothes
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