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Cliparti: Did you know that Divali is a four-day festival? The first day being "Narak chaturdasi", when his own mother killed the evil demon Naraka, showing thereby that society takes a precedence over self-interest. Second day is amavasya, when you perform Lakshmi pooja and homes are decorated with oil lamps and diyas to welcome Lord Rama’s return from exile. As part of this celebration, we burst crackers. Fluppy: Really! I didn’t know that. Windy: Fluppy, actually this part of the celebrations has been hyped by vested interests. Fluppy: So that means Divali is really much more than just crackers! What are the other two days? Cliparti: Okay, the next one is Baliprati pada and the fourth day is Bhaidooj. On Bhaidooj sisters put a tilak on their brothers foreheads. Windy: You know, these days are celebrated all over the country, though the names and tales attached to these days differ. Cliparti: Yes, not only that, Divali has a special significance for the business communities too. On this day, their yearlong accounts are closed and new ones opened. This is a very auspicious day, which begins with Lakshmi pooja, the Goddess of wealth. Fluppy: So much happens on Divali and I thought… Clipari: ...Only crackers and sweets…ah! Windy: Never mind. At least now you know. Fluppy: But, I would like to know more about it. Windy: That’s nice. You can find lot on information on Divali on some Web sites. Fluppy: Are there any sites on Divali ? Cliparti: Yes sure. Log on to www.digitalht.com/diwali/festivallight.htm. Here you’ll not only get more information on Divali, but some good shopping deals too. The site also has an environment watch section for Divali.. Fluppy: What do you mean by environment watch? Cliparti: Fluppy, there are so many like you, who think Divali is only crackers and sweets. But when understand the real meaning of Divali, you realise that bursting of crackers on Divali is a mere waste of money and it pollutes the environment that in turns causes health problems like lung and throat diseases. Fluppy: Yeah, I do feel some choking on that day. Windy: Do you know, last year children of Delhi had taken a vow to reduce the pollution of their city? They burst just a few crackers and spent their money on other things. We should learn from them. Cliparti: Yes, Divali is a sacred day, and we should celebrate it in a pious manner. Windy: Okay, enough of lecturing. I was telling you about some sites. You know there is this site http://members.aol.com/porchfour/holidays/diwali.htm. It tells you about the different regional names by which these days are known and celebrated all over the country. www.geocities.com/heartland/estates/1214/diwali.htm is yet another such site. Some people consider Divali to be the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Fluppy: So that is why, people send cards to each other. Windy: Sending cards is just a way to greet your friends and wish them prosperity. You can even send cards through e-mail. Cliparti: There are many sites that offer these ready made Divali greetings and cards which you can send to your loved ones. At www.pitara.com/community/postcard/diwali.asp, there are some beautiful options to choose from. You can even send Divali greeting cards from http://members. aol.com/porchfour/holidays/diwali.htm. Fluppy: Divali is such fun for us. What about those Indians who live abroad? I guess they will have to be satisfied with our cards only. Windy: No. Nowadays, Indian communities get together and celebrate their festivals wherever they are. Even for people who wish to perform pooja online, there is a site that will offer virtual pooja with prasad, at the temple of user choice. So, sitting at home, you can visit any temple and offer prayers. Go to http://www.virtualpooja.com/diwali.htm for this. Cliparti: Yeah. www.sreeganesh.com/index/.htm is also another such site where you can offer your prayers and worship Lord Ganesha without standing in long queues. Fluppy: My grandma will surely love this site. Cliparti: You bet. Anyhow what else do you do on Divali other than bursting crackers? Fluppy: Oh! Sometimes mom gets new clothes stitched for me, and at other times she buys me some gifts. Cliparti: Yes, nowadays, people not only greet each other, but also give gifts. No wonder, so many Divali sales. Windy: Yes, festival time has definitely become a gift time for us. For this www.indiangiftsportal.com will give you a large variety of gifts to choose from. Apart from sweets, chocolates, dry fruits you can search up for whole new ideas from this site. Fluppy: Divali sure is a nice time. Ain’t it? Happy Divali & take care.
— Ira Verma |
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