Diwali - The festival of lights

Diwali or Deepavali is the Festival of Lights, a very popular festival celebrated by Indians (Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism – each religion celebrates for different reasons) all over the world. It is a five day long festival, however in modern times the celebration has been reduced to a single day. The celebration revolves around the belief that goodness always triumphs.

By lighting clay lamps with oil, we expel evil and negative energy. Wearing new clothes, cleaning up the house, removing unwanted material from your home, distributing sweets and gifts, bursting crackers – all are to initiate and invoke positive energy into one’s life. In a more philosophical note Denali can be considered the celebration of Inner Light (Athma), a reminder that we have to aspire to come closer to divinity through good deeds and thought. It is the time to reflect within us and correct ourselves for the better, a time to reach out to those we have wronged and ask for their forgiveness and definitely a time to let your loved ones know and feel your love for them

There are many myths associated with the significance of Diwali celebrations; each of the five days is celebrated for various reasons.

- The first day of the celebration is Dhantrayodashi or Dhan Teras. On this day Dhanvantri, the father of Indian medicine, Ayurvedha, is worshiped by the physician community

-  The Second Day celebrates the killing of demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Many celebrate this day as the return of beloved Lord Rama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) to Ayodhya along with Sita and Lakshmana after a 14 years exile. They were welcomed by the people with lit diyas. In both beliefs Mankind is protected from danger, the celebration is to rejoice the victory of the good over the evil!

-  The Third day is dedicated for Lakshmi Puja. Shops and homes are adorned beautifully with colorful flowers and other traditional decorations, incense sticks are burnt for fragrance, and Lakshmi the Goddess of Wealth and Lord Ganesha , the God of all Auspicious beginnings are worshipped. It is believed that the Gods will be attracted to your home if the puja is done with purity and sincerity .When Lakshmi and Ganesh reside in your dwelling, you are assured of Prosperity and Well Being.

In Bengal, Kali Puja is more popular .Goddess Kali is the destroyer of all evil, the Protector of Justice

Jainism celebrates Diwali as Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana or Moksha on this day

For Sikhs, Diwali is important because it celebrates the release of their sixth guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, who was held prisoner in the Gwalior Fort in 1619. The Sikhs celebrate the return of their Guru every year by lighting the Golden Temple

-  The Fourth Day is celebrated as Balipratipada and Govardhan Puja , both signifies the triumphant win of the good over the evil .Balipratipada is the defeat of the King Bali by Vamana , the dwarf incarnation of Vishu.Govardhan Puja is in celebration of the defeat Indra faced in the hands of Lord Krishna ( incarnation of Lord Vishnu )

-  The fifth day is Yama Dwitiya or Bhaiya Duj, a day for brothers and sisters to consolidate their love their love for each other. Yama, the Lord of Death meets his sister River Yamuna. She prepares a feast for her brother and as a token of appreciation, Yama gives her a gift. On this day sisters pray for the well being and longevity of their brothers and the sisters receive gifts of love from their brothers

The Significance of Golu - " Display of Dolls"

Bommai Golu (Kolu) in Tamil and  Bommala Koluvu in Telugu, translates as “ Display of Dolls “.It is celebrated during Navratri which commences on Sept 28th this year. This fun filled Hindu festival, is celebrated predominantly by South Indians all over the world .Traditionally, the dolls collection that is displayed is passed on from one generation to the next, a very emotional and sentimental aspect for the women. Also it is customary to include a new doll in the collection every year.This religious and social festival truly kindles the artistic skills of the women folk. Here is the story as to why Dolls play such an important part in this celebration 

The great Demon Mahisha gained extraordinary powers by performing several penances. There came a time when he became so powerful even the Gods were unable to defeat him. Several battles resulted in the Gods losing the three worlds (Earth, Heaven and Hell) to the demon. The Cosmos was in danger!

To defeat this demon that was now mightier than the Gods, a super power (Shakti) was needed. The Gods create a single form by offering their individual powers simultaneously Thus is born Maha Devi - from the bodies and power of all Gods.

Maha Devi takes the warrior form , Durga, and riding her Vahana, the Lion, battles Mahishasura and his army .Nine days and nights later, Mahishasura’s army is entirely destroyed and Mahishasura is alone on the battlefield. Mahishasura keeps changing his form and the Maha Shakti is unable to destroy the demon .She requires extra power to slay him.

It is at that point of time that all the Gods and celestial beings stand still and transfer their energy to her. That historic moment is when the Devi slays the Asura who is the midst of transforming from a buffalo back to his form. The Cosmos is restored, and that great triumphal victory of the good over the evil is frozen in time .This moment is what is recreated in the present time through Golu/Kolu – Display of Dolls.

Navaratri celebrates the victory of the good over the evil ,for nine auspicious nights. Shakti has three main manifestations .Maha – Saraswati ( Goddess of Knowledge ) , Mahalakshmi ( Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity ) and Durga  (Goddess of Courage and Bravery ).The first three days Durga is worshipped , the next three days Lakshmi and the last three days is dedicated to the worship of Saraswati. These nine days of prayers , chanting mantras and performing pujas invokes the energies of the gods and goddesses filling the atmosphere with so much of positive energy .The tenth day Vijaya Dasami marks the final victory of Durga , when evil is destroyed and only goodness prevails

Ganesha

Ganesha , the Remover of Obstacles

Sindoor

Pancha Bhutas

The Sauras beautifully expressed their philosophy that Religion is about worshiping, respecting and protecting Nature .Man and Nature are inseparable and our foremost duty is to learn to integrate ourselves with Nature, preserve ecology so we can reap all the goodness that it has to offer

These paintings are filled with the positive energies of life

Saura Painting

Horse - Valor & Grace

Horse symbolizes valor, grace, nobility and freedom.