Diwali is a festival celebrated with pomp and splendor across India. Andhra Pradesh is one of the oldest states in India. It was formed by combining parts of Hyderabad and the Telugu speaking region of Tamil Nadu. The land of paddy fields and mushrooming technology is no
t devoid of cultural practices. The festival of lights - Diwali is celebrated in a unique yet grand manner. The festival which commemorates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi is indeed the most vivid Hindu festival.
Asweyuja Bahula Thrayodasi or Dhantheran: In the state of Andhra Pradesh, the festival is celebrated for five days. The first day is known as Asweyuja Bahula Thrayodasi or Dhantheran. The day is also known as Dhana Trayodasi or Dhanteras. This day signifies the importance of Money or wealth in our lives. Kubera who is believed to be the Lord of Finances, is revered on this day. Devotees place the Kubera Yantra or photo in the puja room and offer prayers.
The first lord to be worshiped is however Lord Ganesha followed by the gods of wealth. Honey, jaggery and dried dates are offered to the God. The lamp is lit with pure ghee. During the festival shop owners and businessmen whitewash the shops and close the accounts. Goddess Lakshmi and the accounting books are worshiped with coins. In certain parts doll shows are organized. It is believed that to combat untimely death, lit diyas should be placed at the entrance after dusk.
Narka Chaturdashi: This is a celebration of the death of Evil. Narakasura, a demon king was vanquished by Sathyabhama with Lord Krishna's assistance. This is celebrated on the second day of the five day celebration. People make effigies of Narakasura and carry out processions which end up in burning of the effigies on the outskirts.
Kaumudi Mahostavam: During the olden days kings supervised the Diwali celebrations. It is fascinating to know that some of the rituals of those days are followed till date. Black gram is eaten on all the days. It is believed that on no moon day Goddess Lakshmi is present in sesame oil and Gangadevi in all sources of water like well, lakes and ponds. Sesame oil is smeared all over the body and plants like Uttarani, Anapa and Prapunnatamu are circled around the head. Lamps are lit almost everywhere including temples, hills and graveyards.
Balipadyami: This day is dedicated to Bali who was the lord of the underworld. In one of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations namely Vamana, he is believed to have crushed Bali to death. On Bali's request this day is dedicated to him. People burst crackers and celebrate in the name of Bali.
It is considered auspicious to gamble on this day. Lord Shiva lost to Parvati who then gambled with Kumaraswami and was defeated. Lord Ganesh then played with Lord Kumaraswami and won.
On Balipadyami farmers decorate their cattle, and worship them. This puja is known as Gowramma Puja.
Divvela Panduga / Divili Panduga: On the day of Divili Panduga, devout Telugus wake up early in the morning and take special ritual showers. New clothes are worn on this day and parents invite their daughters and sons-in-law to their home and present them new clothes and diwali gifts. People involved in business observe Lakshmi Puja on this day.
This day is also considered as the beginning of a New Year. During the Laxmi Puja at least five pieces of ghee diyas (lamps) are lit in front of the deities to usher in light. Traditional sweets are offered and bhajans sung in praise of the goddess of wealth. The final day of Diwali is also known as Yamadwitheya.
The festival of lights - Diwali is undoubtedly the most widely celebrated festival in India and is full of messages depicting various aspects of human life, relationships and time honored traditions.
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