Diwali, the festival of lights, illuminates India each year with a vibrant spectacle of joy, unity, and spiritual reflection. Celebrated over five days, this major Hindu festival also holds significance in Jainism and Sikhism, representing the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival's name, derived from the Sanskrit term "dipavali," meaning "row of lights," underscores the central role of illumination in the celebrations.
The most popular tradition attributes Diwali to the homecoming of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. Rama's return symbolizes the restoration of dharma (righteousness), the reunion of loved ones, and the triumph of good over evil after Rama's army defeated the demon king Ravana's army. The residents of Ayodhya welcomed Rama by lighting countless lamps, transforming the city into a beacon of hope and joy. This act of illumination is emulated every year, with diyas (small earthenware lamps filled with oil), candles, and colorful lights adorning homes and streets across India.
The celebrations associated with Diwali extend beyond the story of Rama. In Bengal, the goddess Kali is worshipped. In southern India, the festival marks Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura, who was the evil king of Pragjyotishapura, near present-day Assam, and released 16,000 girls held captive by Narakasura. Some also celebrate Diwali as a commemoration of the marriage of Lakshmi and Vishnu, while others observe it as the birthday of Lakshmi. These regional variations highlight the diverse cultural traditions interwoven into the festival.
Each of the five days of Diwali holds unique customs and traditions. The first day, Dhanteras, is dedicated to celebrating wealth and prosperity. Many Hindus clean their homes and business premises. They install diyas, small earthen oil-filled lamps that they light up for the next five days, near Lakshmi and Ganesha iconography. The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, commemorates Krishna's destruction of Narakasura. The third day, Lakshmi Puja, is the main day of the festival, families seek blessings from Lakshmi to ensure their prosperity, light diyas, candles, and fireworks, and visit temples. The fourth day marks the Hindu New Year in some regions, signifying a new beginning. The fifth day, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
Diwali is not limited to Hinduism. Jains commemorate the enlightenment and liberation of Mahavira, while Sikhs celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment. Despite the different historical events celebrated by each faith, the core message of Diwali remains the same: the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
The lighting of lamps during Diwali carries deep symbolism. It signifies dispelling physical darkness, expressing joy, celebrating victory, and acknowledging the spiritual illumination that comes with righteousness. The act of lighting diyas is believed to attract Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and to illuminate one's inner self.
Beyond its religious and historical significance, Diwali is a time for family and community. People visit each other, exchange gifts, wear new clothes, and partake in feasts. Homes are decorated with rangoli designs, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and togetherness. While firework displays are common, restrictions have been put in place to limit noise and environmental pollution.
Diwali inspires people to kindle the light of positivity and extinguish the darkness within. It is a reminder of the importance of moral values, courage, and integrity in leading a fulfilling life. As the lamps light up India each year, they carry the message of hope, kindness, and the eternal triumph of good over evil.
