DEEPAVALI
Legends Behind The Festival Of Light
Come see calendar,
Indians from all walks of life will be once again celebrating Deepavali, the Festival of Lights.
Since mid-September the festive air had already filled the house as swift preparations for the
approaching festival were made. Every member of the family gives a hand in cleaning, dusting,
polishing of brass and silver, trimming the flower-decked lawn outside to cooking of delicious
aromatic and colorful sweet-meats. Preparing varieties of sweetmeats is a novelty, with the lady
of the the seated infront of the fire and the family members around. Each person would attempt to
shape the sweetmeat with hands which in turn would be fried in oil.
Even the men in the family are not left out as the entire household prepares to welcome the
Festival of Lights. This enhance the family unity and bring all members of the household together.
The is an array of delicacies such as murukku, gheeballs, halwa, gelabi, laddus, gulab jamuns and
vadai to be prepared.
In Malaysia, Deepavali (which literally means the light of the lamps) is essentially a Malaysian
festival rather than an exclusively Indian one. A spirit of neighbourliness can be observed as
non-Indian neighbours drop in to help out with the cooking. In return, during Hari Raya Puasa
or Chinese Lunar New Year, the Indian friends will in return give a helping hand in the
preparations. This presents an opportunity for everyone to learn each other's culture and
culinary skills as well. A festival of such nature not only brings together the family, friends
and neighbours but also unites the whole nation.
The festive morning starts with the traditional oil bath (equivalent to taking a dip in the holy
Ganges River in India) and wearing of new clothes. After prayers, the children prostrate and
touch the feet of the elders in a gesture of respect and to receive blessings (and occasionally,
a monetary present). The celebration continues with eating and merring-making. After this family
affair, the house is opened to friends to visit and wish "Happy Deepavali".
In this "Open House" concept of Malaysian festivals which is wonderfully unique itself, friends
of different races and religious backgrounds are invited into the homes of those celebrating the
festive occasion. While guests can drop in at any time, some may for convenient's sake may opt
out certain times of the day - set either in the morning, evening or night - to receive and
entertain friends.
The partying may continue well into the wee hours of the next morning. The houses come aglow with
countless oil lamps flickering like tiny twinkling stars and firewokrs and sparklers light up the
dark skies, enhancing the festive mood.
What is the actual significance of the festival? According to Hindu mythology, there are two ways
to interpret it. One tells us the story of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of goodness who was born
on earth time and again for this purpose. He took the form Krishna to be born on earth and
destroy evil forces. Krishna was brought up in humble shepherd's family and grew up to be the
King of Duvaraga.
Meanwhile, the evil King Narakashura was creating havoc and committing to bear the agonies
perpetrated on people, a messenger was sent to Krishna with a desperate plea for help.
In a war perfectly matched on both sides, Krishna destroyed the evil Narakashura. The day of his
death is today celebrated as Deepavali as a day of deliverence from evil. In true perspective,
the triumph of goodness over evil is rejoiced by lighting up lamps and 'chasing away' darkness
which represents demonic forces.
The other legend tells us of King Mahabali, an arrogant man who learnt lesson in humility when
Lord Vishnu came disguised as a midget and requested him to allow space to take 3 steps. One step
covered the earth, the next the oceans and the third step was placed on Mahabali's head and
squashed the King into the earth. But before the King disappeared into earth, he requested that
the day to recollect the past and purify oneself for a better future.
In whatever light one sees it, the Deepavali message is loud and clear. Destroy the inherent
fundamental darkness and bring out your goodness. Make yourself and others happy.
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