Very close to the hearts of millions of bharatiya people i.e. Indians, this festival of lights, at its core, signifies the inner spiritual triumph. There is a great conflict within each of us. Light has the quality of instantaneously dispelling all darkness everywhere, within and without. Narrations of the heroic victory of Shri Rama over Ravana or Shri Krishna killing the demon Narkasura have been handed down over generations in India. Deepawali is celebrated to commemorate this victory of good over evil, of light over darkness, of knowledge over ignorance, both outside and inside. It is the festival of light, of peace, of prosperity and positivity.
As with any other ancient Indian tradition, there is a deeply scientific and result-oriented basis – the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ – in the way we celebrate Deepawali. The rishis have planned these festivals for the benefit of not just us humans, but to encompass the well-being of all life on this earth, the animals, including mother Nautre herself.
The tiny lamp or diya is a miniature representative of the mighty Sun, who is the giver of energy for our planet. It has the capacity to purify the atmosphere and create a high energy atmosphere around us. This Sun-god representative is lined up all over individual homes, courtyards, into the streets, and every nook and corner is lit up with symbols of light and splendor, radiating tiny sparks of energy everywhere we go. The word Deepawali itself means a row of lighted lamps (deep-lamp, avali-row). The philosophy and therapy involved is that the continuous sighting of these bright and sparkling lamps in the outside environment will help to ignite the flame of purity within.
Deepavali is the king of all festivals i.e. it offers the greatest benefits to people. It lasts for five days. It begins with Vasu-baaras or Gurudwaadashi on the 12 tithi of the waning moon cycle of the month Kartik and culminates with Bhai-duj on the second tithi of the waxing moon cycle of the same month. Nature, along with the entire animal kingdom is worshipped on Vasu-baras, symbolized by the calf and cow.
A mother cow along with her baby calf is offered fresh green fodder and the bond of living together and inter-dependency between animals and humans is strengthened. Cow ghee, as we know, has been praised in Ayurveda as equivalent to gold for human beings. On this day we also offer our gratitude to the spiritual master, our Guru, as the master is the only one who can spark the inner light. The Master helps us to overcome our basic instincts or animal side, and kindles the higher qualities of love and compassion in our hearts, to help us become more human.
The second day is Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi. Health is the true wealth. Keeping this in mind, the Deity of Ayurveda, Dhanwanatri, who carries the pot of nectar, is worshipped on this day. This reminds us of the necessity of regular health management, timely panchakarma, taking rasayans and health tonics for individual well-being.
Next comes Narkachaturdashi. The joy of waking up early, in Brahma-muhurat, and treating oneself to an Abhyanga oil massage mixed with ubtan, is indescribable. The siddha Abhyanaga oil penetrates deeply and the ubtan has the effect of making us feel renewed, and ready for the coming year. Give yourself a generous massage in the early morning and shower at dawn for the best effects.,
This is followed by the black moon tithi. This is the seeking and worship of wealth – a must for joyful living. The Goddess of Wealth, Laxmi is worshipped, in the evening, on the black moon tithi and all the books/files and other paraphernalia related to business and finances are also worshipped.
With renewed health, commitment to nature, invocation to wealth and gratitude to the Master, you will find yourself shining both inside and outside. The stage is now set for the New year celebration. We traditionally wear bright or new and colourful clothes, with the recommended delicious sweets and savouries to begin the year. We celebrate with family and friends, sharing each other’s shining company and purified auras from the rituals of the last few days. Joy and laughter is easy to multiply when shared and a field of positivity pervades the atmosphere in homes, neighborhoods and streets and every place where people come together. This culminates in a glorious evening of fireworks and lanterns released to brighten the entire sky.
The year has begun and the next tithi cements our commitment to further self-development with the ritual of Bhai-duj. Brother and sister cement their bonds with a promise of protection and love without expectation, the most human of all qualities.
