I dont remember whether I was ever away from my home during Deepavali(in North is called Diwali and its celebrated a day after its celebrated in my native...dunno why).
According to Hindu Mythology Diwali celebrates Lord Rama's homecoming, which is his return to Ayodhya(his Kingdom) after14 years in exile and the defeat of the evil Ravana; following his corronation as king. This is the story behind Diwali in North. In Gujarat ( an North India state), the festival honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and in Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali
I remember Deepavali in South is related to the killing of Narahasuran (an evil demon).
To put it simply, everywhere it signifies the renewal of life.
In North, Diwali is colloquially known as the "festival of lights", celebrated with ubiquitous small oil lamps placed in courtyard, gardens, as well as on rooftops and outerwalls. But in South we have a seperate occasion called "Karthigai", which soon follows in a week or two after Deepavali for lighting lamps.
Say Deepavali...we think of home made sweets, savouries , new dress , and ofcourse FireCrackers !!!.
This is how we celebrate Deepavali at my home. By the time I wake up early in the morning say 4.30 am or 5.00 am , Mom and Dad would be busy preparing the final sweets and savouries. After a small pooja(with a small bowl of oil place before God(s)), dad used to apply Oil on everyones head. Having Oil bath on Deepavali is a long held tradition. Taking Oil bathin the early morning with Sikakai powder (we dont use Shampoo on this occasion to keep up with the tradition) would be sooo refreshing.
Once everyone baths, the next to happen is the Deepavali Pooja...we used to offer Sweets and savouries made special for thisoccasion to God(s). Once the pooja is over, now its the turn to collect our New Dress from Mom and Dad after getting their blessings.
Fully glad in new dress (inclusive of vests and briefs ;-) ), its customary to burst the longest fire cracker brought forthe festival , and here the celebration begins. Next few hours will be to finish off the Crackers that burst out with loudnoise.
TV channels will be competing one another to offer different kinds of special programs. The day goes with such programsand munching the sweets.
Come evening , its time to for Fireworks and Crackers that light up the night. The day ends with burning the left over boxes of crackers to ward off evil.
Well...I miss all these fun and thrills siting here at Mumbai. Deepavali was at its best when me, my sis , dad and Mom wereall at one place as a family. Things have changed a lot once Sis got married and went to USA. Deepavalies which came after did not have that much fun which we had earlier.
And now, I am siting at Mumbai, Sis at USA and MOM and Dad at Chennai...its still worse.
Wherever we are...the festive spirit, fun and expectation remains the same. Thats Deepavali. I am happy for this !
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