Diwali: The Festival of Lights
As diwali is around the corner let us delve into the history of the festival of lights as well as how it is celebrated across the India.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of India's most significant and widely celebrated festivals. The term "Diwali" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Deepavali," which means "a row of lights." This five-day festival marks the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. While it is predominantly a Hindu festival, people from various religions and regions in India celebrate it with unique customs and traditions.
Historical Background of Diwali
The history of Diwali is rich and diverse, with different legends associated with its origin. Some of the prominent stories include:
The Return of Lord Rama
The most popular legend behind Diwali is the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana to the kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the defeat of the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps (diyas) to welcome them back, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
The Legend of Narakasura
Another story linked to Diwali is the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Narakasura was a tyrant who terrorized the people and held many women captive. Lord Krishna defeated him and freed the captives, and this victory is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, one of the days of Diwali.
The Birth of Goddess Lakshmi
Diwali is also associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. According to legend, on the night of the new moon (Amavasya) during the month of Kartika, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the ocean, known as Samudra Manthan, and the day is celebrated as Lakshmi Puja.
The Return of the Pandavas
In the epic Mahabharata, it is believed that the Pandavas returned from their 12 years of exile on the day of Diwali. People welcomed them by lighting lamps, which became a tradition associated with the festival.
Diwali Celebrations Across India
Diwali is a five-day festival, with each day having its own significance and customs. The way Diwali is celebrated varies across regions, but it generally follows this pattern:
Day 1: Dhanteras
The festival begins with Dhanteras, which is considered an auspicious day for buying new items, especially gold, silver, or utensils. People clean their homes, purchase new items, and light small oil lamps to welcome prosperity.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
Also known as Choti Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. In some regions, people take a ritualistic bath with oil and sandalwood, followed by prayers. It is a day of cleansing and preparing for the main festival.
Day 3: Lakshmi Puja
The main day of Diwali is Lakshmi Puja, which is celebrated on the darkest night of the new moon. People decorate their homes with rangoli (colorful patterns), lights, and diyas. They perform Lakshmi Puja to seek the blessings of the goddess for wealth and prosperity. Fireworks, sweets, and exchanging gifts are also a part of the celebrations.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja or Annakut
The fourth day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, in which devotees worship Lord Krishna for lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people from rain. In some regions, this day is also known as Annakut, where a variety of vegetarian dishes are prepared as offerings to the deities.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
The final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, a day dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti, apply a tilak (sacred mark) on their brothers' foreheads, and pray for their well-being, while brothers give gifts to their sisters.
Celebration of Diwali by Different Religions
While Diwali is primarily a Hindu festival, people from other religions in India also celebrate it in their own ways:
Jainism
For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of Nirvana by Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. They celebrate by lighting lamps to symbolize the knowledge that Mahavira spread to the world. Jain temples are decorated with lights and special prayers are offered.
Sikhism
In Sikhism, Diwali is associated with the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, from imprisonment by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1619. The day is known as Bandi Chhor Divas, or the "Day of Liberation." Sikhs celebrate by lighting lamps, visiting gurdwaras, and sharing meals with the community.
Buddhism
Some Buddhists, particularly the Newar community in Nepal, celebrate Diwali, known as "Swanti." It is a time for family gatherings, worship of deities, and traditional feasting. They also observe the "Mha Puja" ritual, which is a worship of the self, symbolizing life and the spirit.
Islam and Christianity
Although Diwali is not a religious festival for Muslims or Christians, many people from these communities participate in the celebrations out of cultural respect and social bonding. It is not uncommon for Muslim and Christian families in India to join their Hindu friends in lighting lamps, sharing sweets, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Diwali Decorations and Rituals
Lighting Diyas and Lamps
The lighting of diyas is symbolic of driving away darkness and bringing in light. It also represents the victory of good over evil.
Rangoli
Creating colorful patterns with powdered colors, flowers, or grains is a traditional practice that welcomes prosperity and wards off negative energy. The designs often depict lotus flowers, geometrical patterns, or sacred symbols.
Fireworks
Fireworks symbolize the joy and enthusiasm of the people. However, there is growing awareness of the environmental impact, leading to a trend towards using fewer or eco-friendly firecrackers.
Exchanging Gifts and Sweets
The custom of exchanging gifts strengthens social bonds and expresses love and appreciation. Sharing sweets is a way to add sweetness to relationships and foster a sense of togetherness.
Conclusion
Diwali is not just a festival of lights, but a celebration of life, unity, and hope. Its rich history, diverse customs, and cultural significance make it a uniquely Indian festival with universal appeal. It symbolizes the timeless message that even in the darkest times, the light of hope and goodness prevails. As India continues to evolve, Diwali remains a vibrant part of the country's cultural fabric, bringing people from different backgrounds together in a spirit of harmony.