DIWALI

Diwali is a diminutive outline of Deepavali which etymologically means “row of lights”. Hence, Diwali is the festive of lights. The name “Diwali” originated from a traditional lighting which involved lighting up of small oil lamps termed as ‘diyas’. This festival of lights falls on the fifteenth day of Kartik month and is enjoyed with gaiety and fervour.

As per the Indian communities, diyas are floated in streams and rivers, mostly in places outside the temples. Since, this is a day of celebration almost all the financial transactions stay closed on this particular day. Lakshmi- the goddess of wealth and prosperity and Lord Ganesh-god of wisdom and auspiciousness are revered during Diwali. During this auspicious day traditional sweets like naivedya are prepared and shared, even songs are chanted to praise the goddess.

All the simple rituals and traditions of Diwali have a lot of credo and significance. Apart from pomp and celebration of the return of Rama to Ayodhya, historically, the birth of Diwali traces back to ancient India, when this was considered as the most significant harvest festival. According to the legend, the goddess, Parvati played dice along with her mate; she affirmed that anyone who played gambling during this day would flourish throughout the coming year. Thereby, families even today come together and play dice, cards, and one-time games to commemorate this message.

India is popular worldwide for its festivals. Diwali celebration starts from Dusshera, this comes 20 days prior to Diwali. This day is celebrated with pomp and show as a victory day. As per the legend; Ravana was destroyed by Lord Rama on this particular day.

One can see the brilliantly decorated processions and tableaux which depicts various stages of the life of Rama as “Ramlila” drama. Thereby, Diwali is considered as a festival of happiness, brightness, splendour, and joy. Indians worldwide celebrate this festival with a lot of enthusiasm.

On the day of Diwali, everywhere in India, when dusk falls, one can view the spectacular lighting of flickering lamps that are adorned in rows in front of buildings, homes, and so on. During this day, people visit places of friends and relatives to convey their heart felt happiness by exchanging gifts.

This festival unites all members irrespective of the community they belong to, poor or rich, old and young, since the lighting of lamps represent their reverence to God to attain fame, peace, knowledge, wealth, and health. Most of the people bring in life to this festival by lighting diyas, bursting crackers, etc.

ALCHI

Alchi is located in Ladakh, a Himalayan region. The state in which it is located is Jammu and Kashmir. It is a buzzing village and its altitude is about 3500m from the sea level. It is at River Indus’ valley and it is at the trade route of ancient times. Its gompas are well known. From Alchi, you can proceed to Leh by road network.

Alchi has normal summers but ice cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach upto 25 degrees C. The minimum temperature would be 12 degrees C or so. Anyway, during this season, travellers need to protect themselves from the effects of sunburn. During winter season, maximum temperatures reach 15 degrees C while the minimum temperatures will be even -30 degrees C making it quite cold for travellers. Thus, it is best to sight see this region in the period from May – September.

The area surrounding Alchi was an important cultural and trade centre connecting to the other parts of India. After the Islamic armies came to India, they noticed the Buddhist monuments soon. Actually, Islam does not permit worshipping idols. Their interpretation of idol was Buddha. Their views led to the destruction of Buddhist monasteries and monuments. Fortunately, since Alchi was located in Indus River’s barren gorges and mountains that were desolate, it escaped without damage. It is a fact that murals and paintings that are about 900 years old are preserved well with no visible deterioration.

11th century Buddhist shrines of Alchi are great Buddhist art examples. Among them, the oldest temple is Du-Khang. Kal-dan Shes-rab founded it. The doorway is carved extensively having guardian figures and small Bodhisattvas. Sacred forms and mandalas adorn the walls and they indicate Buddhist cosmology.

There is a 3 storey temple - Sum-tsek which has capitals, carved brackets and pillars in its wooden carved façade. Colourful mandalas, standing Bodhisattvas, Avalokiteshvara, Maitreya Buddha and Manjushri cover its halls’ walls. Other similar shrines adjoining it are Manjushri Lha-Khang and Lotsawa Lha-Khang. The shrine is square shaped and the raised roof is held by 4 central columns. Manjushri shrine has 4 Bodhisattva’s plaster images that are large. The temple’s murals follow thousand Buddha’s theme and the walls are occupied by goddesses and gods.

Lha-Khang Soma was constructed much later compared to Alchi’s other shrines. Inside a square room of small size, votive stupa or chorten is found. The roof is supported by columns that have beautiful carved brackets having lion faces. The walls have paintings of Buddha, Vairochana, guardian figures and Bodhisattvas. Mahakala’s image protects the decorated doorway.

Surrounding Alchi are many magnificent monasteries at Hemis, Thikse and Shey. These monasteries have several carvings, murals and Buddhist images. At June of every year Hemis monastery is filled with activity since the Hemis festival gets celebrated at that time. It is actually celebrated over three days and travellers can witness the traditions and culture of Ladakh. Also, every year Festival of Ladakh is being celebrated for fifteen days throughout the region. At this time, archery competitions, polo and masked dances take place.