Hindu Festivals – Shubh Diwali / Deepavali and Karthigai Deepam Celebration

November 16, 2012

By Padmini Arhant

The Hindu festival of lights Diwali or Deepavali followed by Karthigai Deepam celebrated to illumine homes and spiritually the minds for peaceful existence.

Diwali being the main festival for most Hindus emphasizes on positive virtues enabling smooth transitions in life journey with happiness and sadness reflecting the emotional state that impact well being and routine activity.

The celebration is also important for it brings joy during festive season adding splendor from colors depicted in Rangoli (artistic display using dry powder) usually in front porch or prayer area of the house besides the social custom of exchanging gifts such as delicious Indian sweets and dry fruits on that day.

Diwali is an occasion to express felicitations reviving human spirit for peace and prosperity in life.

Hindu festival Diwali is usually observed anywhere between two to three days with spectacular fireworks in the evenings decorating the sky enhancing the starry night like sparkling diamonds on black velvet overlay attracting gaze in all directions eager to catch the glimpse of glitter – an extraordinary delight shared amongst all.

Diwali is significant in promoting harmony and pleasure experienced through greetings with family and friends while many seek divine blessings in their offerings to deities of individual choice – although Lord Vishnu and Devi Lakshmi are generally worshipped on this day in relation to respective incarnations for mankind benefit.

Subsequent to Diwali is another festival of lights known as Kartikai Deepam devoted to Lord Kartik – the Son of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Lord Kartik birth is symbolic and preordained to pronounce goodness and renounce negative traits contributing to suffering and turmoil.

Since celestial angels known as Krithika raised Lord Kartik, the Lord assumed the name Kartikeya representing the brilliance of light to dispel darkness – the hindrance to knowledge and mind purification essential for redemption leading to salvation.

The religious function again observed for minimum two consecutive days extending to a week, the households lit with traditional lamps add brightness to modern ambience in appreciation of rich cultural heritage cherished over generations as proud legacy.

Festivals in general mark the occasion to rejoice and remember the essence of religious events often defining the purpose in life with moral guidance along side providing diversity enrichment in secular society.

Wishing all Hindus and others in India and around the world a serene and successful year and beyond with universal progress derived from unity, liberty and equality.

Shubh Mangala Diwali, Diwali Mubarak, Deepavali Nal Valthukal, Happy Diwali!

Shubh Kartigai ThiruNaal, Greetings for Kartigai Festival!

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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