Deepavali Reflections: King Bali and the Spirit of Righteousness
Deepavali at our house. Deepavali in South India is celebrated over four vibrant days, each carrying deep cultural and spiritual meaning. The first day is Neeru Thumbuva Habba, the ritual of water purification. We clean the vessels used for storing water, refill them with fresh water, and worship Ganga maatha , the divine embodiment of water. Water being worshiped PC: Sridhar S (Konanakunte) The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi or Narakasura Samhara , marks the destruction of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna—a reminder of light prevailing over darkness. Narakasura samhaara. The third day brings Deepavali Amavasya. Almost a month before this we would have celebrated Mahalaya Amavasya ( during Dasara time ). That is s omewhat akin to a spiritual reflection day like Halloween in the West. We would have remembered our ancestors and offer prayers for their souls. However, this amaavasya transforms into Lakshmi Pooja , when households wor...