Diwali is the biggest and most important religious festival in India. It is not only a Hindu festival, but it is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains. Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolises the ‘victory of light over darkness’, ‘knowledge over ignorance’, and ‘good over evil’. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on November 12, 2023.
Diwali is celebrated every year and marks the start of the Hindu New Year. Diwali usually falls within the Hindu lunar calendar month of Karthik and it falls on Amavasva, which means moonless night. The exact date varies each year as the Hindu calendar is based on the Moon.
missionexpress.in
How is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali celebrations are spread over five days. On each day certain specific rites and rituals are performed and a specific god or goddess is worshipped. However, the common traditions are cleaning one’s homes and workspaces, decorating these with lamps and flowers, and making rangolis.
khbuzz.com
Meaning Of Diwali
The word Diwali or Deepavali means “row of lights” in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. Diwali is known as the ‘festival of lights’ because houses, shops, and public places are decorated with small oil lamps called ‘diyas.
flickr.com
Did You Know?
Diwali is an official national holiday in many countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Fiji, Mauritius, Guyana, Ma-KNOW? laysia, Singapore, Nepal, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
The Festival of Lights has many legends and lore associated with it. There is no single story behind the origin of this festival. Even though there are many stories and historical narratives behind this festival, they all ultimately represent the victory of good over evil.
The most commonly associated story with the celebration of this festival, especially in north and west India, is from the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to Hindu mythology, Diwali is celebrated on the day Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana returned to their home in Ayodhya after 14 years in exile and after defeating the evil king Ravana.
When Rama, Sita, and Lakshman returned from Lanka at night, villagers lit rows of oil lamps along the streets to guide them home. These lamps are known as diyas or divas. Through this, the festival of Diwali was born. To this day, people celebrate Diwali by lighting diyas or candles in their homes – a true festival of light.
girirajswami.com
The Birth Of Goddess Lakshmi
Many people honour the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi during Diwali. The lights and lamps are said to help Goddess Lakshmi find her way into peoples’ homes, bringing prosperity in the coming year! The story goes that Goddess Lakshmi was provoked by God Indra to leave the divine world and enter the Milky Ocean. Without her, the world turned dark. After churning the milky ocean for 1,000 years, Goddess Lakshmi was reborn and once again brought her blessings of good fortune. Many people believe that Diwali is the celebration that marks Lakshmi’s wedding with Vishnu.
hoovufresh.com
The Victory Of God Krishna
In south India, Diwali commemorates the victory of the god Krishna over the demon king Narakasura. Once the demon was killed, Lord Krishna called for a day of festivities. This day of festivity is called Naraka Chaturdashi and is celebrated the day before Diwali. Some regions of India burn effigies of the demon to celebrate Diwali.
endz.in
The Story Of Mahavir’s Enlightenment
In Jainism, Diwali commemorates the anniversary of Lord Mahavir’s attainment of moksha, or freedom from the cycle of reincarnation, in 527 BC. Lord Mahavir was the 24th and last Thirtankar of Jainism (spiritual leader). First referred to in Jain scriptures as dipalikaya or light leaving the body, Jains believe that the Earth and the heavens were illuminated with lamps to mark the occasion of Lord Mahavir’s enlightenment. Jain’s light lamps on Diwali to symbolise keeping the light of Lord Mahavir’s knowledge alive and sweets are also distributed.
vedictribe.com
Bandi Chhor Diwas
For Sikhs, Diwali is significant because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other princes with him, in 1619. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was being held by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir with 52 princes. Sikhs call Diwali as Bandi Chhor Diwas, meaning the day of liberation.
Sikhs celebrated the return of Guru Hargobind by lighting the Golden Temple in Amritsar with diyas and this tradition continues today.
theprint.in
Kali Puja
People living in the Indian states of West Bengal and Assam celebrate Diwali as Kali Puja. Goddess Kali is worshipped. People believe that she destroys all evil. Lamps are lit in her honour, and in return, she promises a renewal of life and justice on earth.
mediaindia.eu
The Legend Of Bali
The powerful King Bali ruled over the netherworld, Earth, and heavens. All the gods feared him so much that they sent Lord Vishnu to get rid of him. Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf and appeared before Bali. He asked him that he be granted control of all the land which he could cover in 3 paces. Because of the dwarf’s small stature, Bali granted this request, and it was then that Vishnu grew to enormous proportions, covered all Bali’s kingdom in two paces, and with the third pace stomped him down into the netherworld. However, Vishnu granted Bali the right to return to earth for one day each year, and it is thus that Bali is celebrated during Diwali alongside other legendary figures.
quora.com
The End Of The Pandava’s Exile
The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic. When the five Pandava brothers returned to their kingdom from their exile it was on the dark and moonless night of Kartika Amavasya. To celebrate their return the people of their kingdom lit innumerable earthen lamps to welcome them home. Later, lighting earthen lamps also became a vital part of celebrating Diwali. The 5 Pandavas, namely – Yudhishthira, Bhima, Ariuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, had lost everything they had in a game of dice (gambling) playing against Kauravas. When they were left with nothing to bet, they were punished with 12 years of exile. During these 12 years, Pandavas lived in hardship.
In a surprise attack on October 7, Hamas launched thousands of rockets from Gaza at Israel. Simultaneously, hundreds of armed Hamas fighters crossed the border into Israel. The attacks by Hamas targeted civilians as well as soldiers. Hamas has also taken more than 100 hostages. Israel responded with air strikes into Gaza, saying it was targeting militant sites. The whole of Gaza is surrounded by a wall, so people living there have no way of escaping the air strikes.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israelis they are going into a “long and difficult war”. The Israeli Prime Minister called up reserve forces, and Israel began working to make its borders stronger.
Israel has cut off the supply of water, electricity and fuel into Gaza, in order to force the return of the hostages. The United Nations has called for Israel to allow essentials like food, fuel and medical supplies to be delivered in Gaza. It has also called for all hostages to be released.
As on the date of printing this Issue, Egypt had briefly opened its border with Gaza allowing some trucks to take food, medicine, and water into Gaza.
Did You Know?
Under international law: It is illegal to take hostages.
Punishing innocent civilians for the actions of others is also a war crime called collective punishment.
Israel
Israel is a country in the Middle East and was established in 1948 as a homeland for Jews, after World War II. The area where Israel is now used to be called “Palestine”.
aljazeera.com
Palestine
Palestine is a region in the Middle East, lying between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. In 1948, most of Palestine became part of the country of Israel.
dawnmena.org
The Palestine Liberation Organization
The people of Palestine were represented by a group called the Palestine Liberation Organization (“PLO”). Israel and PLO signed an agreement in 1993 after secret talks in Oslo, Norway. Israel agreed to hand over the control of Gaza and other territories to Palestine. Palestinian Authority was formed to rule over Palestinian territories. The last Israelis left the Gaza Strip in 2005.
history.com
Hamas
Harakat al-Mugawama al-Islamiya, popularly known as Hamas, was formed in 1987 by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian refugee living in Gaza, during the first uprising, which was marked by widespread protests against Israel’s oc-cupation. Hamas came to power in 2007 and has fought many wars with Israel as it did not want peace with Israel. Hamas has been classified a terrorist organisation by many countries, including the US, UK, EU, and Israel. Hamas is supported by Iran.
As on date, Hamas rules the Gaza strip. Hamas does not recognise the right of Israel to exist and has declared that it wants to destroy the country.
siasat.com
Conflicts
Ever since the establishment of Israel, Israel, Palestine and the neighbouring Arab countries have been fighting over the ownership of the land. This conflict is not new. It has been going on for 100 years. Both Jews and Palestinian Arabs claim the land as their ancestral home.
The conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians are complicated. It is mostly about land and religion. The Palestinians are Muslim, and most Israelis are Jewish. The two sides are not able to agree on a number of issues including what should happen to Palestinian refugees and whether a Palestinian state should be created alongside Israel.
npr.org
What Is The GAZA Strip?
Gaza strip is an area of Palestine land. It is 41 km long and 10 km wide and situated between Israel and Egypt, where many Palestinians moved when Israel was es-tablished. It is one of the most densely populated regions in the world. Around 2.3 million people live in this densely populated territory.
Gaza strip is one of the two Palestinian territories, which is currently controlled by Hamas. Israel controls the airspace over Gaza and its shoreline and restricts who and what goods are allowed in and out. Similar-ly, Egypt controls who passes in and out through its boundary with Gaza.
cbsnews.com
History Of The Gaza Strip
Until 1917, Palestine (which included the territory of the Gaza Strip) was a part of the Ottoman Empire. After the Ottoman Empire was defeated in World War I, the UK took control of Palestine (which included the Gaza Strip). It was then occupied by Britain from 1918 to 1948. A majority of Arabs and a minority of Jews lived in the region, along with many other smaller ethnic groups.
During the time period between 1922-1947, Britain supported efforts to make a home for the Jewish people in Palestine. At that time many Jews were fleeing. Europe and came to Palestine to escape the persecution of the Nazis.
In 1947, the UN voted to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. This plan was rejected by the Arab leaders but accepted by the Jewish leaders. However, it was not implemented.
The British authorities were not able to resolve the fight, so they withdrew from Palestine. The Jewish leaders then announced the establishment of Israel in 1948. Immediately, a war broke out between Israel and the neighbouring Arab countries including Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. The war resulted in Israel increasing its territory to include more than three-quarters of Palestine. More than half of the Palestine population were forced to leave their homes. The Palestinians call this time period as “Nakba”, meaning catastrophe. Subsequently, Egypt occupied the Gaza Strip from 1948 to 1967. In 1949, Egypt and Israel signed a peace agreement. This agreement set the present boundaries of the territory, which became known as the Gaza Strip.
france24.com
How big is Gaza?
aljazeera.com
Gaza Stripe and Israel
After another war in 1967, between Israel and the Arab coun tries of Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, Israel captured the Gaza Strip, Palestinian part of the city of Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Together these areas are called the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Israelis quickly started building settlements in the area. Their goal was to solidify their control over the area. To protect the settlers, troops were dispatched to the area by Israel. The Palestinians were not happy about these Israeli settlements. They fought with the Israeli troops in Gaza.
Gaza remained under the control of Israel for 38 years. Even though in 2005, Israel pulled out of Gaza, Israel’s huge security wall surrounds most of it. This security wall is around Palestinian areas and controls what goods can go in and out. Egypt controls the western border of Gaza. People cannot leave Gaza without a permit from Israel or Egypt.
npr.org
What have The World Leaders Said?
US President Joe Biden says his country’s support for Israel is “rock solid and unwavering”. Mr Biden has condemned Hamas’ actions as “evil” and said the US would boost military aid to Israel.
britannica.com
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged “steadfast support to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
cnbc.com
Indian On The Israel-Hamas Conflict
After the attacks on Israel, India has completed a number of successful missions, called “Operation Ajay” to bring back its citizens that were stranded in war hit Israel. India has also sent a huge amount of humanitarian aid to Palestine.
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said terrorism anywhere in the world and in any form is against humanity and has emphasised that it is time for peace and brotherhood and to move forward while walking together.
middleeastmonitor.com
Timeline Of Key Events
Early 16th Century: The Ottoman Empire controlled part of the Middle East, including Palestine.
1917: The British army occupied Palestine.The then foreign secretary of the UK signs a document known as the Balfour Declaration, which promises a homeland for the Jews in Palestine.
1933: Many Jews fled to Palestine to escape the Nazis.
1947: The UN passed a resolution proposing the partition of Palestine into two independent states -the Arab state and a Jewish state.
1948: The British withdrew from Palestine and Israel declared independence. Immediately, a coalition of Arab con-tries, including Palestinian factions, attacked Israel. Israel increases its territory by seizing more Palestinian land. Egypt occupies Gaza.
1967: Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.
1987: First large Palestinian uprising against Israel in Gaza and West Bank.
1988: Palestine declared independence
1993: A peace accord is signed between Israel and the PLO.
2002: Israel started building a wall around Palestinian areas.
Dussehra is celebrated throughout India with different rituals and activities. The Dussehra festivities involve lights, decorations, food, and colourful clothes. However, the celebrations vary across the different regions of the country.
The Kullu Dussehra, which is well-known all over the world, is held in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Around 200 local deities from nearby villages are brought to participate in a religious procession. Another unique aspect is that these celebrations in Kullu begin on Vijayadashami, the day when Dussehra festivities end in India. Further, on the last day of the celebration, a pile of thorn bushes is burnt to depict the burning of Lanka.
travelure.in
Kolkata, West Bengal
The Bengali community celebrates Dussehra with Durga Puja, which transforms entire state into a dynamic and lively hub of culture. Vijayadashami is celebrated on the tenth day of the famous Durga Puja. On this day, married women offer vermilion and sweets to the goddess. They also put vermilion on each other’s cheeks. At night, the idols of the goddess are taken to nearby rivers or water bodies to be immersed.
theweek.in
Bastar, Chhattisgarh
Dussehra is devoted to tribal deities and has nothing to do with the defeat of Ravana. The festival is celebrated for 75 days and is believed to be the longest festival in the world. The festival is held in honour of Goddess Danteshwari (the guardian deity of the tribal belt of Bastar in Chhattisgarh) other divinities. There are many rituals associated with this festival, including chariot processions, the tribal chieftains’ conference, and the thanks. of Lanka.
thewirehindi.com
Mysore, Karnataka
The Mysore Dasara has been celebrated for more than 400 years. The Mysore Palace is decorated magnificently and there are many cultural performances that take place during the Dussehra festivities. A procession with 12 trained elephants adorned with colourful attire are taken around the streets. One of them carries the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwar atop a golden mandap. The procession starts from the mysore palace to Bannimantap.
holidify.com
Almora, Uttarakhand
Almora celebrates Dussehra with a parade of demons. The mountain streets of this small town in Uttarakhand are filled with various villains from The Ramayana. They’re made by local people and are paraded across the town before burning them. A total of 33 effigies of Ravana’s family members are burned to celebrate Dussehra.
utsav.gov.in
Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu
The Dussehra celebrations at a 300-year-old temple of Goddess Kali, in the village Kulasekarapattinam are very unique. People are required to dress up as gods and goddesses. The people dance holding flaming clay pots throughout the night and end the festival with an enactment of slaying of Mahishasura on the beach.
behance.net
Did You Know?
Ravana is a symbol of evil for most people across India. However, in Mandore, Rajasthan, people celebrate him as a deity. It is believed that Ravana’s wife Mandodari is from this town. While people remember Ravana for his evil deeds, here he is celebrated for his genius achievements in the field of astrology and ayurveda.
There are some temples in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Andra Pradesh that worship Ravana as a deity.
1. Dussehra comes from the Sanskrit word Dash Hara, which means “the defeat of the Sun” in English. Vijayadashami, means victory on the tenth day.
2. Dussehra is celebrated in Ashwin, the 10th month of the Hindu Calendar. It falls sometime around October or November.
3. Dussehra marks the end of the summer season and the start of the winter season.
4. Dussehra marks the harvesting of Kharif Crops and sowing of Rabi crops. It’s an important occasion for farmers of all beliefs.
5. Dussehra also marks the homecoming of Pandavas from their exile of 13 years. When the Pandavas had lost their kingdom, they were in exile for 12 years. It was said that if they were discovered in the 13th year, they would have to start their exile all over again. So, on the commencement of the final year, they hid all their weapons inside the hole of a Shami Tree. After the end of the 13th year on the sacred day of Vijaydashmi, they retrieved their weapons to worship them along with the tree. Thus, the Shami Tree is considered to be a symbol of goodwill.
6. In Kerala, Dussehra is considered an auspicious day for introducing children to the world of letters. Children between three and five years of age are initiated into learning by making them write a mantra on a tray of rice grains. After the ceremony, study materials such as slates and pencils are distributed by those children. The ceremony is called Ezhuthiniruthu in Malayalam.
7. In northern India, barley seeds are sown on the first day of Navaratri. These sprouts are used and considered a good omen for good fortune and wealth on the day of Dussehra.
8. According to a popular legend, Goddess Durga, along with her children, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Kartik, and Saraswati came to her birth place on Earth to stay for some time. On the day of Dussehra, she returned to her husband Lord Shiva.
9. Dussehra is also believed to be the day when Emperor Asoka had converted to Buddhism.
10. The burning effigies signify the killing of all evils of the soul, which are represented by the ten heads of Ravana.
Kharif crops are typically sown at the beginning of the first monsoon rains and are usually harvested between October and November. Examples are rice, cotton and maize.
Rabi crops are harvested in the spring season while it is sown in winter. Examples are wheat, gram, and barley.
Mahabharata is a major Hindu Mythological epic. This great epic narrates the great war between the Kauravas and Pandavas. The Pandavas were the five brothers Yudhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, who are the main characters of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.
