What you need to know about Diwali
The Hindu community celebrates Diwali this time of year. Here is what the five-day festival entails:
POLOKWANE – The five-day festival begins today (November 4), which is the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina, and will end on the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning row of lights. The festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness or good over evil.
Elders in the Hindu community, religion and cultural advisor Dr Navin Purohit, Lenesh Lutchman who is in charge of maintenance and upkeep of temple, and volunteer Jyoti Mistry explained that lamps are lit and placed in temples and homes during the celebrations. “Homes are decorated and entrances are covered with rangoli, a traditional art made of coloured rice, coloured powders and flower petals, among others,” she said.
On the first day, Dhanteras, homes get thoroughly cleaned and small items of gold is purchased. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day.
The second day, called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali commemorates Lord Krishna’s destruction of Narakasura and prayers are also offered for the ancestors’ souls. The main day of the Diwali festival is on the third day.
“Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped to seek Her blessings to ensure prosperity. Lord Rama’s return from exile is also celebrated. People visit the temples to pray for the removal of the present state of ignorance and for enlightenment. Diwali is also a time for charity and forgiveness,” added Mistry. The fourth day, Goverdhan Puja or Annakut, commemorates Lord Krishna’s defeat of Indra. It is also the first day of Karttika and the start of the new year in the Vikrama (Hindu) calendar. Shop keepers perform religious ceremonies and open new account books. The fifth day, Bhai Dooj or Bhai Bij, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The sister prays for the success and well-being of her brother and the brother in turn promises to protect her.
The prayers will take place at the Shree Gita Mandir temple on Crescent Drive Nirvana today (Thursday) at 08:30 and tomorrow (Friday) at 07:30. Covid-19 protocols apply.
She further expressed gratitude to volunteers for the arrangement made at the temple.
Members of the community will also pray for the safe return of the kidnapped Moti children and others.
