Diwali : The Festival of Lights

India is a melting pot of races and religions. Every religion has its own unique style of festivals. But Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with fervor and gaiety among all the races and religions. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity. The celebration of the four-day festival commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya.

All over the world all Hindus celebrate Deepawali with great enthusiasm. This is the great festival honouring Mother Lakshmi (goddess of wealth). Diwali is a holy tradition, not to be put in the shade by the lights. Deepawali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Celebrated joyously all over the India, it is a festival of wealth and prosperity.

Deepavali is celebrated 20 days after Dussera, on Amavasya - the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (Aasho) in (Oct/ Nov) every year.

Legend of Diwali

Diwali celebrated mainly for Rama’s homecoming to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king. Deepavali marks his victorious return to his kingdom along with wife Sita, brother Laxman and great devote Hanuman. The legend claimed that it took 20 days for Rama to return to his kingdom after defeating Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit up their homes with oil lamps and turned the night into a light festival. From that time onwards Diwali is celebrated to marks the Victory of Lord Ram over the evil Ravan.

Another legend said that once upon time King Bali of the nether world mighty power had become a threat to the gods. In order to give him a lesion Lord Vishnu in the guise of a Batu Waman- a small boy- visited his kingdom. In that time King Bali was much more famous for his philanthropist cause. Keeping in this mind Lord Vishnu begged King Bali to give him only that much land which he could cover with his three steps. King Bali proudly granted Lord Vishnu’s wish. With his first step Lord Vishnu covered the entire heaven and with the second step the earth and asked Bali where to keep his third step. Bali offered his head. Putting his foot on his head Vishnu pushed him down to the underworld. In that time Lord Vishnu gave him the lamp of knowledge and allowed him to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance of humanity and spread the radiance of eternity and love. In this day people also worshipped Goddess Lakshmi as she was freed by Vishnu form the clutches of King Bali. Therefore some believe that the festival is celebrated in Mata Laxmi’s honour.

Another legend said that in this day of Diwali a small boy called Nachiketa who always believed that Yam, the god of Death was as black as the dark night of amavasya. But when he met Yamraj, he was quite astonished with Yamraj’s calm and stature. Yam explained to Nachiketa on this Diwali day of amavasya that by only passing through the darkness of death, man sees the light of highest wisdom and then only his soul get can escape from the bondage of his mortal frame to mingle with the Supreme Power.
And then Nachiketa realised the importance of worldly life and significance of death. Then he whole-heartedly participated in Diwali celebrations.

Another story said that Narakasura who ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram was a trouble-maker to the gods. He always disturbed the sages’ community in their Ashram & created havoc during the rituals. He even grabbed some territory of Aditi, (the king of Suraloka and a relative of Satyabhama, Lord Krishna’s wife). Continuously harassed with this precarious approach of Narakasura along with Indra other gods pleaded Lord Krishna to protect them form the mighty Narakasura. In that time queen Satyabhama appealed to Krishna to give her chance to destroy Narakasura. Lord Krishna granted her a boon to fight with Narakasura. With Krishna as the charioteer, Satyabhama entered the battle field and killed the Narakasura. After the death of the demon his mother Bhudevi declared to celebrate this occasion with joy and rejoice. Since, then Diwali was celebrated by people every year with ardent zeal, fun and fire.

Another legend said that on this day Mother Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk (Kheer Sagar). She brought with her wealth and prosperity for mankind. On that day, Lakshmi Pooja was performed to honour Goddess Lakshmi. So from that day in every year on Diwali day, Hindus perform prayer and worship to Goddess Lakshmi. Many people believe that Goddess Lakshmi visit the homes of devotees on this day. Bhajans”-devotional songs in praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung and “Naivedya” of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess.

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