SA Culture Diaries: The Jammu Dogra Diwali by Athira Jamwal

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Diyas or Earthen Lamps
Diwali also called the Festival of Lights  is celebrated to honour Ramachandra, who is supposed to be the seventh avatar (incarnation of the Puranic God Vishnu). According to the Great Epic, Ramayana it is believed that on this day Lord Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana. People lit their houses to celebrate his victory over evil (light over darkness).The Suryavanshi clan (Descendants of the Sun) of the Dogras celebrate Diwali as a reminder of the victory of their supposed ancestor Lord Rama. Diwali in Dogra culture is celebrated in almost the same manner as the rest of India. Great significance is given to Goddess Lakshmi ( The goddess of wealth and fortune) and Lord Ganesha, the Lord of auspicious beginnings and prosperity.





Marigold garlands on the thresholds 
The preparations for Diwali begins a week prior to the festival.The house is cleaned up well in advance,as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi roams the Earth on this day and enters the house that is pure, clean, and bright. The house is decorated with flower garlands (Marigold is used widely, which is also called “Gutta” in Dogri) , Diyas (clay lamps) ,candles and lights.
The day of the festival begins with prayers offered to the “Kul Devta” ( the ancestral leader worshiped as a deity ). Being a Jamwal, my Family and I worship Guru Siddh Goriya and Baba Kali Veer. Considering the village traditions of the Bassi Jamwal village of Kathua District , the whole Jamwal clan gathers around the temple devoted to the “Kul Devta” and worships together. The first prayer is offered by the senior most member of the clan which is later followed by narration of folklores and devotional songs sung by the women of the clan while the males look over the preparation of the “Langar”(common place where food is served together to all ).The traditional dishes: Daal,Chhol,Mani ( Pulses, rice and a sour dish made with pumpkins) are served to everyone and the Prasad ( holy food offering made to the god) is also distributed.

Bana Leaves on the Gate
Later in the day,  the females of the house prepare garlands and sweets. The verandah of the house is decorated with colourful “Rangoli” made by the females of the house. Distribution of sweets takes place all day long. The Dogras specifically hang the leaves of ‘Sarkanda’ and ‘Bana’ at their gates.The night of Diwali is an Amavasya (New Moon),and according to the beliefs and myths, black magic is practiced on Amavasya. It is believed that these leaves hold the power to hold away any source of evil from entering the house.

The Diwali Puja


The evening is marked with  all the members of the family sitting together to pray. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshiped along with the local deities. Home made prasad of ‘Halwa’ and ‘Laddoos’ is offered to the gods. The younger ones of the family receive gifts and sweets. Fireworks follow the prayers and the whole family gathers to enjoy together. 

Diwali to us is not just about diyas lights and fireworks rather an occasion for the families to get along and cherish the beauty of relationships.

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