Deepavali: “The awareness of the inner light”
by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
“You are invited to the festival of this world and your life is blessed” ~Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), Indian Poet, Playwright and Essayist, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913.
Deepavali- Festival of Lights was celebrated around the world on October 17th 2009 with great pomp and enthusiasm. People were dressed in new clothes, thronged the temples and visited relatives and friends. Special poojas were performed at the temples.
Hindu Priest Performs Pooja At Naattukkottai Nagaraththaar New Kathiresan Temple in Bamabalapitty on Deepavali Day
According to the Legends that, Lord Vishnu defeated the demon King Narakasuran, and killed him on this day. Significiane of the festival is celebration of the victory of good over evil; the uplifting of spiritual darkness. The most significant spiritual meaning is “the awareness of the inner light”.
Annually this day is celebrated in late October or early November on the new moon. The day is celebrated with sweets and savouries, fire crackers, greetings and lights.
Just married couples celebrated “Thalai Theepavali” (first Deepavali celebrated together after marriage) with special gifts from their relatives.
Deepavali symbolises the victory of righteousness, the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the renewal of life.
It is a day of celebration and joy.
Ganapathi Kanangal by Dr. Seerkaazhi S. Govintharajan is being played at a Hindu House in Bambalapitty on Deepavali Day:
I ~ mangkala vaazhvalikkum kanapathiye, unthan malaradi paninthean
II ~ “Oru mannikku oru manniyena, ethir ethir oliththida
Faith and devotion are needed to lead a holistic life
Pavement is packed with religious items used for offerings
Devotees shop at stalls set up on the pavement by vendors during Deepavali day
Rows of lights
The temples were packed with devotees
Naattukkottai Nagaraththaar New Kathiresan Temple in Bamabalapitty on Deepavali Day
New clothes fr the idols of New Kathiresan Hall in Bambalapitty
Astrologers say that Deepavali falls in the Tamil month of Purattaathi after 65 years, and Deepavali and final Purattaathi Sani fall on the same day after 35 years
Goodies seller for the festival
Coconut is considered auspicious, and brings good fortune
The Vedas are knowledge, and the knowledge is eternal
According to Bhagavad Gita, “The true supreme spirit resides within the body and the mind always. However it is so subtle that in cannot be perceived by the senses. It is close at hand and yet far away”
Bustling Bambalapitty
Flowers bring eternal joy
The sparkle of Deepavali lift spirits
The temples were kept open for longer hours
A view of Sammankodu Sri Kathirvelaiyutha Swamy temple in Bambalapitty
Fire crackers corner
Variety of sweets are served and shared
Nanthi flags flutter around Lorensz Road
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HumanityAshore.org ~ Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com
DushiI continue to reed your articles about nativity of the people & places like Udappu,Nilaveli and about religious festivals like Navarathiri, Diwali with photos.well done. keep it up.
Ram
Taking a photo-shot of Pillaiyar with the bird on his ‘Thumbikai’ is timely, and the title “Inner Light” to signify the meaning of Deepavali(Deepa-Oli)is most appropriate.
looking at this report with photos Felt as though we were at New Kathiresan Temple during deepavali
bring back old memories watching this link with the 2 songs was amaizing Thanks to Humanityashore
Reaally it read very nice and the photographs published by you is Excellent please continue in writing the articles
Thank you for the article Dushi.
Beautiful.
Cheers.
Thank you for the pictures and music.
Dushi,
Keep on your excellent work
Very nice; fantastic effort.
Ramba nallaa irukku.
Nandri.
Best wishes to all on Deepavali occasion.
:mohan: