Preparation for Deepavali ( தீபாவளி திருநாள் )

My Notes:
Deepavali is a time filled with light and love; a time of rejoice for the Indians all over the world.
Deepavali ,or Diwali as mentioned by Northern states, is a joyous festive season.
Though deepavali is celebrated mainly by Hindus, it is also celebrated by Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists in different ways in different states and to mark different historical events / stories  but all symbolise the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. 
On this day Goddess Mahalakshmi is also worshiped. MahaLakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, bestowing these abundantly upon us.

In this blog,to my knowledge  I would like to highlight the way Hindus in the state of Tamilnadu celebrate Deepavali. Deepavali means row of lights  /  தீபாவளி என்பது தீபங்களின் வரிசை என்றும் பொருள்படும். Northern state' tradition is to lit rows of light to welcome the king, Incarnation of lord Vishnu, Sri Ram, his wife Seetha and brother Lakshmanan after an exile of 14 years. 
Another Hindu literature depicts that on this day, the demon, Narakasuran was killed by lord Krishna. 
The dying Narakasura requested Lord Krishna to grand him the boon that his death would be celebrated as Deepavali. This is the day that symbolises that good triumphs over evil and the people celebrate it by taking a Ganga Snanam - a ritual oil bath - early in the morning.
It is believed that Lakshmi resides in the oil and ganga mata in the water make the people to forget the bad and enjoy the dawn of happiness. Hence, it is the beginning of saying '' ganga snanam ''. 

Below is a platter prepared for the ritual.

It has sesame oil/ நல்லெண்ணெய், shikakai powder / சீயக்காய் தூள்( a herbal powder to wash the hair), turmeric powder/ மஞ்சள் தூள் and the holy ganges water / கங்கை நீர். The holy water is optional depending on the availability. 
Before bath, each person sits on a low wooden stool/ மணை.  The head of the family, the elderly lady,applies first a few drops of oil on the head three times followed by shikakai and the turmeric to the members of the family. 
This tradition is given a skip by the new generation. So thought of highlighting this in the blog.

After bath, new clothes are received from elders and everyone wears it with full enthusiasm.
After prayers at home, all the young children look forward for the next segment, which is prostrate to elders to seek blessings as this comes with not only the blessing but money as well :))
While blessing prepare the rice mixed with turmeric which is a tradition symbolising good health and prosperity. And a small dollop of the herbal medicine is given.
Indian festive is never complete without delicacies and deepavali is the celebration where every households make or buy many varieties of Indian sweets and savouries, 
To digest all the rich delicacies, the south Indian families prepare this deepavali legiyam / தீபாவளி லேகியம் and is given first thing in the morning after prayers.It aids digestion. This is a combination of dry ginger, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, jaggery/ palm sugar, ghee and sitharathai - a herb. It is made at home or readily available in the market.
Firecrackers are synonymous to Deepavali. Firecrackers are bursted early in the morning through out the day and at night. But now a days children refrain from firecrackers with the thought for Mother Nature and to discourage child labour - who are engaged to make the fire crackers at factories. 
Nevertheless a  joyous occasion to spend with family and friends. 
Guests are invited and we go visitng also. Visit to temples is also observed in some families.

Happy Deepavali one and all :)