| Deepavali, the festival
of lights, is held throughout India but in Kerala, this is celebrated
only by Hindus. It falls on the preceding day of the New Moon in
the Malayalam month Thulam (October-November) and it commemorates
the destruction of the demon called Narakasura by Lord Krishna.
As Lord Krishna killed Narakasura on the Chaturdasi day (the fourteenth
lunar day) it is also known as Narakachaturdasi.
Before sunrise, all of the household have their oil bath and put
on new clothes. Sweets are then served followed by display of fire
crackers.
The word 'Deepavali' means a display of lights. The people of Dwaraka
greeted Lord Krishna with illumination and rejoicing in honor of
his victory over Narakasura. The darkness of the Chaturdasi night
required them to use many lamps on the occasion, and subsequently
the illumination became a part of this celebration. It is the practice
in Kerala to consume a preparation of dry ginger and jaggery soon
after the oil bath on the Deepavali day. Dry ginger and jaggery
form the Nivedya (offering) for Dhanwantari, the great exponent
of Ayurveda. The Dhanwantari Jayanthi falls on the eve of Deepavali.
The separate observance of this day has come to an end and enjoying
the preparation of dry ginger and jaggery fallen to the following
day namely Deepavali.
Deepavali may have deeper significance than what is popularly believed.
At the time of the festival the sun is in the house of Thulam (Libra
i.e. the scales) which signifies trade, hence the relationship of
Deepavali with merchants and the Goddess of wealth. The darkness
and light symbolise ignorance and knowledge respectively. Astrologically,
on Deepavali day, the sun moves into the Zodiac sign Libra which
signifies trade, and therefore, Deepavali is considered auspicious
for the merchant community. Traditionally, Deepavali celebrations
in Kerala are on a low key as there aren't too many merchant/business
families here. But in pockets with a prominent Tamil, Bengali or
other north Indian communities, Deepavali is celebrated with great
zest.
As the light dispels darkness, lack of knowledge is replaced by
knowledge in the tradition of the prayer in the Upanishad, 'Thamaso
ma Jyothirgamaya', "Carry us from the darkness to light".
Some people say that Deepavali, the festival of lights, symbolises
this prayer.
MAA Kerala,
Specialists in Sending Deepavali Present to
kerala. We send flowers, cake , mundu, kasavu mundu, kasavu
sari, Sari, toys, and sweets to kerala for Deepavali.
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you to
send a Deepavali gift to your loved one in kerala,
email: sales@maa-kerala.com
or browse our gift categories.
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