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Cont: 9419101229, 94191-76665 ENTRUST REALTORS & CONSULTANTS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2013 INTERNET EDITION : www.dailyexcelsior.com/magazine www.jammuproperty.com GO FOR A FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS GREEN DIWALI Seema Bhagotra Ayodhya Nath Kerni “Deepavali ,the Festival of Lights, is becoming a major spoil- sport in pollution free environment. Let's have a noiseless and Ours is the land of festivals. Many festivals have environment-friendly Diwali. A GREEN DIWALI. ““India, a land seasonal backdrop while some are to with our social of diversities, has diverse festivals all the year around. Deep- customs prevailing in the society. Diwali is one of the avali, or Diwali, considered to be a Hindu festival, is also cel- festival of harvest time and an indicator of ensuing win- ebrated by the Sikhs and the Jains. Hindus celebrate the home- ter season, celebrated with great fervor. Houses are coming of Rama , after fourteen years. The citizens of Ayod- cleaned, white washed and painted regardless of one hya illuminated every nook and corner. Sikhs celebrate the financial status. In the recent past, children in Dug- release of Guru Hargobind Singh from Gwalior jail. They also gar villages would gather and make hand made earth- used diyas and candles to welcome him. Jain Tiranthkar Mahavir attained nirvana on this day, so Jains celebrate this day as a day of enlightenment, thereby the use of lights. It Diwali has many historical shows how India is an amalgamation of different cultures cel- ebrating a festival in their own way. “Deepavali, which means, references and legends as far as its a row of deeps or diyas , is celebrated on Kartik Amavasya. Amavasya or the new moon night , devoid of any natural light is illuminated by innumerable diyas and candles. Diyas signi- origin is concerned. Lord Rama, fy dispelling darkness or ignorance with the light that can fill us with enlightenment and knowledge. Ancient scriptures don't Lakhsman and mother Sita returned mention fireworks on Diwali day, but with the passage of time, fireworks made inroad in the festivities. Fireworks are sup- to Ayodhya after vanquishing posed to scare away evil spirits. “Diwali is synonymous with dhoom -dhadaka of fireworks. Fireworks have become a status symbol for the display of the Ravana, conquering Lanka and ill-gotten wealth. It has become fashionable to use crackers that cause maximum distress and annoyance to the people completion of 14 years exile. with scant disregard to the impact it has on the environment. “Crackers release a large amount of toxic substances which aggravate respiratory problems, hearing loss and many oth- er diseases; beside the air and noise pollution. Toxins cause en lamps for Diwali. These lamps were lit with Desi pushing him to netherworld. Bali was granted a boon tual beliefs Maharishi Dayanand Sarswati , founder of Ghee and placed before the elderly members of the to visit earth on the occasion of Diwali. Lakshmi was Arya Samaj and Mahavir (Jain Tirathkar) attained eter- immense suffering to the flora and fauna as well. They are the family who in turn gave them blessings and gifts. Now- rescued from the prison of Bali. Fifth day and last day nal bliss of nirvana on the auspicious day of Diwali. silent sufferers, but the green cover , gives reprieve to the a-days there is a change in this tradition. The earthen of festival ends with Bhai Dooj. The sisters invite broth- The foundation stone of Harminder Saheb (Golden people by absorbing the toxins and themselves dying a silent lamps have been replaced with assorted coloured can- ers to their houses to offer them tilak and arti. Deli- Temple) was laid down on Diwali in the year 1577 AD. death. It also serves as a sound barrier to lessen the deafen- dles and electric lamps. The old tradition is also found ciouis dishes are also served to brothers and brothers The sixth sikh guru Hargobind alongwith 52 other kings ing noise pollution. Supreme Court passed an order in 2005 missing in Duggar Region. If one looks back to Sutra give gifts to their sistersin turn. held in Gwalior fort and converted into jail by Mughal that bursting of crackers between 10pm and 6am is consid- period, mention of a yajna namely Ashwayuja is traced Diwali is celebrated in various forms by different emperor Jenhagir were released on the day of Diwali ered an offence, but people do not give an iota of consider- in old vedic scriptures. The yajna was performed in sections of society. Tantriks practice their rituals and in 1619 AD. ation to such orders. Sparkling noiseless crackers must be ancient India which changed with the passage of time chant hymns in their own way to attain perfection. In the modern times, one should remain away from allowed , which will fulfill dual purpose, save the planet and to take the shape of Lakshmi Puja as being celebrat- Lakshmi Puja is however, performed every where in the superstitious beliefs like tradition of gambling on the need of the festivities. “People worship Goddess Laksh- ed in the present form of Diwali. the country. People also worship Ganesh and Laksh- Diwali night. Godess Parvati played dice with lord Shi- mi on this day , but burn' Lakshmi' , our hard earned money Consecutive five days beginning from Dhan Teras mi on this occasion with the desire to get more wealth va on Diwali so whosoever gambled on Diwali would for a momentary satisfaction. Money used in buying crackers to Yam Dwitiya have their own tale, legend and myth during the year. The day is also celebrated as mar- gain wealth and become prosperous. Gambling may must be used to feed some needy or to light up some dark to tell. Dhan Teras is celebrated by purchasing uten- riage day of mother Lakshmi to lord Vishanu. The not be seen under this pretext. There are numerous corner of less privileged,the real essence of the Festival of sils and kitchenware as a mark of prosperity. Narak lights are the main attractions of Diwali. Exploding of cases where people have lost their hard earnings in Lights. One can use the same money for themselves for oth- Chaudas is dedicated to lord Krishna who killed demon fire crackers is seen in the entire country. Merchants gambling. Gambling in no way can be recognized by er purposes. king Narakasura ruler of Pragyajyotishpura (Assam), close their old account books and open new account our modern society nor is the demand of the festival. People often give lame excuse that they buy fireworks for Sri Krishna freed 16000 women kept in captivity by books on this auspicious day. There is the tradition in the society that all jewellary the enjoyment of their children. Firework assembling units the demon king and accorded them the social dignity Diwali has many historical references and legends and cash be placed before the idol of mother Lakshmi employ children which is illegal. So the children should be by giving them the status of his wives. Sri Krishna as far as its origin is concerned. Few of them would would in order to perform puja and attain the bless- enlightened on the perils of the crackers and urge them to bathed himself smearing his body with the oil. Morn- lay hands about the auspicious day. Lord Rama, ings of Godess. The doors of the houses are kept avoid the toxin-releasing fireworks. “Steps should be taken ing oil bath on Chaudas came into vogue since that Lakhsman and mother Sita returned to Ayodhya after opened through out the night with the belief that moth- to have a green Diwali to minimise the impact on the environ- day. The oil bath is considered as holy as a dip in the vanquishing Ravana, conquering Lanka and comple- er Lakshmi visit every house hold on Diwali night. In ment. For this some simple ways can be adopted. “* Light Ganges. Hanuman Jyanti also falls on this day which tion of 14 years exile. The residents of Ayodhya case doors are kept opened mother, Lakshmi can earthen diyas and candles , , instead of lights to save elec- is also celebrated by the devotees. The next day expressed their joy by decorating their houses and wel- conveniently enter to give blessings and prosperity to tricity. “* Wrap gifts in hand made paper, recycled paper , jute Amavasya is the main Diwali day The day falling next coming them with grace. Oil lamps were illumined the house owners. Such apprehensions are prone to or cloth bags. “* Use eco-friendly crackers made of recycled to Diwali has multi significance. Besides performing every where. Drums were beaten and flutes played in theft and may cause heavy loss. The preventive steps materials. They produce paper fluffers and coloured lights Goverdhan Puja, Anna koot; Bali Pratipada are also the city. People mounted on the roofs of the house to may necessarily be taken to ensure the safety . instead of deafening noise. “* Use of fresh flowers, rangoli, celebrated. Bali steps out of hell to rule earth for three welcome lords. Since that day each year Diwali is cel- Indiscriminate use of fire crackers is at increase alpana are more traditional way to decorate the house. “* It days according to boon granted by lord Vishanu. Indi- ebrated in our country as victory day. each year particularly in cities. Many cases of fire acci- can be great time to recycle and donate items lying around ra fearing to lose his kingdom heaven approached lord The Godess of wealth mother Lakshmi incarnated dents are reported each year. Many lives are lost due the house. It will make diwali more brighter for the less privi- Vishanu to prevent Bali performing 100th Ashvamedh during the churning of ocean . The day is also cele- to bursting of fire crackers . Utmost care has to be exer- leged and yours a meaningful one. “* Think before you indulge Yajna. Lord Vishanu in his fifth incarnation as dwarf brated as birth day of Lakshmi. Pandavas appeared cised in sale, storage and handling of firecrackers so in a buying spree in the name of tradition, because extra buy- Brahmin (Vamanavtar) asked Bali for a gift of space from 12 years banishment as a result of their defeat at that untoward happenings are avoided on festival. The ing means extra use of the resources. Remember the lesson equal to his three steps. Bali famous for charity agreed the hands of Kauravas at the game of dice. The peo- usage of firecrackers ought to be minimized so as to learnt in school; reduce, reuse, and recycle. “* Try to have a his demand. Vishanu in his first step measured all the ple who loved Pandavas celebrated Diwali by illumin- bring down the pollution level and curtail the wasteful community affair , where people gather together to celebrate. earth and in second step all the sky. Vishanu asked ing earthen lamps. King Vikramaditya was coronated expenditure. “* Send e-cards instead of the paper cards. Send sms, e-mes- Bali where should he put his third step. Bali bound by on the auspicious day of Diwali . Later on he started How good it would if one of attains full. On the day sages to minimise the use of paper. “Keeping in mind the sym- the commitment offered his head to put his third step. his own calander known as Vikrami Samvbat which is of Diwali. Let Diwali be celebrated in a manner that bolic significance of the Festival of Lights, remove the dark- Lord Vishanu put his third step on the head of Bali still in use in India by astrologers. According to spiri- we get more blessings and happiness. ness of ignorance and enjoy a Green Diwali. “

When Emperor Jahangir met the young Guru, he was captivated by his freed who can hold on to the Guru's coat tails and walk out of prison". He charm and purity of spirit. He queried him as to which religion was better, had in mind no more than four or five being freed with the Guru. However, Hindu or Muslim, to which the Guru quoted lines from Kabir proclaiming the Guru was not to be outmanoeuvred in this way. He asked for a special that the One Lord is within both Hindus and Muslims. The Emper- coat to be made with 52 coat tails - same number as the rajahs or was entranced by the Guru's wisdom and prepared a roy- in prison with him! The 52 princes picked the cloak up and al reception for him, after which he invited the young Har- grasped their tassels; 26 on the right and 26 on the left. Celebrating gobind to accompany him on his shikars or hunting Walking behind the Guru, careful not to let go, they expeditions. stepped out into the sunlight and freedom, to the During one of these hunts, the Emperor and his cheers of the Guru's Sikhs. From this time on, party were tracking a lion which had been terroriz- Guru Hargobind was known as Bandi (prison) ing a village. Without warning, the lion burst from Chhor (liberator), and the day of liberation is the bushes and charged at Jahangir. Desperate- celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas (day). He ly, the other hunters fired their weapons but arrived in Amritsar on the day of Diwali and Bandi Chhor failed to stop its attack. At the last moment, Harmandir Sahib (also known as the Guru Hargobind jumped in front of the beast, Golden Temple) was lit with hundreds of yelling that it must deal with him first. Rais- lamps to celebrate his return; the day ing his shield to deflect its jaws, as it leapt in came to be known as the "Bandi Chhor the air he thrust his sword into it, killing it Divas" (the day of freedom). with one powerful stroke. The animal fell Bhai Mani singh transcribed the final dead at his feet. Guru Hargobind had saved version of Guru Granth Sahib upon dic- the Emperor's life. The Guru and the tation from Guru Gobind Singh ji in 1704 Divas Emperor became good friends, but this at Damdamma Sahib. After heavenly only provoked the jealousy of others who abode of Guru Sahib in 1708 he took wanted the Emperor's favor for them- charge of Harmandir Sahib ji's manage- Dr Mandeep Singh Azad, Dr Kawadeep Kour selves. One of these was Chandu Shah, a ment. In 1737, invitations were sent to rich banker, with influence in the court. the Sikhs all over India to join Bandi President Obama recognizes Bandi Chhor Divas and Diwali. President Chandu Shah had been influential in arrang- Chhor Diwas celebrations at Harmandir Obama and the White House have continued to recognize the importance ing Guru Arjan's death and now focused his Sahib. A tax of 5000 rupees (some say of Bandi Chhor Divas for the Sikh community during this time of year in 10,000) had to be paid to the Mughal gov- America. wrath on his son, Guru Hargobind. While in Agra, the Emperor became very ernor of Punjab; Zakariya Khan. Bhai Mani Bandi Chhor Divas - Prisoner Liberation Day - when the sixth Guru, Guru Singh Ji later discovered the secret plan of Hargobind, was liberated from Gwalior Fort and took 52 prisoners to free- ill. It seemed that nothing could cure him. Chandu Shah cornered the court astrologers Zakariya khan to kill the Sikhs during the dom along with him. The occasion of Bandi Chhor Divas first took place in gathering. Bhai Mani Singh ji immediately sent autumn of 1619 and is currently celebrated in October or November; the and convinced them to tell the Emperor that his illness was due to an inauspicious alignment of message to all the Sikhs not to turn up for cel- date changes according to the lunar calendar. Guru Hargobind's father, ebrations. Zakariya Khan wasn't happy about the Guru Arjan Dev, had been martyred almost 13 years before, and the Mughal the stars which could only be cured if a holy man situation and he ordered Bhai Mani Singh ji's authorities were carefully watching the young Guru. When he constructed were to go to Gwalior Fort south of Agra and offer assassination at Lahore by ruthlessly cutting him the Akal Takht, the Throne of the Almighty, in Amritsar and concurrently prayers for his recovery. Chandu Shah innocently sug- limb-by-limb to death. Ever since, the great sacrifice strengthened his army, the Nawab of Lahore, Murtaja Khan, grew alarmed gested that there was no one more fit for this precious and devotion of Bhai Mani Singh ji is remembered on the and informed the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The Nawab conveyed his fear task than Guru Hargobind. Thus, at the Emperor's request, Bandi Chhor Diwas (Diwali) celebration. that the Guru might be planning to avenge the death of his father. Jahangir the Guru agreed and left for the Fort with several companions. Guru Nanak Dev Ji tells us in Sri Guru Granth sahib, which at once sent Wazir Khan and Guncha Beg to Amritsar to arrest Guru Har- After the Guru had been in Gwalior Fort for several months. gobind. Wazir Khan, however, was an admirer of the Guru; instead of arrest- Mian Mir, a noted Sufi saint, travelled to the Emperor's court and asked him lamp is to be lit. He says, God's Name (divine devotion) is my lamp to be ing him, he persuaded the Guru to accompany them to Delhi to meet the to release the Guru. Upon his persuasion, the Emperor ordered Wazir Khan lighted in the mind. I have put the oil of suffering; ego, jealousy, anger, lust, Emperor. Even though Jahangir had ordered the execution of his father, to free the Guru but Guru Sahib said that he will not go alone and want greed into it. Its flame has dried up this oil, and I have escaped facing the the Guru accepted the invitation and journeyed to the Emperor's court. freedom of the rajput princes also .Jahangir then said, "Let those rajahs be Messenger of Death and attained union with God.