DEEPAVALI

Deepavali, the festival of lights, is held throughout India. In Kerala, this is celebrated only by Hindus. It falls on the preceding day of the New Moon in the Malayalam month Thulam (October-November). It is celebrated in commemoration of the destruction of the demon called Narakasura by Lord Krishna. As Lord Krishna killed Narakasura on the Chaturdasi day(the fourteenth lunar day) it is also known as Narakachaturdasi.

Before sunrise, all in the house have their oil bath and put on new cloths. Sweets are then served followed by bursting of crackers.

The word 'Deepavali" means an array of lights. The people of Dwaraka greeted Lord Krishna with illumination and rejoicing in honour of his victory over Narakasura. The darkness of the Chaturdasi night compelled them to use many lamps on the occasion, and subsequently the illumination became a part of the celebration.

It is the practice in south India to consume a preparation of dry ginger and jaggery soon after the oil bath on the Deepavali day. Dry ginger and jaggery form the Nivedya (offering) for Dhanwantari, the great exponent of Ayurveda. The Dhanwantari Jayanthi falls on the eve of Deepavali. The seperate observance of this day had come to an end and enjoying the preparation of dry ginger and jaggery fallen to succeeding day namely Deepavali.

Deepavali may have deeper significance than what is popularly believed. At the time of the festival the sun is in the house of Thulam (Libra ie. the scales) which signifies commerce, and hence the association of Deepavali with merchants and the Goddess of wealth. The darkness and light symbolize ignorance and knowledge respectively.

As the light dispels darkness, ignorance is replaced by knowledge. There is a prayer in the Upanisha. 'Tamaso ma Jyothirgamaya' ie. "carry us from the darkness to light" some people are of the option that Deepavali, the festival of lights, symbolises this prayer.

Light has always been the symbol of the highest ideas of man, and the festival of light, is celebrated all over the world in different forms. The 'feast of lanterns' in Japan and the 'All souls Eve' once practiced by the folk of early christendom are examples.

EASTER

Easter is the oldest Christian festival, as old as Christianity itself. The central tenet of Christianity is not the birth of Jesus, but his resurrection. Easter derived from this paschal mystery and from the events of Good Friday.

The content of Easter was gradually analyzed into historical events and each began to be celebrated on a different day. As a result, Easter grew into a Holy Week and came to have a preparatory season to precede and a festive season to follow. Thus we have four distinct periods in connection with the observance of Easter -
1. Lent, the forty preparatory penitential days.
2. Holy Week including the Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
3. The Octave of Easter (classical time for Baptism)
4. The paschal season or Easter tide extending over forty more days. On Holy Thursday the Lord's super is held in the evening. The washing of feet is a remarkable trait, emphasizing the love for one another. At home there will be the rite of the paschal bread. After supper, the 'cross cake' is brought out and cut into pieces. A piece is broken, dipped into sauce and handed over to each member of the family in due order. Good Friday is a day of grief when churches are empty and dark. Services are held in the afternoon. In most churches one finds a bitter drink prepared from leaves, vinegar, etc for everyone to taste after the service. Holy Saturday is a day of morning to dusk. But by ten at night the church is full to observe the Easter Vigil. In the gloom which envelops the church, new fire is struck from flint and blessed. A big candle is then consecrated and from it is lighted many candles indicating the resurrection. Bells peal, music fills the air and light floods the hall. Hallelujah is the joyous word of Easter wish. Easter Sunday is a quiet day and the celebration is rather spiritual and inward rather than social and showy. There will be grand dinner at homes and visit of relatives.


EDAPPALLY PERUNAL

To trace the origin of the Forane Church at Edappally, we have to go back as early as 593 AD. It is one of the most ancient and prominent churches that existed in the early centuries. Innumerable miracles have worked through the intercession of St. George, a fact which amply proves his powerful mediation before the throne of God. From very ancient times, people from far and near have flocked to this place with sentiments of genuine gratitude for the favors received.