parts of India at the same time, but Divali stone of the traditional economic pattern of
FROM 50 YEARS AGO
is the nearest to it, at least for the Hindus. our society. True, agriculture comes next as
What gives it this wide currency is not the a source of wealth but it follows a long way
religious part of the celebrations, but the annual behind and the crafts, in which we take so
stock taking, for which the time is most much pride to-day are not even mentioned
appropriate. among the recipients of the favours of this
There is annual stock taking on this occa-fickle Goddess!
Vol VIII, Nos 43 and 44, October 27, 1956 sion, exchange of presents as also conven-True, Saraswati has also her day. But this
tional annual payments. On this night Lakshmi night of nights belongs to her sister...WhatDivali is worshipped in many parts of the country about the craftsmen and their tools? They are (Editorial) and Lakshmi is not only the Goddess of Wealth not forgotten either. But Viswakarma, the
but also the Dispenser of Well-being; besides Guardian of the Heavenly Workshop, keeps
How much of metaphysics do we need? Not Lakshmi, Goddess Kali is also worshipped in aloof when the trader balances his accounts much surely, but one cannot do without it some parts and so is Krishna, the slayer of and the scholar seeks the blessings of thealtogether. One has normally to assume the Narakasura. But the Bahi Puja on the Divali Goddess of learning. That our craftsmenincentives which make the world go round. night which symbolises the ceremonial and worship their tools which the Mujik of aBut in the midst of all this festivity, one cannot ritual opening of the financial new year is generation ago had to be taught to take carehelp pondering what is all this rejoicing naturally of the greatest interest and impor-of, is something in our past culture and traabout? Divali has come to us as the festival tance to the trading community. For it is not dition on which we can count and draw upon.of lights from some long forgotten festival worship of the books in which our knowledge But how to combine all these worships into of seasons hailing the advent of autumn, and wisdom are stored, but only of books of one in one festival which will draw in peopleof harvests and of fruitfulness. There is no account. We are reminded, that it is in trade from all walks of life and give meaning andnational festival which is celebrated in all that Lakshmi resides and trade is still the key content to what they live by and live for?
Economic and Political Weekly November 4, 2006
