Deepawali Pooja-Vidhi  (Paperback, Pawan Kumar Mishra)

Deepawali Pooja-Vidhi presents the most celebrated festival of India known as Deepawali or Diwali, the Festival of Lights. It is a celebration of Life itself - of abundance, faith and hope in human endeavor ensconced in divine grace. There are many layers to this festival. Socially, the celebrations begin a month in advance. It is an occasion to meet and give gifts to loved ones, enjoy playing cards with friends and family, meet and thank one’s customers, associates and benefactors, splurge in new clothes and jewelry, celebrating the abundance of life in gratitude. Financially, in traditional businesses, Deepawali marks the closing of the books of accounts of the previous year, give bonuses to one’s employees out of the profits made and begin a new year on a new note of enthusiasm and hope. There are three deeper layers – mythological, ritual worship, and spiritual. The book presents these three deeper layers in a simple yet interesting manner. The book can be used to plan and do the ritual Deepawali Pooja at one’s home, without the help of a pundit or priest, if one wishes. Even a child of 10 years of age and above can help set up the worship altar and recite the mantras leading the Deepawali Pooja, while the parents and other family members follow! A short version of the pooja is given for those who have less time. A longer version of the pooja is given for those who wish to spend more time savouring in the delight of this special occasion. This book also gives an insight into the meaning and spirit of the mantras and the rituals, thereby urging an interest in the reader to explore more. Deepawali Pooja-Vidhi makes for a handy Do-It-Yourself guide for Deepawali Pooja. It also serves as a good gift for loved ones on this occasion.