Diwali Festival

The Importance Of Diwali

The family gathering for Diwali rituals is one of the most significant times of the year. The importance of Diwali lies in its five holy days mentioned below:

• Dhanteras: The first day of Diwali is dedicated to the worship of Lord Kubera, the god of wealth. It is said to bring peace and prosperity.
• Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi): On the festival's second day, houses are cleaned and decorated with rangoli designs and oil lamps, seeking goddess Laxmi’s arrival.
• Main Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): The third day is the main Diwali Puja festival. In the evening, families perform Laxmi Puja. This is followed by lighting oil lamps and candles, setting off firecrackers, and exchanging gifts.
• Govardhan Puja (Annakut): On the fourth day, just after the main Diwali day, a large heap of food (annakut) is made, offered to Lord Krishna and later eaten as Prasad.
• Bhai Dooj: The final day of Diwali is celebrated as Bhai Dooj– a day when sisters perform Puja for their brothers' long life and well-being.

Mythology Associated With Diwali Festival

A happy Deepawali celebration is incomplete without recalling five significant stories of Gods and Goddesses. These tales teach us valuable lessons.

• Diwali and Ramayana: The homecoming of Lord Rama

Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. During his exile, Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana faced many challenges. Ravana kidnapped Sita, leading to the great battle in Lanka.

Rama, aided by Hanuman and his monkey army, defeated Ravana. Upon their victorious return, the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps (diyas) to welcome their beloved prince, giving us Diwali rituals to follow for life.

Lesson: No matter how long the struggle, truth and righteousness always win over falsehood and darkness.

• Diwali And The Rebirth Of Goddess Laxmi

Goddess Laxmi, saddened by Lord Indra’s arrogance, left Dev lok and took refuge in the Milky Ocean, leaving the world in darkness. After thousands of years, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi, emerged seated in a lotus when the gods and demons churned the ocean (Samudra Manthan).

As she arose, she chose Lord Vishnu as her husband and blessed the world. Since her rebirth brought prosperity and well-being, people celebrate Diwali by worshipping her, hoping for wealth, happiness, and good fortune in their lives. Welcoming her every year makes for a happy Deepawali.

Lesson: Hard work, patience, and good karma attract prosperity and abundance.

• Diwali and Mahabharata: The Return Of The Pandavas

The Pandavas—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—were forced into exile for 13 years after losing their kingdom in a game of dice to the Kauravas. On the day of Diwali, they returned home after their exile and their period of living in disguise.

The people celebrated their homecoming by lighting lamps and bursting fireworks, symbolising the return of justice, righteousness, and dharma (responsibility). These are the same Diwali traditions that we saw in Ramayana.

Lesson: Even in the face of hardship and injustice, determination and commitment to righteousness lead to ultimate success.

• Diwali And Lord Krishna’s Win Over A Demon

Narakasura, a demon king, became arrogant with his power and imprisoned thousands of innocent people. He also stole the divine earrings of Mother Aditi, the mother of the gods. The gods sought help from Lord Krishna, who fought a fierce battle against Narakasura.

Lord Krishna finally killed him on the day before the Diwali Puja festival, freeing the prisoners and restoring peace. This victory is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, a day before the main Diwali festival.

Lesson: Evil and arrogance may seem undefeatable, but truth, bravery, and righteousness always survive.

• Diwali and The Story Of Goddess Kali

In Bengal and eastern India, Diwali meaning is also associated with Goddess Kali. According to legend, the world was once invaded by two powerful demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha. The gods prayed to Goddess Durga, who took the fierce form of Kali to kill the demons.

In her intense rage, Kali continued her destruction until Lord Shiva lay in her path to calm her down. Kali’s fierce form symbolises the destruction of evil forces and the protection of the innocent.

Lesson: Strength and courage are necessary to fight negativity, but power should always be used with wisdom and control.

Read About Other Important Festivals