Deepavali
Deepavali Festival
The term "Deepavali" comes from the Sanskrit language, translating to "a series of lights." This five-day festival is marked with immense joy and celebration worldwide, representing the victory of good over evil.
Deepavali Eve Rituals (Aswij Krishnapaksha Trayodashi Evening)
Preparation of Bathing Water:
- The evening before Deepavali, clean the bathroom thoroughly and wash the bathing vessels properly.
- Fill a clean vessel with water to be used for the oil bath the next morning.
- Decorate the vessel by applying lime around it, marking it with kumkum (vermilion), and tying a mango leaf garland around it. This vessel is referred to as ‘Ganga-Layam,’ symbolizing the presence of the holy Ganga river.
Lighting Lamps:
- Decorate your home by placing lamps (deepam) both inside and outside the house, as well as on the compound walls.
- The day is known as Deepavali because of the tradition of lighting lamps in a row (Avali means row).
- The lamps placed outside are known as ‘Akasadeepam,’ which invite auspicious deities into the home.
Night-time Preparations:
- Before going to bed, clean the area near the Swami’s (God’s) box, draw a rangoli (kolam), and place all the items required for the next day’s rituals, such as new clothes, oil, shikakai powder, turmeric, kumkum, flowers, fruits, and betel leaves.
Early Morning Rituals:
- On Deepavali day, wake up at 4 AM, brush your teeth, and light the lamp in front of the deity.
- Men should change into a fresh, clean traditional cloth (madivathiram) and bring a pot of hot water, placing it in front of the deity.
- Offer prayers by performing an archana (ritual worship) with the mantras of the Lord (Kesavaadi Namavali) and presenting all the items prepared for the day to the deity.
Family Rituals:
- After offering prayers to the deity, the women of the house should perform the kumkum arathi for the family members, a ritual believed to bring auspiciousness and blessings.
- The family members should then take the oil blessed by the deity, apply it to their heads, and proceed to take a bath using the hot water.
- The eldest in the family should take the first bath, change into new clothes, and offer prayers to the deity again.
Ganga Snanam (Holy Bath):
- The bath on Deepavali morning is considered equivalent to taking a dip in the holy Ganga river. Therefore, this ritual is referred to as Ganga Snanam.
- After the bath, new clothes are worn, and everyone should offer prayers and receive blessings.
Yama Tarpanam (Offering to Yama)
Purpose and Procedure:
- On Naraka Chaturdashi day (the day before Deepavali), after the morning rituals, an offering called Yama Tarpanam is made to the God of Death, Yama, to remove the fear of hell.
- This is done by holding water in hand with rice grains or sesame seeds (if the father has passed away), facing the south, and offering the water through the four fingers, which is called ‘Deva Teertham.’
Significance:
- This ritual is believed to protect one from the fear of hell and ensure the blessings of Yama.
- It is important to note that this is not the same as the usual Tarpanam (offering) done for ancestors; it is specifically dedicated to Yama, hence the offering is done differently.
Mahakshmi Puja (Worship of Goddess Lakshmi)
Evening Rituals:
- In the evening of Deepavali, the family should decorate the area near the Swami’s box with a picture or idol of Lakshmi Narayana.
- Light lamps both inside and outside the house, as it is believed that this attracts the grace of Goddess Lakshmi, bringing wealth and prosperity.
Puja Process:
- Offer worship to Goddess Lakshmi by performing a detailed ritual, including offering turmeric, kumkum, flowers, and other decorative items.
- After performing the arati (ritual waving of the lamp), sing devotional songs and conclude the puja by offering prasadam (sacred food) and distributing it among family members and guests.
Blessings:
- It is believed that performing this puja with devotion ensures the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, which can bring prosperity and good fortune to the family.
Observing Deepavali During a Mourning Year
Ritual Adjustments:
- If a close family member has passed away within the year, the usual festive celebrations are not observed.
- The rituals are simplified, with no new clothes or festive cooking. However, the holy bath (Ganga Snanam) and offerings to the deity are still observed as a mark of respect for the departed soul’s journey.
Puja and Offerings:
- The family performs the puja, including the offering of oil and other items to the deity, but without the usual festivities like new clothes or sweets.
- The focus is on the well-being of the departed soul rather than personal celebration.
Understanding the Difference Between Vrata and Festival
- Vrata (Vow) vs. Festival:
- A Vrata is a religious vow or fast undertaken for spiritual reasons, often involving specific rituals and austerities.
- A festival, like Deepavali, combines both Vrata (religious rituals) and festive celebrations (enjoyment and family activities).
- It’s important to distinguish between the two and observe them with the right understanding and devotion.
Conclusion:
The rituals associated with Deepavali are deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, aimed at cleansing the body, mind, and soul, inviting prosperity and auspiciousness into the home, and remembering the spiritual significance of the festival. Whether it’s through lighting lamps, performing the Ganga Snanam, or offering prayers to Yama and Lakshmi, each ritual has its own unique importance and contributes to the holistic celebration of this auspicious day.