Diwali 2008

Diwali the festival of lights, color and fireworks is celebrated with pageantry, splendor and gaiety in the state of Karnataka. Though the celebrations are different as compared to the rest of India the essence remains the same.

Diwali, or Deepavali, is the Hindu festival of lights. It is celebrated in a big way in India and Nepal, where it is called Tihar. The term Deepavali is of Sanskrit origin, which means an array of lamps. The word ‘deep’ means clay lamp and ‘avali’ means an array. The celebration of the festival signifies the victory of good over evil within oneself. The word Diwali is actually a corruption of the Sanskrit term Deepavali. Today it is celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, Hindus, and even some Buddhists all around the globe.

Maharashtra, with its major chunk of Marathi population celebrates Diwali in a special way that is quite different from Diwali celebrations in North India. The four day long Diwali Festival, in this state usually begins with Vasu-baras, in honor of the female cow, representing motherhood. The rituals of this day involves married women performing puja to lactating cows with calves, offering gratitude for providing milk and in turn contributing to the overall well being of their children. An important tradition followed on this day is also buying gold and silver jewelries.

Punjab means five rivers in the literal sense. The state is synonymous with prosperity, cheerfulness and an exuberance which is hard to miss. The lively people of Punjab cannot be left behind in the festivities of Diwali. Gaiety and merriment is so innate to Punjab that it is only natural that you expect something unique about the Diwali celebrations in Punjab. Diwali mithai and Diwali gifts almost define the festival. People spruce up for the festivities well before time and decide the kind of Diwali presents they would buy for family and friends.