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SUKRAATI (DEEPAVALI) | |
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Amavasya: New
Moon
BACK (festivals) |
Sukarati,
a deformation of Shukharatri (Night of Pleasure), is mainly the festival
of lights. It is celebrated on Kartik Amabasya (falling at pradosh or
evening hours). Previous day, when every one has gone to bed, a lone
earthen lamp(deep) is lighted at the door step of the house, called
Yamak-deep (Lamp of Yama). Male members are prohibited to see this.
Dhanteras, when people purchase new utensils and falling two days prior to
Diwali, was not prevalent in Mithilanchal, but is slowly getting
acceptance due to intermingling of cultures. So is the pooja of Ganesh and
Laxmi., bursting of crackers and the practice of gambling as a ritual. Of
course earthen lamps are lighted as at all other places.
In Mithilanchal Diwali is celebrated more as Kali Pooja than Laxmi pooja. Kali Pooja is performed in the late night hours of Amavasya. Hence it is possible that Divali(Pradosh) and Kali Pooja fall on different dates. Kartik Amavasya is a suitable period for Tantrik rituals, hence people get initiated in Tantrik Mantra Deekha. Every family performs the special pooja of Gosaun (family Deity) known as "Gosaun Ghar Karab" (leading the goddess inside) and is performed by a lady. A special Alpana is used symbolizing the path taken by goddess to enter. Pan, Makhan, Coconut, Bananas and sweets are offered as prasad. In the early morning Soop is beaten in all nook and corner of the house by the lady who has performd the pooja to drive out Daridra (poverty) There is another ritual (Ulka) in which persons brandish lighted torches made up of straw and hemp stem. A few lamps are also lighted in the night next to Divali, but no other rituals are performed.. |
