Guest Author - Linda J. Paul

An emphasis on light is a huge part of the fall and winter holiday celebrations throughout the world. From the end of September right through until March, the dark season of the year is lit up with, electric lights, candles, oil lamps etc. As you may have read in previous articles, the lights are used to call back the sun, and to illuminate our hopes and dreams until they come into fruition in the spring. This is the time for self-reflection when the light shines inward as well as outward.

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, and the best known of the Hindu festivals. Diwali falls on the 14th day of the dark half of the month Asvina. Every month of the Hindu calendar is divided into a light half when the moon is waxing, and a dark half when the moon is waning. According to the Gregorian calendar, Diwali falls in either October or November.

The name Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word deepavali which means “row of lights.” Traditionally, Diwali celebrates the coming home of Lord Rama, after 14 years in Exile. When Lord Rama and his wife Sita returned to India to rule their country, the people lit their way with small oil lamps called diye. This homecoming ritual is still celebrated with homes, temples and even boats lit up with diye. Colorful candles are lit along with the diye, and fireworks light the night sky. Families visit one another with gifts, and feasts and celebration abound.

The story of Rama and Sita is actually one of The Sacred Marriage. Her name means, “furrow”, the line made with a plow, and she is associated with rain, soil and balance. In this strong and powerful relationship, Sita represents good luck, well-being, abundance and fertility, while Rama is the epitome of wisdom, righteousness and stability. The qualities of this union are the Hindu values of a perfect marriage.

The return of Sita and Rama is not just a story of two people who were unfairly exiled, but is also the story of the return of stability and wisdom to the people of India.

The celebration of Rama and Sita is the most popular and widespread tradition concerning Diwali, but in some parts of India other Gods and Goddesses are honored. For instance, the marriage of Lakshmi and Vishnu, or Lord Krishna and his battle with the demon Naraka. Kali, one of the most ancient, revered and fearsome Goddesses is also honored in some areas, as well as Ganesha, the elephant- headed God of wisdom.

Lakshmi is the main deity honored during Diwali, as she is revered as the Goddess of fortune. Diwali marks the beginning of a new financial year, so households and businesses start anew with clean ledgers, often adorned with the image of Lakshmi.

Homes are cleaned and decorated with fresh flowers. Many families create a rangoli, a colorful pattern traced in rice flour at the entrance of their homes. Treats of khil (rice puffs), and patashe (sugar disks), are shared with families, neighbors and friends. Puja, or worship of the deities is a part of this festival both at home and in the temple, with prayers and other offerings.

Hinduism is thought to be the world’s oldest religion, and the origins of Diwali are just as ancient. As does almost every holiday that is celebrated, Diwali most likely has its roots in ancient harvest rites and rituals.