Saturday, November 6, 2010

Happy Deepavali 2010!


This year Deepavali was celebrated on 5 Nov 2010.

What is Deepavali?
As we all knw, Deepavali or Diwali means "festival of lights". It's a colorful festival celebrated by all Hindus worldwide. One important practice that the Hindus follow during the festival is to light oil lamps in their homes on Deepavali morning. By lighting the oil lamps, the Hindus are thanking the gods for the happiness, knowledge, peace and wealth that they have received. The Hindus consider Deepavali as one of the most important festivals to celebrate.


The Legend
It is a celebration of triumph of good over evil where Lord Krishna detroyed a wicked demon named Narakasura of the Pradyoshapuram kingdom.



Bathing in Oil Bath
On that day people will wake up early in the morning and take oil bath or Ganga isnan which has been a traditional health habit of India for many decades. The oil bath is purificatory in intent and is a symbolic rite, a symbolic cleansing leading to a new beginning.


Here are some of the Deepavali delights which are common:


Muruku




Sweet stuff

Deepavali Kolam
is a form of sandpainting that is drawn using rice powder by female members of the family in front of their home but nowadays it is commonly seen in shopping complexes and shops.
Kolams are thought to bestow prosperity to homes.


Indian traditional costume





Celebrations



Hope the above will give you a better undertanding about Deepavali . We as One Malaysian should appreciate other races' culture in order to have a better respect, understanding and harmony to stay as One Malaysia.