Hindu, Jain, Sikh: Light up the night for Diwali

November 13, 2012 by

An Indian temple is illuminated during Diwali. Photo courtesy of FotopediaTUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13: Beacons of light soar across the night sky, announcing the triumph of good over evil, as hundreds of thousands of clay lamps—and neon lights—illuminate Diwali.

For five days, Hindus celebrate the extravagant event popularly known as the “Festival of Lights” with sweets, lanterns and firecrackers. (Learn more at DiwaliFestival.org.) Diwali calls all Hindus, worldwide, to examine the Atman: that is, the part of living beings that is beyond physical body and extends into the vast, the pure, and the infinite. After the firecrackers have been lit and the sweets enjoyed, devotees reflect on what the Festival of Lights is really about: the light of higher knowledge that is only realized when one awakens from ignorance and understands the oneness of all things. The bottom line—only inner light can bring true serenity and joy.

The very name Diwali means light. A contraction of Deepavali, the lengthy name for the festival translates into “row of lamps.” Inner light aside, the brightness of Diwali traces its roots to an agricultural harvest festival, when farmers would welcome the goddess of wealth with clay lanterns. Businesses, homes and public arenas today work hard to continue receiving her, hoping for auspiciousness in the coming year. (Wikipedia has details.) Each day of Diwali signifies a principal story in Hindu legend, with rituals that follow. The breakdown goes something like this:

Day 1: Homes are cleaned; devotees shop for gold
Day 2: Hindus display clay lamps; rangoli created with colored powders and sand
Day 3: The main day of the festival, familes gather to perform Lakshmi Puja, a prayer for the goddess of wealth; the prayer is followed by feasts and fireworks
Day 4: The first day of the New Year
Day 5: Brother-sister relationships are strengthened when married sisters welcome their brothers into their homes, often with a lavish meal.

For most Hindus, each day’s gladness is further enhanced with tasty sweets, gift exchanges and general gaiety. Even young people adore the traditions of old—according to one source in The Hindu, “In our ever-so-busy lives, these occasions serve the purpose of bringing the family together again. Tradition is fun, if I can say so.”

DIWALI: FROM THE WHITE HOUSE TO AUSTRALIA

Upward of 10 countries mark Diwali as an official holiday. Even outside those nations, most major cities around the world host Diwali celebrations, too. Across the UK, Diwali has been an annual festival for years, and in 2003, the White House observed Diwali for the first time; Barack Obama became the first American President to attend Diwali at the White House, in 2009. The Australian Indian Innovations Incorporated (AIII) organized their country’s first major Diwali Festival in 2002; between that year and 2008, more than 140,000 people visited the festival of cultural programs, music, rides, food and fireworks.

Fireworks in India will bring pollution to ‘alarmingly high’ levels this Diwali. Photo courtesy of FotopediaJAIN: NIRVANA FOR A NEW YEAR

The second day of Diwali marks a New Year for Jains—two days earlier than Hindus—and Inner Light is embraced by this religion when recalling the attainment of Nirvana, or Moksha, by Lord Mahavira in 527 BCE. Of the 24 Tirthankars central to Jainism, Mahavira was the last. Mahavira rejuvenated the Jainism Dharma—the Dharma that devotees follow to this day. Legend has it that many gods were present during Mahavira’s attainment, thereby lighting the dark night.

SIKH: A TRIUMPH IN HISTORY

Sikh history tells of the sixth guru, Hargobind Singh, and his release from prison during this time many years ago. It’s believed that 52 Hindu kings were also released by Guru Hargobind at that time, and today, Sikhs rejoice by sharing a vegetarian meal and reading Sikh holy scripture.

‘ALARMINGLY HIGH’ POLLUTION LEVELS

One of the primary elements of Diwali will threaten lives in India this year, and both young people and the Indian government are speaking out en masse: the fireworks that light up the night are threatening to bring pollution to extreme levels. (Read more in the Hindustan Times.) Children across India are crowding the streets, shouting slogans and waving banners that include “Say No to Crackers”, according to the Times of India, while thousands of students have vowed an eco-friendly Diwali. Still more students have informed local residents about focusing on traditional clay lamps. A Guinness World Record of “green” is being attempted by children at Prince Ashokraje Gaekwad School, by displaying more than 800 drawings for a “green” Diwali, according to the Times of India. For those fond of fireworks, eco-friendly varieties are available in markets, and many have reported opting for a virtual show, courtesy of software called “e-cracker.”

DIWALI EXTRAS

Planning a party for Diwali? The Hindu offers up ideas for a fabulous fete. Cook up some tasty sweets—and other traditional dishes—with help from the BBC. Kids can get a pint-sized explanation of the festival from National Geographic; craft descriptions and printables are at Activity Village.

 

Jain: Seek forgiveness and prepare during Paryushana

September 9, 2012 by

Jains emerge from a temple. Photo in public domainWEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12: Jains are gearing up for the holiest day of the year today by starting Paryushana / Paryushan Parva, a self-cleansing ritual that lasts eight days.*

Observant Jains try to set aside all negativity for eight days. They try to ensure that they harm no living being—even bugs or microscopic bacteria. When not at the temple or reading scripture, practicing Jains who aren’t fasting consume only dried beans or lentils: It’s believed that eating anything fresh is harming the plant it came from, and even fermented foods are teeming with living bacteria that would otherwise be eaten. (Hear it from Jains in this article in the Times of India.)

On the holiest day of the year—Samvatsari—devotees have been cleansed through Paryushana and proceed to ask forgiveness from every living being. It was from Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar, that Jains learned that no food should be consumed until forgiveness is obtained. (Wikipedia has details.) The phrase “Micchami Dukkadam” means in rough English translation: “If I have cause you offence in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought word or deed, then I seek your forgiveness.”

Dried beans and lentils are consumed with boiling water during Paryushan. Jains refrain from eating anything that is or was alive—even root vegetables and fermented foods. Photo in public domainJain monks in monsoon climates begin seeking shelter during Paryushana, and fittingly enough, this also provides community members the opportunity to listen to the monks’ sermons. (Are you near metro Detroit? Check out the Jain Society schedule. Near New York? Grab a meal courtesy of Paryushan Meals.)

In the temple, laypeople and monks alike pray to reject vices and improper desires, all the while studying holy texts. Even traditional postures are practiced while meditating, all for one purpose: leading the soul closer to salvation. The faithful hope to rid their souls of all attached karmic matter; they live by the motto, “Live and Let Live.”

*Note: Due to the many sects of Jains, Paryushan dates differ by region and group. In addition, the two main Jain sects—Shwetambar and Digambar—observed Paryushan almost one month apart this year due to the emergence of two “adhik” months in the Hindu calendar. Thus, some Jains marked Paryushan last month.

Hindu, Jain: Mark the ever-auspicious Akshaya Tritiya

April 24, 2012 by

 

Hindus buy gold in record numbers today. Photo in public domainTUESDAY, APRIL 24: It’s a day of opposites in India today, as both Hindus and Jains commemorate the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya. While Hindus are buying up gold in record numbers—hoping for a prosperous year and fruitful future—Jains honor the Tirthankara who gave up all earthly possessions. Though the reasons differ, one thing is clear: India is a busy country today!

Several Hindu legends are revived today, but the god Vishnu takes the no. 1 spot: It’s the birthday of the Hindu sage Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu. Other myths tell that on this day, the sacred river Ganges descended from heaven; it’s also believed the Treta Yuga began today. (Wikipedia has details.) In translation, “Akshaya” means “never diminishing,” and Hindus indulge in expensive purchases today—especially gold. In fact, India was the largest single investment market for gold last year, claiming 25 percent of the world’s total bar and coin demand.

This year, gold prices have soared upward 32 percent, yet experts say Hindus aren’t deterred; contrastingly, jewelers are expecting an increase this Akshaya Tritiya. The World Gold Council—aware of the impact of this day on yearly sales—is offering a 6 percent discount on gold coins, in cooperation with the India Post. The popularity of non-physical gold is also seeing exponential rises. This year, fund managers are expecting a 200 percent increase. (Articles detail this information; check out The Hindu, the Business Standard and the Times of India.)

While promoting gold sales, the central government will be cutting back, too—on child marriages, that is. Authorities report that because of the auspicious beliefs tied with Akshaya Tritiya, thousands of farmers marry off their children today. Child marriage remains illegal, however, and authorities are taking extra measures to crack down on this activity.

Jains focus on the auspiciousness of Akshaya Tritiya, too, although for very different reasons: It’s believed that today, the first Tirthankara broke a lengthy fast. Jain tradition tells that after attaining enlightenment, the Tirthankara gave up all earthly pleasures—including the ability to provide himself with food. The ancient king crossed the countryside, asking only for food, but the people offered him much more: jewels, garments, and horses, just to name a few. No one believed that the man wanted only food, until his grandson understood and gave him sugarcane juice. On Akshaya Tritiya, the Tirthankara broke his fast by drinking sugarcane juice. Today, Jains imitate the fast by resisting food and, finally, ending it with sugarcane juice.

Hindu, Jain: Mark Hanuman and Mahavir Jayantis

April 6, 2012 by

A statue of Hanuman. Photo in public domainFRIDAY, APRIL 6: A continuous chanting will be overheard outside many Hindu temples today, as devotees of Lord Hanuman observe Hanuman Jayanti. It’s believed this ardent devotee of Lord Rama was born at dawn, and today, his birthday is celebrated in much of India, from dawn until dusk. After raising his flag high, the faithful will chant “Hanuman Sahastra Naam”—100 names of Lord Hanuman—and reflect on his energy and strength. (Times of India reports.) Hindus will spread sindhur on their foreheads, just as Hanuman did for Lord Rama on his body, and share in a small meal together.

The main writer celebrating Hanuman in American literature is Cheeni Rao, whose memoir In Hanuman’s Hands tells a dramatic story of his own struggle to overcome drug addiction, partly guided by the spirit of Hanuman. In 2009, we published an in-depth interview with Rao in which he talked about his family’s devotion to Hanuman’s tenacious power to help even endangered souls like Cheeni himself.

Ever loyal to Lord Rama, Hindu tradition tells that Hanuman declared himself here on earth for the sole purpose of serving Lord Rama. Hanuman even welcomed death, if it would accompany service to Lord Rama. (Wikipedia has details.) In return for his heroic services, Lord Rama granted Hanuman eternal life and the worship of Hindus to come. “All will honor and worship you like Myself,” Lord Rama told his faithful disciple. (TajOnline has more.)

JAINS MARK MAHAVIR JAYANTI

Jains across India are holding their own celebrations, as they mark Mahavir Jayanti—the birth day of the last tirthankara. Jains hold true to Mahavir’s message of non-violence to all living creatures, from human beings to tiny insects. Yesterday, the faithful chanted hymns for world peace, parading through streets with a chariot that held the portrait of Lord Mahavir. (Read about the procession in the Times of India.) The Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange will be closed Thursday-through-Sunday on account of Mahavir Jayanti. (Read more in Business Today.)

Hindu, Jain: Offer light to the gods on Kartik Poornima

November 9, 2011 by

KARTIK POORNIMA is traditionally a festival of lights for the gods. Photo in public domain.THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10: It’s the “Diwali of the gods” today in India, and on this auspicious day known as Kartik Poornima, both Hindus and Jains work toward salvation (spellings of this holiday vary). Hindu tradition tells of demons, an epithet of god Shiva and the single arrow that destroyed the demon’s cities; it’s believed that once Shiva defeated the demon, the other gods rejoiced and pronounced the day as a “festival of illuminations.” Hence, lanterns are offered to priests on Kartik Poornima; devotees elaborately light temples; citizens brighten their own homes with lanterns and candles; and many even place lights on boats that are floated down rivers, so that any creature that sees their lights might attain salvation. (Wikipedia has details.) Jains focus on salvation by visiting Palitana, a famous Jain pilgrimage site, and journeying up the hills to worship at a temple at the top.

On this particular day, Hindus believe a bath in the Ganges River at Varanasi is the most auspicious activity possible. In temples, food is offered to deities and any form of violence—even including the cutting of fruits, flowers or hair—is prohibited. (Learn more about localized customs from the Times of India.) Approximately 200,000 people and 25,000 camels gather at Puskhar for the annual Kartik Poornima Pushkar Fair on this day each year, so that a ritual bath can be taken and the god Brahma can be worshipped. The Pushkar Fair is Asia’s largest camel fair.

Jain: Light a lamp for enlightenment on the New Year

October 26, 2011 by

A Jain temple in GujaratTHURSDAY, OCTOBER 27: Jains began Diwali celebrations yesterday, but today is even more auspicious: It’s New Year’s Day! On the night of the first day of Diwali, Jains believe that Lord Mahavir attained moksha, thereby releasing all karmas from his existence and breaking the cycle of reincarnation. (Learn more about Jain holidays at Wikipedia.) Jains honor Mahavira’s accomplishment with a night spent in prayer, repetitions of sacred hymns and meditation. The following morning dawns a new day, and Jains wish one another a “Saal Mubarak”—Happy New Year! (Get a Jain perspective from the Huffington Post.)

Lord Mahavir was the 24th and last Tirthankar in Jainism, and his teachings make up a great portion of the religion today. This Tirthankar preached compassion, justice through nonviolence and the importance of all living beings; non-possessiveness, political equity and pluralism. By lighting their lamps on Diwali, Jains take on the concept of “light over darkness” by remembering the light that filled the earth and the heavens upon Lord Mahavir’s enlightenment, according to Jain tradition. The lamps remind Jains to keep Lord Mahavir’s knowledge and lessons alive.

Hindu, Jain, Sikh: Light up the night during Diwali

October 23, 2011 by

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26: The countdown is finally over and India’s largest festival of the year has arrived—today begins Diwali! The “festival of lights” holds special significance for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs alike and the symbolism is the same: light over darkness. For thousands of years, celebrants have lit small (usually clay) oil lamps outside of their homes during Diwali, forming a row of lights on the darkest night of the month. (Learn more at DiwaliFestival.org.)

Traditionally, the date of Diwali depends on the position of the moon, since Diwali must always begin on Amavasya—“no moon day”—and it’s on this night that the lights can shine at their brightest. While rejoicing in light, families and friends gather for elaborate meals, watch bright fireworks shows and wear new clothing. Long hours spent in the kitchen result in a multitude of sweet treats that can be shared around the community. For the business community, Diwali means the start of a new financial year. For each of the five days of Diwali, a different deity is worshipped and ancient stories are remembered. (Wikipedia has details.)

Diwali may be India’s biggest festival, but that doesn’t mean it’s limited to Indian borders—Diwali, or Deepavali, is also an official holiday in countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trinidad, Fiji, Malaysia and Singapore, just to name a few. Hindus honor Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and pray for a successful coming financial year; Jains know Diwali as the time Lord Mahavira achieved moksha, or nirvana, in 527 BCE; and Sikhs remember the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 princes from prison in 1619. Even Buddhists chant mantras during Diwali! Just before winter begins, India marks the end of the harvest season with one last, massive party—Diwali. (Get the lowdown in simple terms from Kids.NationalGeographic.com.)

Many Indians may be reverting back to homemade decorations this Diwali, as inflation rockets and gold, in particular, is bought in smaller quantities. India is currently the world’s largest importer of precious metal, but with prices having risen 40 percent since last Diwali, imports are expected to drop dramatically. It may be the perfect time to rekindle old traditions, too, since more Indians are moving away from home to pursue a career and losing touch with cultural rituals. (Times of India has an article.) In fact, Halloween is the most recent holiday to have been adopted by many Indians, and although Halloween is much more budget-friendly than Diwali, many have voiced the need for India to remain faithful to its roots.

WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCEMENT ON DIWALI

The Obama family was the first to add Diwali to the list of many holidays and festivals observed by the White House family and staff. The president’s Diwali greeting for 2011 is as follows:

“Today, here in America and around the world, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists will celebrate the holiday of Diwali—the festival of lights. Many who observe this holiday do so by lighting the Diya, or lamp, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. I was proud to be the first President to mark Diwali and light the Diya at the White House, and last year Michelle and I were honored to join in Diwali celebrations during our visit to India. Diwali is a time for gathering with family and friends and—as we experienced in India—celebrating with good food and dancing.  It is also a time for contemplation and prayer that serves as a reminder of our obligations to our fellow human beings, especially the less fortunate. To all who are observing this sacred holiday here and around the world, Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak.”