Hindus across Sri Lanka and around the world are marking Deepavali on Sunday, one of the most widely observed festivals in the Hindu calendar. Lighting rows of oil lamps is the tradition most closely associated with the day, which is kept as a symbol of the triumph of righteousness over evil.
Devotees are observing the occasion by lighting lamps, creating coloured kolam designs, sharing Pongal rice and taking part in religious rites, NewsFirst reported. Families also visit temples to light ghee lamps in remembrance of departed relatives, and mark the day with traditional sweets and other delicacies.
Hiru News reported that devotees worldwide are lighting lamps and engaging in religious observances with the intention that light should spread through every mind.
The Narakasura account
The two outlets differ slightly on the festival’s origin. NewsFirst attributes the defeat of the demon Narakasura to Lord Vishnu, while the Deepavali message issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake credits Lord Krishna — regarded in Hindu tradition as an avatar of Vishnu. Both describe the same victory of righteousness over unrighteousness.
NewsFirst adds that, according to Vedic literature, Narakasura asked that all the worlds — not only himself — be blessed with light. Devotees carry that idea forward by praying for peace and prosperity for everyone, the outlet reported.
Around the festival
Deepavali is a public holiday in Sri Lanka. Monday 9 November has separately been declared a special holiday for Tamil-medium schools in five provinces, on notices issued by the relevant provincial Governors’ offices.
