Deepavali is the premier festival celebrated by all Hindus in Malaysia . And amongst the many festivals observed by us only Deepavali is honoured with a national holiday. It is also the only day when we open our doors to all our non-Hindu friends.
Yet, a festival as significant as this has over the years degenerated into an irreligious orgy of gluttony and drunkenness. Is this what Deepavali is all about? Let's ponder awhile.
The History
In Puranic times, there was an evil king called Naragasuran. When his misdeeds became intolerable, the people prayed for divine intervention. In answer to their prayers, Lord Krishna destroyed the asuran. Lord Krishna then approached Naragasuran's mother to explain His actions. By then the news of the asuran's destruction had spread and the people had began to celebrate.
Thus by the time Lord Krishna approached her, Naragasuran's mother was reconciled to the fact that her son's destruction was necessary for the good of the people. Though her loss was great, she was prepared to sacrifice her son.
She therefore requested that the joy that the people were enjoying should not cease. Lord Krishna granted her, her wish and since then that day has been celebrated as Deepavali.
Naragasuran was destroyed on Chathurdasi Tithi (14 th moonday) in the month of Aipasi. Deepavali has been celebrated on this day since. This year [UTF-8?]â €“ 2009 [UTF-8?]– is an exception. This year Deepavali is being celebrated in the month of Purataasi, not Aipasi .
Thus Deepavali commemorates both the victory of Dharma (good) over adharma (evil) and the great sacrifice of a mother.
But Nagarasuran, the personification of all evil, is alive and well in all of us. He is represented by all the negative qualities inherent in us. He must, therefore, be destroyed, if we are to attainMoksha.
Deepavail is the occasion when we make conscious efforts to destroy the Nagarasuran within us. We can succeed only if, like Nagarasuran's mother, we are willing to make sacrifices.
The Celebration
On the eve of Deepavali, the home must be decorated with oil lamps to symbolise the victory of good over evil. The word deepavali is made up of the words deepam that means lamps and aavali. that means a row. Thus Deepavali means rows of lamps. The four components of an oil lamp have the following significance:
the lamp represents aram (dharma)
the oil represents porul (harta)
the wick represents inbam (kaama)
the flames represent veedu (moksha)
Aaram (virtuous living), porul (wealth), inbam (enjoyment) and veedu (God realisation) are the inherent rights of all men (and of-course women)
Wealth acquired and expended according to dharma will lead us to God.
Extravagance is not dharma . Therefore avoid all expenses incurred to impress relatives, friends and neighbours.
On Deepavali Day we should rise early and take an oil bath in warm water . Gingelly oil and warm water are specified since Mother Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Mother Shakti, the Universal Mother will be present the oil and warm water respectively. Thus applying oil and bathing in warm water will bestow the blessings of both Mother Laxmi and Mother Shakti upon us.
Traditionally, the oil will be applied by the lady of the house, the personification of Mother Laxmi.
After the bath we should put on new clothes. The wearing of new clothes is an important part of Deepavali. Then, we should offer pooja to our family deities at home before seeking the blessings of our parents and other elders.
Then, we should visit the temple and seek the blessings of the Lord. Our efforts to overcome the negative forces that have been with us since birth can be better accomplished with the blessings of God. With His support we cannot fail.
Charity.
Giving alms to the needy is an important part of Deepavali. It is especially auspicious to donate new clothes to the needy. Remember the giving away of used clothes that we have no use for is neither a sacrifice nor dharma.
Ancestor Worship
It is also common to make offerings to our pitirs (ancestors) during Deepavali. This practice probably came about since Deepavali is celebrated on ammavasai day that is dedicated to pitir worship. In time the two events merged into a single celebration.
Remembering and worshiping our ancestors is an important duty of all girihastas (Householders)
Vegetarianism
Another common practise nowadays is the consumption of non-vegetarian food during Deepavali. This is unhindu. Hindus have always been vegetarian on all holy days. Deepavali is no exception.
In fact, there are many reasons why we must observe vegetarianism on Deepavali Day even if we do not believe in Ahmisa . Not only does Deepavali fall on an ammavasai day, on which Hindus normally fast, it also falls on the day after the monthly Shivaratri Pooja , a fast dedicated to Lord Shiva. In addition the following day marks the beginning of the Kantha Sasti Fast- a six day fast dedicated to Lord Muruga.
Hindus always observe vegetarianism on these days. Thus Deepavali cannot be non-vegetarian festival.
This Deepavali thrill your friends with our excellent vegetarian cuisine. Spare the chicken and goats. Let them enjoy Deepavali too. Sacrifice meat-eating!
Non-alcoholism
The consumption of intoxicating liquor is also against our dharma. It is therefore unHindu to consume or even serve liquor. The common excuse that our non-Hindu guests expect it, only exposes our lack of knowledge and commitment towards the basic tenets of our ancient religion.
Our friends must respect our religion just as we respect theirs.
Therefore, this Deepavali serve only soft drinks. Not only is this in conformity with our religion but is also cheaper and healthier.
We Hindus have always taken great pride in the significance of our religious practices especially our fasts and festivals. In keeping with this ancient tradition let us pledge to celebrate this Deepavali bearing in mind that it is an occasion for spiritual upliftment through sacrifice.
This Deepavali let us purify ourselves by sacrificing some, if not all, of our negative qualities. Let us honour our ancient traditions by practising it. Let us also set proper examples for our children and grandchildren to follow. Let us make this Deepavali meatless and liquor free.
Happy Deepavali to all of you!
-excerpts from speeches of Sri Muthukumara Kurukkal
