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How to make Diwali memorable this year

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Suchitra Krishnamoorthi
Suchitra KrishnamoorthiNov 09, 2015 | 20:59

How to make Diwali memorable this year

Diwali, the festival of lights, perhaps the grandest and brightest of all Indian festivals, is a celebration and enjoyment of life. As all things that change over a period of time, diyas or oil lamps, (so far the ubiquitous symbol of lighting up one's home for festivities) are being replaced by candles. While I don't wish to take away the irreplaceable splendour of a large, ornately carved diya standing tall at the entrance of one's home, I have to add that candles are indeed safer alternatives for use inside the home. Spilt wax is not flammable unlike oil from the traditional lamps, nor does it head up to such high temperatures as to cause injury or burns.

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Tracing back to ancient India, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali or "Deepawali". Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. While in Bengal, the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength.

Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day.

In Jainism, Diwali has the added significance of being linked to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana.

Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya, from his 14-year-long exile after vanquishing the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya, in joyous celebration of the return of their king, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas and burst crackers.

In spite of the various theories on the origin of the festival of Diwali, something we all agree on is that it occasions a lot of fun. Each day of Diwali has its own tale, legend and myth to tell.

Lighting candles in accordance with its mythical or historical interpretation can make the festival that much more enjoyable and effective.

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Though the festival is spread over five days, my Diwali preparations actually start at least a week or two in advance. I begin the festivities by hanging fairy lights in the garden or balcony. And light candles every single day thereafter till Diwali officially commences.

On the first day of the festival, Dhanteras, Lakshmi and Kuber are worshipped and people customarily purchase precious metals. The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi marks the vanquishing of the demon Narakasur by Lord Krishna.

On this day why not light a black candle to remove all the negativity from your home? Burn the candle to the end and throw away all the melted wax immediately. Or alternately place bowls with flowers and candles at every corner and light floating candles.

Adding rock salt to the water helps in cleansing the negative energy. Placing a rudraksh, crystals or any religious object of your choice in the bowl also generates positive vibrations as fire of the candles recharges these objects with positive energy. After burning a floating candle in a bowl containing rock salt and rudraksh, sprinkle a few drops of this energised water in different corners of your home.

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Add coins to the plate or bowl in which you have lit the candle. It is believed that by doing so, the fire energy of the floating candle will energise the coins and attract prosperity in one's life.

I often write down little wishes and place them under the candle as an affirmation of my intention. Something as simple as "Dear god, bless my home with health luck and light." While making these affirmations I recommend burning the candle to its very end and then throwing the melted wax away.

On the third day of Deepawali, or Kartika Shudda Padyami, it is held that king Bali stepped out of hell to rule the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu.

The Hindu tradition lays great emphasis on lighting the akhanda diya, which comprises keeping the flame alive for the whole day. Lighting five flames at a time and for the whole day is especially recommended on religious days. What better time than Diwali to do this?

The last day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj) and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

On this day why not light aroma candles? These add greatly to the celebratory ambience. But make sure you chose the same aroma so as to have no clash of scent.

My tips for lighting diyas/candles during Diwali are not to promote superstition or ritualism in any way and should be used with individual discretion. I am merely sharing what I have learnt, from elders, from tradition and from my own sense of adventure and faith.

Wishing you all health wealth luck and light.

Last updated: November 09, 2015 | 21:10
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