by Meru S.
Deepavali (or Diwali) is the Hindu festival of lights. It is celebrated on the new moon that occurs between mid-October to mid-November, according to the Lunar Calendar. The word Deepavali is a combination of two Sanskrit words — Deepa, meaning lamp, and Avali, meaning rows or series. Therefore, Deepavali means rows of lamps.
In Southern India, Deepavali celebrates the defeat of the demon Naraka at the hands of Krishna, an incarnation of the god Vishnu. In Northern India, it celebrates the victorious return of Prince Rama, another incarnation of Vishnu, having defeated the demon Ravana. The demons represent the vices in human nature.
Deepavali symbolizes light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. Families wake up as early as 4:00 AM and apply an herbal medicinal oil before bathing as a cleansing ritual. Hindus celebrate this bright and joyous festival by lighting oil lamps, cooking traditional sweet and savory treats, and, more recently, lighting sparklers or firecrackers.
This is a universal prayer in Sanskrit on the occasion of Deepavali
असतो मा सद्गमय |
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय |
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय |
ॐ शान्ति शान्ति शान्ति | |
Asatho ma sadgamaya,
Thamaso ma jyothirgamaya,
Mrithyorma amritham gamaya,
Om Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi.
Lead us from untruth to truth,
From darkness to light,
From death to immortality
Peace, Peace, Peace.
Here is a healthy, sweet recipe to celebrate with — Carrot Payasam
Ingredients:
4 large carrots
2 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup water or reserved cooking liquid
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cardamom
4 whole cloves
saffron for garnish (optional)
- Peel and cut carrots into two-inch pieces. Steam until thoroughly soft. If cooking on a stovetop, reserve cooking liquid for later use.
- Combine the carrots, liquids, sugar, cardamom, and cloves in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Adjust liquids for preferred consistency and sweetness for preferred taste.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
- Garnish with saffron and serve chilled. Enjoy!
The Lighthouse 