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On Hinduism
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18. Hindu Practices
Lamps were the only source of artificial light in olden days. Consider a dark room, where God, a symbol/representation of the divine, is placed (in the sanctum of temples). The priest shows a lamp in the form of Aarathi close to the murti. The purpose is to make sure the picture is registered in our minds.
Light represents knowledge. When praying we are saying that the Lord gives me enough knowledge all the time.
Other reading material:
Relevant videos:
Contributor: Dr. Jyoti Lulla
Location of this post (18d): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/why-do-you-use-light-aarti-to-pray/
Category:
18. Hindu Practices
20. Holidays
Diwali or Deepavali is one of the most popular festivals known as “Festival of lights”. It is celebrated by Hindus to mark the triumph of good over evil forces after Lord Ram (incarnation of Lord Vishnu) returns to his kingdom Ayodhya after killing the demon king Ravan (evil) to establish Drama (righteousness). Deepavali literally means the “row of lamps” used to decorate homes during the festival. There are other stories behind Diwali celebration in various parts of India with common themes.
Other reading material: What are the major Hindu holidays? Diwali Tool-kit (HAF), Diwali Tool-kit (CoHNA)
Relevant videos: Diwali Explored – The Festival of Lights (Pushpita Prasad), What is Diwali? (CoHNA), Why Sikhs celebrate Diwali? Utsav Deepavali,
Contributor: Nilesh Chaudhary
Location of this post (20a): hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/what-is-diwali/
Category:
20. Holidays