Religious Education S.B.A. Essay

What is Diwali? The name Diwali is a contraction of â€Å"Deepavali†; this is also means The Festival of Lights or Row of Lamps. This is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism and marks the attainment of moksha .Diwali falls on one new moon right between Mid-October and Mid-November, it is celebrated for five (5) days according to the Hindu calendar. This is believed that the time of transition from darkness to light-the light that empowers them to commit themselves to good deeds which brings them closer to divinity. Why is the festival celebrated? This festival is to show how good a triumph over evil and it marks the end of harvest season in most of India. This is also a time for new endeavors, and many people clean their homes and open their windows and doors cause it gives them luck and good fortune during Diwali. This is also has legend within its origin, Prince Rama wife was kidnapped by a ten-headed demon and with the help of Hanuman (Monkey god), Prince Rama rescues his wife and on their way home the people of the village light rows of lamps which guided Rama and Sita back from the forest of Ayodhya. Diwali Celebrates the return of Rama and Sita, Rama was Crowned King. Describe the rituals that take place in Diwali? It is traditional to do a spring house cleaning to welcome the Goddesses Lakshmi into their home. In the evenings many Hindus hold prayer in their homes (puja), people decorate their homes with diyas surrounding the house, and the lights are left burning all night so that when Lakshmi may feel welcomed when entered. Firecrackers are burst in order to drive away the evil spirits, during Diwali the occupants wear new clothes and share sweets and other snacks among family, friends and the adoring public. They also draw patterns on the floor with a mixture of rice, flour and water and this is called Rangoli. Also whosoever gambled on this day would prosper throughout the ensuring year. They also exchange a certain greeting to each other â€Å"Shubh Deepavali† which is a traditional greeting which means â€Å"have an auspicious Diwali†. Identify the God or Goddesses associated in Diwali? Diwali is held in honor of the goddesses Lakshmi, she is the goddesses of wealth and prosperity. They pray to her to give them luck in the following year and they honor lord Ganesh the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom that brings them good fortune throughout the year.