Diwali, or Deepavali (meaning "a row of lights"), is arguably the most significant festival celebrated across India, lighting up the country with millions of earthen lamps (diyas), candles, and fireworks. Spanning five days and coinciding with the new moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik, the festival’s universal message is the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
However, the specific mythological and historical events
commemorated during this period vary deeply by region and faith, creating a
rich tapestry of traditions that explain exactly why India dedicates five
glorious days to this incandescent celebration.
The Triumph of Lord Rama: North India's Core Narrative
The most widely known origin story for Diwali, particularly
in North India, comes from the epic poem, the Ramayana. Diwali
marks the joyous day when Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother
Lakshmana returned to their kingdom of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile.
The homecoming followed Rama's decisive victory over the
demon king Ravana of Lanka, who had abducted Sita. Overjoyed by their beloved
king’s return and the ultimate triumph of righteousness (dharma) over
evil, the people of Ayodhya illuminated the city with rows of clay lamps to
light his path on the darkest night. This act of illumination is the
fundamental practice that defines the festival to this day.
Victory Over the Demon Narakasura: The Southern Celebration
In Southern states, the day before the main Diwali is
celebrated with distinct importance as Naraka Chaturdashi (or
Choti Diwali). This day commemorates the feat of Lord Krishna, an avatar
of Vishnu, who vanquished the demon king Narakasura.
Narakasura, the ruler of Pragjyotishapura (modern-day
Assam), was a tyrannical ruler who had imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of
the gods. Krishna defeated the demon in battle and freed the captives,
restoring peace and righteousness. The early morning rituals in the South,
including special oil baths, symbolize the purification that followed this
great victory.
Honoring the Goddess of Prosperity: Lakshmi Puja
The main day of Diwali revolves around the veneration
of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and fortune,
alongside Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. This tradition is important
across business communities and households nationwide, often marking the start
of the new financial year (Samvat).
The worship of Lakshmi is linked to the legend of the Samudra
Manthan (the churning of the cosmic ocean), during which the goddess
emerged holding a pot of gold. Devotees clean, decorate, and illuminate their
homes to welcome the goddess, believing she visits the cleanest and brightest
homes, bestowing blessings of wealth and success for the year ahead. The first
day of the festival, Dhanteras, is dedicated to acquiring new
wealth, often through the purchase of gold, silver, or new utensils.
A Festival of Multiple Faiths
Diwali’s significance extends beyond Hinduism, uniting other
Indian faiths in celebration:
- Sikhism
(Bandi Chhor Divas): For Sikhs, Diwali is celebrated as Bandi
Chhor Divas (Day of Liberation). It commemorates the day in 1619
when the Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, was released from imprisonment
by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, along with 52 Hindu kings. The lighting of
the Golden Temple in Amritsar on this day is a spectacular sight.
- Jainism
(Mahavira's Nirvana): Jains observe Diwali to mark the moksha (spiritual
liberation) of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Jain Tirthankara. The
lighting of lamps symbolizes the illuminating light of his wisdom.
The Five Days of Festivity
Diwali is not a single day but a continuous five-day
festival, each with its own focus:
- Dhanteras: Worship
of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari; auspicious day for buying gold
and new items.
- Naraka
Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Commemoration of Lord Krishna’s victory
over Narakasura.
- Lakshmi
Puja (Main Diwali Day): The primary day for worshipping Lakshmi and
performing family rituals.
- Govardhan
Puja or Bali Pratipada: Celebrated as the day Lord Krishna lifted the
Govardhan Hill to protect his people, or in the West, as the day Lord
Vishnu defeated the generous demon King Bali. It also marks the Hindu New
Year in some regions.
- Bhai
Dooj: Dedicated to celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
In essence, Diwali is a powerful reminder of enduring hope and the ethical imperative to choose good over evil. The lights of Diwali serve as an annual renewal, urging every individual to dispel the darkness of ignorance and despair, and embrace prosperity, unity, and enlightenment.
Abhijit
20/10/2025
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