Light up your life this festival

Deepavali,’ the name itself ignites a warm glow in ones heart, as the festival of lights emphasises on happiness, sharing and prosperity. Deepavali meaning the ‘row of lamps’ is one of the significant festivals celebrated by the Hindus.

It commemorates the return of King Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of Vanvas, where he was welcomed with rows of pure ghee lamps lit on the streets by his people.

Today, the festival is celebrated with all grandeur. Houses are decorated with ‘diyas’ (earthen lamps) and colorful lanterns, sweets are exchanged among family and friends as a part of good will. The evenings are the most beautiful part of this festival, with colourful lights everywhere and delightful fireworks lighting up the night sky. In Tulu Nadu, Deepavali is celebrated as the Harvest Festival.

Five day fiesta

‘Dhanteras’ is the first of the five day festival as celebrated in North India. It is held on the thirteenth  of  (dark fortnight) in the  month of  (October/November). Many buy metals or gold on this day. This day is regarded as the birth day of Godess  who came out during , the churning of the great ocean by the gods and the demons.

In Tulu Nadu, the first day is celebrated as ‘Mepuna parba’. People take oil bath and most of the families visit temple. A delicacy made of beaten rice and jaggery will tickle your taste buds as this dish is prepared on the day.

The second day of Deepavali is , which celebrates the victory of Krishna who defeated the demon Narakasura. It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

Worshipping Lakshmi

Lakshmi Pooja is the most auspicious occasion during Deepavali. Businessmen believe that Lakshmi will visit them on this day. So Lakshmi pooja or Angadi pooja is performed and traders keep their shops open for the entire day. Many open new account books and offer pooja to these. Some also purchase gold or shares on the occasion. Many shop owners light ‘Maala Pataki’ after the Pooja.

Bali Pratipada and Govardhan Puja is celebrated the next day commemorating the lifting of Govardhana hill by Krishna to save his kinsmen and cattle from rain and floods.

Farmers worship their cows by bathing them, later decking them with flowers and offering Pooja to them

In South India, Bali-Pratipada or Bali Padyami is celebrated. It is believed that King Bali would come out of “Pathala loka” and rule “Bhuloka” as per the boon given to him by Lord Vishnu. Tulasi pooja is conducted throughout the Deepavali and goes on for 15 days and concludes with grandeur on Uttara Dwadashi, which is generally a full moon day.

Fire works

Crackers have become an integral part of Deepavali.  Many shops selling crackers pop up in different parts of the city selling wide varieties such as flower pots, chakra, sparkles, rockets, atom bombs, maala pataki, sirens and many others.
Speaking to City Herald, a cracker shop owner in Car Street tells that maala pataki, flower pots and sparkles are the crackers which are in high demand. People can also purchase a gift box with all varieties of crackers, he adds.

Sweets

Many exchange sweets during Deepavali. One of the sweet shop owners says that Deepavali is the most awaited time of the year for the sweet vendors as there is a huge demand for sweets and one can make maximum profit during this time. Burfees, Pedas, Mysore Pak, Soan Papadi, Gilebis, Laadus, Halwa are some of the popular delicacies. Many opt for mixed sweet boxes, he adds.

With all the fun and frolic, Deepavali can also prove to be dangerous in case one does not take heed while playing with fire works. Hence it is always best to be precautious and enjoy this season of warmth and happiness.

Precautions

Here are some guidelines for safe Deepavali.

* Children should not burst firecrackers unattended but under close supervision of elders.
* Crackers should never be ignited while holding them in the hand and point the firecrackers away from oneself.
* Anar or the flower pot crackers should be ignited using an agarbati or a sparkler to maintain a desirable distance between the cracker and the hand.
* Never burst crackers in closed places.
* Lighting rows of firecrackers should be avoided.
* Aerial firecrackers should be lit in an open field. 
* Half burnt crackers should either be doused in water or in sand.
* Wear cotton or hosiery garments rather than silk and polyesters. Never wear clothes with loose strings or flowing sashes. Children should preferably be dressed in trousers/pyjamas rather than frocks or elaborate dresses.
* Make children wear footwear that is comfortable, closed and easy to run in.
* Keep a bucket of water, sand and blankets to put off fire handy.
* Do not arrange the firework display in busy, crowded and congested areas.
* Viewers should maintain safe distance from the fireworks.
* If a person’s clothes catch fire, roll him on the ground or wrap him in a blanket to douse the fire and drench the person in water.
* Do not panic if blisters form as it indicates that the injury is superficial and will heal.
* Do not allow the person to run about as air fans the flames and makes burn worse.
* In case of serious burns, do not try and remove the clothing since some of it may be stuck to the body. Instead, just wrap the patient in clean clothes, seek medical help.
* Keep the burnt parts of the body elevated than the rest.

In case of minor injuries

* Clean the area gently with cool water and cover with a clean, dry cloth.
* Do not apply cotton. Do not apply ice directly on the burnt area.
* In case the eye is affected, wash with cold water immediately for some time.
* If required rush to hospital with burns acre facility.