What is Diwali and Why Do We Celebrate Diwali: explain story behind it?
when we are talking about Diwali festival, it is a Festival that brings joy and happiness around world. It is a festival when the county converted into a land of myriad lamps. we also know Diwali as Festival of Lights has all the charm, prosperities and happiness that can even illuminate our minds and hearts while also promoting the much-needed peace, harmony and brotherhood in the society.
It is a five-day festival that usually falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar
About All 5 Days of Diwali:
Day |
Event |
| 1st day |
Dhanteras |
| 2nd day |
Chhoti Diwali |
3rd day |
Diwali |
| 4th day |
Govardhan Puja |
| 5th day |
Bhaiya Dooj |
However, the significance of the celebration is similar irrespective of names, i.e., “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.”
Origin of word “Diwali”:
The name Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning “row of lights.” Since Diwali is so widely celebrated across religious and cultural groups, some aspects of its significance vary. For many people, the celebration is associated with the Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune, Lakshmi in her honor to welcome luck and prosperity.
why and how we celebrate Diwali:
1. According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Laxmana finally returned to their home called “Ayodhya” after spending 14 years of exile and defeating the demon king Raavana. so, Diwali marks God Ram return.
2. Diwali is celebrated as the day Goddess Lakshmi was born from Samudra Manthan, the churning of the cosmic ocean of milk by the gods and demons. Lakshmi chose Vishnu as her husband on the night of Diwali, and the two were bonded in holy matrimony.
3. according to epic Mahabharata, the five Pandavas brothers had been cheated into losing a bet in gambling after which the Kauravas banished them for 12 years. As per the epic, Diwali is the day on which the Pandavas return to Hastinapur on the night of Kartik Amavasya (Hindi month).
4. In Sikhism community, Diwali is associated with the event of Guru Hargobind’s release by Mughal emperor Jehangir.
5. In Jainism religion, the festival of Diwali is getting celebrated to remember the anniversary of Mahavira’s soul finally attaining Nirvana.
6. In some region like in western India, such as Gujarat, the festival of Diwali describes the start of a new year.
The Significance of Diwali:
Each five days ritual of Diwali festival has a significance and a story behind them. As I already highlighted Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The lights of Diwali signify a time to destroy all our dark desires and thoughts, destroy dark history and mistake and gives us the strength and the bring strength to carry on with our goodwill for the rest of the year.
Religious Significance: Diwali festival is celebrated by people in all parts of our country. In some places of North India, people celebrate it correlating to the incarnation of Lord Rama. In Ayodhya, the citizens were feeling sad not seeing the divine face of Sri Rama for over 14 years and they were literally craving to see Him. It is believed that Lord Rama after conquering Ravana returned from Sri Lanka on this day. People lit lamps welcoming Him and the festive mood returned in Ayodhya.
Strengthening Social Bonds and Cultural Heritage: Diwali brings social harmony and unity. Families and relatives come together to celebrate, exchange their gifts, and share festive sweets. Friends and relatives visit each other, spreading joy and wellness. The festival also promotes the spirit of giving and sharing sweets, gifts and well wishes
Who Celebrates Diwali?
Diwali, even though is considered a Hindu festival, is celebrated across the country in different forms in various communities. However, no matter where the festival is observed, the spiritual message of Deepawali remains the same which is ‘victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
But mostly Hindu, Sikh, and Jain community primarily celebrate Diwali. However, the holiday is celebrated throughout India, Singapore, and several other South Asian countries as a national holiday.
When Celebrate Diwali?
Diwali’s date is determined by the India calendar and changes every year, ranging from October to November. It is observed on the 15th day of the 8th month (the month of Kartik) in India’s calendar. The day is an Amavasya or ‘new moon day’. Amavasya Tithi (the period when the moon opposes the sun’s light by up to 12°.
Note: Diwali 2023 (Deepavali 2023) is on Sunday, November 12th in India.
Summary:
Diwali is not just a festival. it is a very attractive fascinating mythology of hope, worship and festivity. People in India whether men or women dress up their traditional Indian wear and celebrate the festival with full of zeal and warmth.
We hope, this brings fresh hopes, new dreams and pleasant moments in your life.
Happy Diwali Ahead