THEATER:
Ram Leela on Diwali: Celebrating the Victory of Good Over Evil
Performers, who flew in all the way from India to perform Ram Leela for the first time in U.S., mesmerized the jam packed auditorim at Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, Oct. 13. Ram Leela is performed during Dussehra, in celebration of the victory Lord Ram over Ravan. Siliconeer presents glimpses.
(Above): Lord Ram flanked by brother Lakshman (to his left) and Sita (to his right) with Guru Vashishth and Guru Vishwamitra. [All Photos: Amar D. Gupta | Siliconeer]
DIWALI: Celebrating the Victory of Good Over Evil
Diwali is the most joyous time of year for Hindus. It is a Hindu holiday that is celebrated universally, by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, throughout the Indian subcontinent and the world. It is a five-day event that is celebrated to commemorate the victory of the forces of good over evil.
Each of the five days of Diwali has a meaning and significance according to Hindu mythology. The festival has a different celebration each day:
Day One – Dhanteras. This day is dedicated to the goddess of wealth. On this day, Hindus buy utensils or other objects made of precious metals, for good luck. Businesses owned or operated by Hindus close out their financial records for the year and start anew.
Day Two – Chhoti Diwali. This day is dedicated to the goddess of time, change, and death. On this day, Hindus indulge in fragrant baths and then dawn new clothes. They share special Diwali food with family and friends.
Day Three – Diwali. This day is dedicated to the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and beauty. On this day, Hindus perform elaborate ceremonies, worshipping the goddess. Before any such ceremonies, Lord Ganesh is worshipped. Hindus clean their homes thoroughly and decorate them by placing rows of earthen oil lamps or diyas everywhere.
Day Four – Padwa / Govardhan Puja. This day is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who saved the world from floods by lifting Mount Govardhana and allowing all the people to take shelter under it. On this day, Hindus cook mountains of food, to represent Mount Govardhana, which are later distributed to devotees and other townspeople.
Day Five – Bhai Dooj. This day is dedicated to the relationship in ancient India between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for the longevity and prosperity of their brothers, and brothers bestow their sisters with gifts and eat a meal together. It is meant to strengthen the ties between brothers and sisters.
— Neelam Wadhwani
(Above): King Dashrath with Guru Vishwamitra. [All Photos: Amar D. Gupta | Siliconeer]
(Above): Manthara (l) speaks to Kaikeyi, the second queen of King Dashrath.
(Above): Ram Bhakht Hanuman.
(Above): Lakshman, Ram (c) prays before picking the Bow at Sita’s swayamvar.
(Above): Ravan shows his anger on seeing his sister Surpanakha’s face with a split nose.
(Above): Ahilya, happy after Lord Ram gave her a new life by releasing her from her curse.
(Above): Sita (r) picks flowers just before her swayamvar.
(Above): Sita (r), Ram and Lakshman living in the jungle.
(Above): Sita (r), Lord Ram and Lakshman.
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