Wednesday, September 22, 2004

Diwali Diya

Diwali Diya

diwali gifts to India

A Diwali Diya is a small earthen lamp that is lit especially at Diwali. They are usually made of clay. Ghee or oil is used as the fuel and cotton wool as the wick. Sometimes they are made by part filling a glass with colored water, Ghee is floated on top, and again cotton wool used as a wick. Children could make there own Diya with air dried clay or play dough. For safety reason these diyas should not be lit with Ghee and cotton wool.

Beautifully crafted diyas beckon attention of the buyers. The earthen diya used on the occasion of Diwali, reflects ancient design sense that is simple and stunning in concept and universal in appeal. The Diwali season sees a proliferation of clay creativity ranging from roadside agals to designer diyas displayed in art and craft boutiques.

During Diwali, various shops showcases brilliant diwali diyas and lamps crafted by ceramic designers from all over the country. There are also diyas with zari and mirror in exuberant colours. Delightfully, imaginative diyas with sharply cut edges, embellished with cut work are covered and filled with bright coloured wax.

Mirror work and zari embellished deep, traditional diyas as well as those embellished with fragrant dried flowers, Ganesha and Lakshmi diyas with 21 or 11 spouts, diyas shaped like China leaves and shaded roses, tiny Parvati Ganesha lamps and many other design vie for attention. Made out of clay, the diyas in vivid shades of yellow, blue, pink, gold and silver are well crafted.

Thursday, September 16, 2004

Lakshmi mantra for Lakshmi maa puja (THE MAHALAXMI AARTI)

Lakshmi mantra for Lakshmi maa puja

Om Jai Laxmi Mata, Maiya JaiLaxmi Mata,
Tumko nis din sevat, Hari, Vishnu Data
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Uma Rama Brahmaani, Tum ho Jag Mata,
Maiya, Tum ho Jag Mata,
Surya ChanraMa dhyaavat, Naarad Rishi gaata.
Om Jai Laxmi Mata.

Durga Roop Niranjani, Sukh Sampati Data,
Maiya Sukh Sampati Data
Jo koyee tumko dhyaataa, Ridhee Sidhee dhan paataa
Om Jai Laxmi Mata.

Jis ghar mein tu rehtee, sab sukh guna aataa,
Maiya sab sukh guna aataa,
Taap paap mit jaataa, Man naheen ghabraataa.
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Dhoop Deep phal meva, Ma sweekaar karo,
Maiya Ma sweekaar karo,
Gyaan prakaash karo Ma, Moha agyaan haro.
Om Jai Laxmi Mata.

Maha Laxmiji ki Aarti, nis din jo gaavey
Maiya nis din jo gaavey,
Dukh jaavey, sukh aavey, Ati aananda paavey.
Om Jai Laxmi Mata.

Diwali Diyas: Integral Part of diwali celebration

Diwali Diyas: Integral Part of diwali celebration

diwali gifts to India

Diwali, a derivative of the original Deepavali, celebrates the triumph light of darkness. It also is a metaphor for wisdom prevailing over evil. For Many Hindus it is also commencement of the New Year. This year, it will be celebrated on November 12th.

Diwali Diyas (small earthen lamps) are lit in all Hindu households, which symbolize dispelling of darkness. As India has many different languages and cultures, it celebrated differently across the country. Sending gifts, exchanging of gifts, donning new dresses and sending of sweets are some aspects of the celebrations.

Conventionally, the festival is observed over five days beginning with Dhanteras or Dhan Trayodashi. It is celebrated to appease Lord Yama, God of Death. The second day is known as Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali. It is considered to be the day when Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura, an evil demon king. According to another legend, Lord Vishnu in the avatar (incarnation) of Vaman, a diminutive beggar sent King Bali, who was a threat to gods, into the netherworld. But, before doing so, Lord Vishnu grants Bali a boon which lets him visit Earth once a year. This is the day when Bali is supposed to come back to Earth.

Third day, which falls on the new moon, is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi. Houses are illuminated with Diwali diyas, candles, and more recently artificial, colorful lighting. The objective is to welcome the Lakshmi, who is the goddess of Wealth.

The fourth day of Diwali falls on the first day Karthik Masa of the Indian calendar. It is known as Gudi-Padwa or Varshapratipada. Newly wed females are invited over to their parents place along with their husbands. On this day, businessmen open their account books afresh.

Bhai–dhooj falls on the fifth and final day of the festival. The celebration on this day is akin to that of Rakhi, in that it celebrates brother-sister bonding. Yama was supposedly elated over the reception he got from his sister Yami. She greeted him by applying a tilak on his forehead, and thereafter she treated him to a hearty meal.

But, one of the major reasons Diwali is celebrated is to welcome Lord Rama’s (incarnation of lord Vishnu) return to his home Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana. He was accompanied in this battle by his trusted lieutenant, Hanuman, the lord of apes.
diwali gifts to India

Wednesday, September 08, 2004