Spring Break
Hinduism shines at Diwali festival
Issue date: 11/8/07
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"I thought they did a great job. I thought all the groups that performed were really good," senior Ashwini Niranjan said.
Afterwards, attendees were encouraged to stick around and chat and even learn how to perform their own Raas or Bharatanatyam.
The atmosphere was light and extremely festive, as would be expected from the grand decorations of lights strung all across the gymnasium.
Diwali is usually celebrated with such great festivities. "In India, you would be able to hear the singing from every house and see the fireworks from every rooftop. The week surrounding Diwali is always filled with parties and general merriment," Khatau said.
According to Hindu tradition, many years ago Lord Vishnu decided to take an earthly form. He was born as the Prince Rama, the ideal son, husband, brother and ruler who was loved by everyone. However, he was banished from his kingdom and exiled to the woods for 14 years.
While in the woods, his wife, Sita, was kidnapped by the 10-headed demon, Ravana. To get Sita back, the prince waged war on Ravana's kingdom. The day on which Ravana was killed is known as Dussera, which usually falls two weeks before Diwali.
Ravana was defeated just as Prince Rama's exile was coming to an end. In anticipation of his arrival and of Ravana's defeat, the people in Rama's kingdom lined the streets with lights and waited anxiously for his arrival. When he came home on Diwali night, there was much celebration and rejoicing.
"It's supposed to represent the defeat of evil by good," Niranjan said.
Afterwards, attendees were encouraged to stick around and chat and even learn how to perform their own Raas or Bharatanatyam.
The atmosphere was light and extremely festive, as would be expected from the grand decorations of lights strung all across the gymnasium.
Diwali is usually celebrated with such great festivities. "In India, you would be able to hear the singing from every house and see the fireworks from every rooftop. The week surrounding Diwali is always filled with parties and general merriment," Khatau said.
According to Hindu tradition, many years ago Lord Vishnu decided to take an earthly form. He was born as the Prince Rama, the ideal son, husband, brother and ruler who was loved by everyone. However, he was banished from his kingdom and exiled to the woods for 14 years.
While in the woods, his wife, Sita, was kidnapped by the 10-headed demon, Ravana. To get Sita back, the prince waged war on Ravana's kingdom. The day on which Ravana was killed is known as Dussera, which usually falls two weeks before Diwali.
Ravana was defeated just as Prince Rama's exile was coming to an end. In anticipation of his arrival and of Ravana's defeat, the people in Rama's kingdom lined the streets with lights and waited anxiously for his arrival. When he came home on Diwali night, there was much celebration and rejoicing.
"It's supposed to represent the defeat of evil by good," Niranjan said.
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gauri h kashelikar
posted 11/11/07 @ 9:13 AM EST
hey i felt extremely good to hear that people love watching classical dance performances.i m als doing my BA in bharatnatyam 4rm the pune university under the able guidance of Dr Sucheta chaphekar. (Continued…)
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