Deepavali or Diwali

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Kuala Lumpur, NOVEMBER 2:

Deepavali, the Festival of Light, brings joy, happiness and prosperity to every

Hindu home. It is on this auspicious day--on November 11 this year--that the

Goddess of wealth, Devi Mahalakshmi, is said to visit people's homes. To show

respect to the Goddess, it is important that the home be prepared properly,

says Star columnist T. Selva.

According to Vasthu Sastra, homeowners should begin preparing their homes at

least two weeks before the festival. This is because a house that is not well

kept will not receive any blessings from the Goddess of wealth--and such places

will not receive positive energy, Selva continues. The first thing to do is

ensure the house is not damaged and that its ceiling and roof tiles are in good

condition, and there are no leaking pipes or cracks in the walls.

After repairing the faults, the home owner should make sure cobwebs, dirt and

dust are removed from the walls, ceilings and corners of the house. Next,

remove broken and unwanted items. These include all disused, cracked or broken

items, like mirrors, shoes, furniture, toys and old clothes. On Deepavali eve,

homeowners should welcome the triumph of good over evil by cleaning their

homes.

The entire house must be scrubbed and washed thoroughly with water, which is

the cleansing agent of Vasthu. Following this, draw the kolam (rice flour

pattern) portraying devotional themes on the sidewalk and doorstep of the house

to further enhance the merry-making mood.

The traditional art signifies beauty, gratitude and sacrifice in every facet of

our lives. Deepavali is represented by fire, which is one of the five elements,

according to Vasthu Sastra, and the most powerful carrier of our messages and

prayers to the cosmic forces. The essence of Deepavali is to light up the house

with oil lamps throughout the day to protect the property against darkness and

evil--in Vasthu, light signifies goodness.

Selva has been invited to present a talk on Vasthu Sastra for harmonious living

and world peace at the Well-being Show in London on November 7 at the Royal

Horticultural Hall. The four days of talks, workshops and exhibitions will

bring together over 50 experts from all over the world to discuss subjects

related to metaphysics, ancient sciences, alternative healing and self healing.

Over 10,000 visitors are expected.

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