Shopping as usual come Diwali season in India
Shopping as usual come Diwali season in India
Nirmala George, Associated Press, New Delhi
Dr. Renu Agarwal sneaks away from her busy medical practice to scour markets in the hunt for the rare or unusual.
It's Diwali season in India, where the ancient Hindu festival of lights has become a modern-day dash for gifts and sweets.
"This year I'm giving away crystal lamps with a silver handle," said Agarwal, who was loaded down with shopping bags. "It's expensive, but at least it's different."
Diwali, which began Monday and carries on for some 10 days, marks the victory of Hinduism's most revered god, Rama, over the demon king Ravana in Hindu mythology.
When Rama returned to the mythical kingdom of Ayodhya after killing Ravana, his ecstatic subjects lighted oil lamps and set off firecrackers to welcome him home.
Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil. But in recent years, the threat of terrorism and a stagnant economy have cast long shadows over the festival.
Two suspected terrorists were killed Sunday in an upscale shopping mall in New Delhi. Security forces have been on high alert throughout India after reports that Islamic militants would try to ruin the Hindu holiday.
But for Indians, who are used to terrorist attacks, the shootout was a minor diversion and within a short while, they got back to the business of Diwali shopping. Economists say the long- standing threat of militant attacks has had little affect on shoppers who throng to the bargain bazaars.
"Militant threats, a stagnating economy - these are not hurdles when it comes to Diwali spending," said Rajesh Shukla of the National Council of Applied Economic Research.
Shukla said a recent survey revealed a 55 percent hike in individual spending this year compared with last year.
Hindus also believe Diwali is the time when Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, visits their homes. In the run-up to the festival, homes and business are painted, floors scrubbed and curtains changed to welcome Lakshmi.
On Diwali day, families come together to offer puja, or worship, with special prayers. At sundown, tiny oil lamps and candles are lighted to show Lakshmi the way into homes and offices. Then come hours of loud firecrackers, followed by feasting on sweets made with milk, lentils, dry fruits and nuts.
For many, Diwali is also a time for gambling. Rupees change hands in tense games of "flush," a version of rummy.
The day after Diwali is workers' day, when tools are cleaned and prayers offered for a prosperous year. Workers lay down their implements for the day and spend it with family and friends.
But it doesn't stop there. Two days after Diwali day - Wednesday this year - families celebrate the "festival of brothers," in which girls hold special prayers for their brothers. In return, the brothers give their sisters saris, jewelry or cash.
Some fear that growing consumerism, especially among India's burgeoning middle class, is eroding the religious significance of the festival.
"In the rush of buying new clothes and gifts and the endless feasting, the spiritual aspects of Diwali have long been forgotten," said Swami Agnivesh, a Hindu theologian. "It's crass commercialization leading to a corruption of the core values that Diwali stands for."
Agarwal, the physician, concedes that the spirit of Diwali is getting lost amid the frenzied shopping and feasting.
"Diwali is many things," she said. "It's our biggest festival. It's a religious celebration, it's a holiday, it's family time, a time for forgiveness and friendship.
"But I'm afraid the religious aspects of the festival are wearing thin," she said. "Now when I think of Diwali, it's gift- giving, endless feasting and card playing that come to mind."
Renuka Narayanan, a religious columnist for Indian newspapers, disagrees.
"Diwali is a time for giving, and if people are shopping for gifts, they are also giving these away - to family, employees, the poor," said Narayanan.
"The brightest Diwali is in the eyes of the poor, which light up when they receive a gift."