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Diwali is also known as Deepavali (in Sanskrit it means an array of lights) in Southern states of India. Deepavali is celebrated in the Tamil month of aipasi (thula month) ‘naraka chaturdasi’ thithi (Thithi means time) preceding amavasai (no moon day).
Deepavali celebration preparations begin days before with the preparations of sweets and savories. The houses are cleaned and deceorated with kolam (beautiful designs made of rice flour and flowers on the floor). On the day of the festival, the family members after taking oil bath dress up in their new clothes, burst crackers symbolizing the killing of the demon king Narakasur. In the evening lamps are lighted and crackers are burst. Newlyweds visit the bride’s home for blessings and usually they burst the first crackers of the day.
Deepavali celebrates the victory of Sri Krishna over Narakasur, the son of Bhoomi Devi (mother Earth). Narakasur was powerful and he terrorized the inhabitants of the three worlds (heaven, earth and underground). Indra the King of Gods was helpless and finally asked Sri Krishna’s help. Krishna defeated Narakasur and killed him on fourteenth lunar day also known as Narakachaturdasi. The people of Dwarka greeted Krishna with illumination since the darkness of the Chaturdasi night compelled them to use lighted lamps. The following day of Narakachaturdasi is celebrated as Diwali in North India. (Read about Diwali Festival in North India).
Deepavali or Diwali the people of India celebrates for different legends but all for the same old good reason that is the victory of Good over Evil. Gatherings of friends and families bring joys during the festivals and above all the Hindus living far and near unite during this time of the year to celebrate and have fun.
Also read Kali Puja in East India during Diwali.
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