Deepavali/ Diwali : Deepavali Story

Hi there, for all my Hindu friends, I wish you Happy Deepavali, May Goddess Laxmi prosper you all with wealth, health and happiness.

For those who still do not understand the importance, norms, taboos and ways to celebrate Deepavali. Allow me to explain a bit.

Story behind it

First of all there are many stories or puranas that lead to Deepavali.

Most common story is Lord Rama and Sita returns to Ayodha after Rama defeated Ravana who kidnapped his wife.

Another related story is to celebrate Goddess Bhudevi who killed the demon Narakasura.

No matter what, all the stories clearly defined victory over evil. So Deepavali marks that we should leave all our darkness, bad habits and sadness and begin a new victorious life. That is why it is known as the festivals of lights as many oil lamps are lighted in order to show victory over darkness.

Ways:

A day before Deepavali, Hindus pray for their death ancestors.

On the day, Hindus will wake up early in the early morning before sunrise to take an oil bath. Scientifically proven, applying oil in our body and take a bath can reduce our body heat and make our body to functions more smoothly.

After that, wearing new clothes and takes blessing from the elders by lying down and touching their legs. Visiting temple and offering prayers to God is a must!

Finally, visiting each other’s house and eating together with family cherish the festival.

Deepam or oil lamps are lighted up.

Many Indian foods such as ladoo, idiapom, thosai, idli, muruku, katti urudai, vadai, aci muruku and etc are offered during Deepavali. Thus, it will be the most delicious day in our whole life if we get to visit our Hindu friends on Deepavali.

Taboos:

Some Hindus will be strictly vegetarian during Deepavali.

Beefs will never been offered in a Hindu house as the Hindu cannot eat beef as cow is considered a sacred animal.

Hindus will always be clean and make their house clean on this day.

Conflict:

In Malaysia, the word Diwali is not encouraged to be used as most Hindus in Malaysia are Tamilans so the tamil word Deepavali should be used.  So when you are passing the wishes or greeting cards, make sure you use the right word!

How about on this coming 10^th November, visit your Hindu friends to know more about this wonderful festival. You will be able to taste tastiest food and also watch a beautiful house decorated with Kolam or Rangoli!