Welcome to this beautiful morning. A day before the grand day for which –
We waited so eagerly,
The great DIWALI.
Before going for any festivity or a function in the family or for any reason to join a jubilant invite from friends, dressing up suitably, is protocol ,an etiquette to honour and to be honoured at the event.
Anticipating victorious return of the Emperor of their hearts Ram to Ayodhya, the jubilant subject got ready, adoring themselves with their best. This effort is celebrated annually, till now as Roop Chaudas or Choti DIWALI.
I recall days of my early childhood and get back to those festivities which are now missing from our lives. We used to be out of our beds on a pleasant cool morning . It was special bathing experience than other mornings when mother used to give Ubatan (उबटन – thick paste of gram flour/बेसन), turmeric powder mixed in mustard oil).
This was pure organic shampoo for brightening and soothing the whole body. There it used to be a good sunny morning with clear sky and pollution free day ahead. We comforted ourselves in slowly coming up sun, to apply ‘ubtan’ with only an underwear (चड्डी) on. Odour of pure mustard oil (सरसों का तेल) entered into the nostrils, giving a feel of drilling through. Its effect on skin, was a feel somewhat similar to black pepper on tongue. This session of mild ‘torture’ used to leave charismatic effect on skin. Ahoi Ashtamy Pooja urn , was emptied in bathing water buckets for a sumptuous cozy bath. Ubtan washed during bathing, gave refreshing feel with smooth , slippery, silky, soft skin. Light yellow tinge , left by on face by turmeric , gave a psychological elation.
What else happens on Chhoti Diwali? During the day marketplace remained crowded. People made purchases of earthen lamps (दीये) A pair of terracotta Lakshmi-Ganesh, used to be a must. Popped rice and corn (फुल्लियाँ व खील), sugar candy, called batashe, so also moulded sugar toys, made part of evening Pooja. Fresh pair of sugar cane was brought home to replace the one used on Dhanteras evening.
For Rangoli, colour powders were not used. Mother use to draw it with white lime water, turmeric and rice flour. First drawing of that day’s rangoli used to be at the place where idols of deities was to be seated for evening Pooja. Another big size rangoli was made near the main entrance.
All done, in the evening, terracotta idol of Ganesh Ji was placed with devotion, at Pooja sthal. A few earthen lamps were lit with ghee soaked cotton wick. Thus the God of auspicious omen was invited and welcomed home with flowers and flower garlands. Prayers were offered to bless the family for next days grand event. Prasad after pooja used to be simple kheel batashe etc.
With changes experienced around our modern life style, Roopchaudas has become semi modern. There are several alternatives of Ubtan now , including Vicco turmeric soap.
The morning Sun does not rise in all flats. There are nuclear family units, without Dada Dadi, near around grand children.
Now thrill of festivities comes but with speed and passes down swiftly , to press everyone to resume routine on very next morning.
I wonder, how many of our present generation , believes in or enjoy rituals, observe discipline of Pooja and are lured by the excitement of getting-new clothes or purchase of new pair of shoes during Diwali festivities !!
Mahendra Nath Maharishi
(Ex Senior Officer DoorDarshan) 3.11.2021