Diya Upreti, Jadetimes Staff
Diya Upreti is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Culture News
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely observed festivals in Hinduism. It represents the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. This celebratory event brings families, friends, and communities together through dazzling lights, vibrant decorations, traditional rituals, and delicious feasts. Let's plunge into the colorful past of Diwali, its significance in Hindu culture, and ways it is celebrated across the world.
Historical Origins of Diwali
The origins of Diwali are washed in the hues of ancient mythology and history, many legends contributing to its myths. Although histories regarding the origins may slightly differ depending on the region, common myths can be seen among all.
It has also been termed the day when Lord Rama returns to his natal city, Ayodhya, with his wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshmana after spending 14 years in exile. According to myth, this has also marked the killing of Ravana, the evil ruler of the world of the demons. People of Ayodhya lit diyas throughout the city in celebration of returning home and in the glory of victory of good. The festival has eventually been transformed over time into what is called the Festival of Lights.
The fairs at Diwali in south India are adorned with the story of the demon Narakasura and Lord Krishna. This is so because Narakasura was a powerful demon king who terrorized heavens and earth until he was eventually killed by the mighty Lord Krishna. This victory is therefore celebrated on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi which falls before the main Diwali day, symbolizing the freedom from tyranny.
Another significance is that it marks the goddess of wealth and prosperity with her birth. According to certain traditions, it is also said to be the day she got married to Lord Vishnu. Thus, it has become a good time for receiving prosperity, hence, the day of worship and gratitude.
Kings Celebrating Diwali in Ancient Times:
There are historical records and inscriptions which prove that ancient Indian kings celebrated Diwali in their kingdoms as a grand affair. For example, Mughal Emperor Akbar is said to have held Diwali in his court, making it a really pan-Indian affair.
The Religious Significance of Diwali in Hinduism
Diwali religiously symbolizes hope, victory, and the renews life. The five-day festival celebrates different facets of life: familial bond, material prosperity, and spiritual awakening.
Dhanteras: The first day is Dhanteras. The festival is to worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda. The people purchase new things on this day, which are gold, silver, or utensils, for which they consider prosperity and good fortune.
Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali: The second day is celebrated as the victory of Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Houses are cleaned and decorated with rangoli, which symbolizes the cleansing of homes and hearts to welcome positive energy.
Third: This is the celebration day of Diwali where people go around with Lakshmi Goddess asking for good luck and all forms of wealth. Individual light diyas and candles inside the house as enlightened light in the dark at night. As people are still waiting for the emergence of their goddess, any bad shadow in life can then be enlightened by these same lighted diyas.
Govardhan Puja: On the fourth day, Govardhan Puja is performed in memory of the victory of Lord Krishna over the ego of Indra, the rain god, as he raised the Govardhan mountain to save the villagers. This day is of devotion and gratitude.
Bhai Dooj is the last day of Diwali, which is celebrated with brothers and sisters' bond. Sisters perform a ritual to protect their brothers, while brothers vow to ensure complete protection of sisters on that very day.
The Manner in Which Hindus Celebrate Diwali
Generally, people start preparing and celebrating days before the festival; as the day draws closer, more anxiety develops, and the entire community joins in the celebration of festivals. Before the onset of the festival, everybody usually cleans up and decorates their homes.
Diwali is known as the lights festival. During this ceremony, people put earthen lamps, candles, or electric lights around their home to welcome the Goddess of Wealth, Goddess Lakshmi. A beautiful design made from colorful powder is created at each entrance on the floor with flowers and paddy.
Gift and Sweets Exchange: On Diwali, families and friends share gifts, sweets, and dry fruits. Sweets sharing is a way of sharing happiness and good fortune.
Fireworks and Crackers: Fireworks are a significant part of Diwali, which symbolize the vanishing of evil spirits. Over the years, environmental awareness has led to more eco-friendly celebrations, but firecrackers still form a big part of the festival.
Rituals and Puja: On the principal night of Diwali, families at home perform Lakshmi Puja in the form of lighting diyas and praying for everything: wealth, health, and happiness. In the ritual, people request the blessing to come their way and are thankful to God for the prosperity of the last year.
Feasting Together: In all houses, Diwali feasts, both feast and preparations are great. Traditional delicacies are sweets such as laddoos, barfis, and savories, but all enjoy these to mark the spirit of togetherness.
Impact of Diwali and Global Celebrations
Diwali is a fantastic Hindu festival, but it has gained international appreciation. Indian communities celebrate this festival worldwide, from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and even the United States. The festival bridges Indian culture with the rest of the world as it embodies aspects of compassion, power, and optimism.
Diwali is also a time for reflection into the good and bad and, of course, remembering to thank God for what life has in store-the precious gifts that are shared with one's family-and gazing ahead to an ever-prospering new year. Although based on ancient mythology and history, for Hindus, this festival represents something that is contemporary-a hope for resilience, unity, and optimism. The beauty of Diwali does not lie in the lights alone, but even in the spirit of warmth and generosity it brings in everyone. It is one of the most cherished festivities in Hindu culture.
