Festival of illumination: Kali puja and Deepavali
When goddess Durga is the goddess of protection and progression, Kali is the goddess of destruction, the other side of the cycle of creation of the cosmic law of constant transformation
M N Kundu
The autumn festival or Sharodotsab ends with Kali Puja and Deepavali to be celebrated on October19 revolving the worship of mother goddess Kali and Lakshmi by the Hindus. Worship of God as divine mother is prehistoric in origin and was prevalent even during the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation. But in emotional Bengal it took an altogether different dimension and sourced a genre of melodious music called Shyamasangeet. The maximum contribution of Shyamasangeet has been made by the truly secular national poet of Bangladesh, Kazi Nazrul Islam amongst others.
When Keshab Chandra Sen, a renowned scholar and speaker asked Sri Ramakrishna, Why do you worship formless and infinite God in clay image? Sri Ramakrishna clarified, I can lovingly pray to God perceived as my divine mother since it awakens and kindles my devotion. Moreover, the clay image you see is an embodiment of divine consciousness to me. It helps with my intimate personal contact with her. But you can abide by the way you like as per your inclination.
When goddess Durga is the goddess of protection and progression, Kali is the goddess of destruction, the other side of the cycle of creation of the cosmic law of constant transformation. According to Hindu mythology Goddess Kali is the first of the ten wisdom incarnations of goddess Durga. Depicted with a fierce face and terrifying look, goddess Kali is regarded as the more aggressive form of goddess Durga. However, some milder forms of the goddess have also been contemplated. Kali is worshiped as the mother goddess who is known to destroy evil and egoism. She is a fierce fighter for the cause of justice subduing evil forces. According to legends, once the demons grew in force, Kali was born from Durgas forehead to save the heaven and earth from the growing cruelty of demons.
The image of the goddess calls for clarification. Being the cosmic energy and element behind creation she took no hue from her created colours and remained black. Mistaking her omnipotence as the ultimate one without a second, she remained naked without having the necessity to be ashamed of anybody as everybody is her manifestation. Suddenly, finding cosmic consciousness, existence and bliss embodied and lying behind creation in the form of Lord Shiva, she became extremely ashamed and took her tongue out in shame. She remembered that even omnipotence is just an essential property of the ultimate absolute.
Kali Puja is celebrated on amavasya or no moon night in the month of Kartik. This date coincides with Deepavali, the festival of light in north India. Kali Puja is one of the major festivals for Hindus in Bengal and they celebrate the occasion with much gusto and enthusiasm. Ramprasad and Ramakrishna successfully worshipped Kali for salvation. Just as the people in north India light lamps to honour Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, the people in Bengal celebrate Kali Puja by lighting lamps in honour of goddess Kali to celebrate Deepavali, the festival of light.
Durga Puja is the greatest festival of the Bengali Hindus, Deepavali, celebrated for five days, each with a legend, is undoubtedly for the rest of the Indians. The festivals in worship mode are rooted in deep human values, strong mythical beliefs and illuminating legends. Deepavali, meaning series of light signifies the true essence of life where goodness overcomes evil forces and light removes darkness of ignorance. Deepavali, as festival of light is as outwardly celebratory as inwardly uplifting. Celebrated with much gaiety, grandeur and festivity, the celebration transcends caste, creed and community to become all-inclusive and encompassing. In mans eternal quest for both spiritual enlightenment and worldly prosperity Deepavali marks an auspicious day. Family bonds and human relations become stronger and business ventures gain a promising momentum.
The boisterous fervour of Deepavali is manifested in busy markets of India with illuminated public places and homes lit with earthen diyas, candles and decorative lighting and people decked up in bright, new clothes to attend the rituals. Traditionally, Deepavali is also an occasion for offering sweets and gifts to families and friends. The most common scene in Deepavali and Kali Puja is that of children and adults burning firecrackers and sparkles. A noticeable modern trend around Deepavali celebrations is a Deepavali party, where friends and family gather to celebrate the day with sound, light and symphony.
As visually mesmerising is the light that streams out of candles and fireworks, it is ultimately the divine light that we seek on Deepavali to purify our hearts and soul. It is this light that penetrates all darkness and the mundane routine of our lives. As such, the most common ritual is cleaning of homes, offices and work space to connect with this light and get blessings from God. Above all, its main significance reverberates with our aspirations to be pure and loving in our interactions with others and to rise above selfish interests.
Deepavali is believed to coincide with several mythological events of significance. In north India Deepavali marks the day of the return of Lord Rama after defeating Ravana a symbol of evil and is celebrated with full devotion. It is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi as she emerged from the ocean on this day according to the mythical tale of the samudra manthan or churning of the ocean. In another mythical tale, Deepavali has associations with Lord Krishnas triumph over the demon Narakasura, who had kidnapped the gopis of Vrindavan. So on this day people use fragrant oils and flowers to keep vibrations uplifted in house. A diya or lamp is placed in each room as well as in the backyard throughout the night.
The celebration is usually believed to commemorate Lord Ramas final return home from exile after defeating Ravana, the embodiment of evil and his welcome with a glittering row of lights radiating from every household. It also coincides with the Pandavas return from exile. Deepavali is indisputably one of the most enlivening and significant festivals of India. Well-illuminated houses, parks and public places make up the landscape on Deepavali night with colourful fireworks dotting the sky.
After Kali Puja comes Bhai Dwitiya, marking the end of the festival. It is unique in nature as it is solely dedicated to the strong bond of love between brother and sister. The festival is associated with the legendary tale of brotherly love between Yama, the deity of death and his sister Yami. After several decades of separation Lord Yama visited his sister and was touched by her warm hospitality. Yamraj blessed her and announced that henceforth a brother who would greet his sister on this day will have a long life. The day is eagerly awaited by all sisters and brothers to cement their enduring relationship.
Thus the festivals are accompanied by high-pitched religiosity enriching human bonds as people rise above distinctions of caste and creed to embrace the light of oneness in divine unity. Let illuminating Kali Puja and Deepavali remove our inner and outer darkness with wisdom, unity, peace and bliss. Happy Kali Puja and Deepavali to all.
The writer is a columnist
