The Relationship Between Deepawali and Agriculture

As one of the most major festivals in India, Deepawali is also known as the festival of lights since it is observed with long rows of lights. This holiday also has a vital connection to agriculture. The plentiful rice crop that is soon to be harvested is another reason to celebrate Diwali.

One of India's most significant holidays is Deepawali, generally referred to as the Festival of Lights. This is a five-day celebration that is celebrated with great zeal by Indians all over the world. It is a festival of joy, splendor, light, and happiness. This event stands out for integrating five diverse ideas together, with each day dedicated to a certain philosophy or goal. Since each of its five days of festivities is observed with genuine understanding, it influences people's views and enriches their lives.

Diwali celebrates Lord Rama's triumphant return to his hometown of Ayodhya from Sri Lanka after conquering the evil Ravana. Additionally, it is an occasion to celebrate in the victory of good over evil. While the majority of families gather for five days of celebration, homes are decorated with rows of lights. People who are interested in business and trade start their new fiscal year on Deepawali because it is seen as being particularly auspicious. On this eve, people worship the goddess Lakshmi and perform Arti. Women prepare specialty foods like Poha, Pava, sweets, and desserts (like "Kheer") in the western states.

Moreover, there is a strong connection between this celebration and aspects of agriculture. The plentiful rice crop that is soon to be harvested is another reason to celebrate Diwali. Diwali often takes place in October or November, during the Kharif season, when there is a plentiful supply of freshly harvested rice in the fields. Similar to how October helps with insect control, Diwali's timing is crucial because it usually falls with an increase in insect population, especially during the month of Shravan. People rush the temple carrying "Mashals," or fire torches. Numerous insects can be effectively killed by these flames.

A  conch (shell) blowing produces a sharp tone similar to a trumpet, and during this time the paddy bug usually suckers paddy that is in the milk stage. In some states, blowing the conch has been found to be very successful in reducing the number of these pests. This biologic management is one of the finest practises for crops like rice, according to American researchers.

Insect populations rise during the last growing season, which primarily falls around Deepawali. Kartika Amabasya's number grows to the point where it frequently interferes with day-to-day activities. During this time, insects are attracted to and killed using "Mashal, Dihuri, Deepa" and lanterns. Farmers actually started using fire and light traps during the ancient era after realizing how many insects and pests were drawn to light. Then, they began to manage the bug population. To draw rice bugs and moths, which later perished in the flames, bonfires were set. In the state of Odisha, this practise is prevalent. For the control of army borers, armyworms, leafhoppers, seed bugs, mole crickets, leaf folders, plant hoppers, root weevils, caseworms, and caterpillars in the past, light traps were frequently utilized in rural areas.

Neem and light (Mashal, Dihuri) traps were reportedly the two farming methods that Odisha farmers utilized the most frequently in the past. The nocturnal flying insects were eradicated by farmers using light traps. One of the most successful strategies for managing insect pests in organic agriculture is the insect light trap. A ritual called "Kem" is practised in Sri Lanka with the goal of attracting and nurturing birds, the primary biological factor in traditional agriculture. Before beginning cultivation, this ritual entails making an evening gift to the local deities, which typically consists of roasted pulses, food, flowers, and numerous lit oil lamps. Birds are drawn to food and pulse whereas insects are drawn to lighting. The insects are subsequently put to death in this manner before to cultivation.