“May the divine light of Diwali drive away all the darkness and bring peace, happiness and prosperity in your life.” This is one of the most common “Happy Diwali” text messages that we love sharing with people in our contact list. The festival of lights is indeed, a celebration like no other. It is celebrated all over the country and is known to bring people together. Also known as Deepawali, Diwali is one of the grandest Hindu festivals and is celebrated over a period of five days. The word deep means light and the word avali means row. Thus, we see people lighting diyas and other fireworks during Diwali.
Significance of Diwali
The festival of Diwali is believed to be the ultimate victory of good over evil. The lighting of diyas and lamps is seen as the eradication of darkness, as we move towards a bright and hopeful future. It is an auspicious occasion that people love to celebrate with their family and friends.
Nowadays, people love to shop online as they eagerly wait for amazing offers and Grand Diwali Sales. Fireworks, diyas, decorations and sweets are all an integral part of our Diwali celebrations. Diwali is indeed one of the major Indian festivals that unites people from every part of the country and fills everyone’s hearts with feelings of joy, happiness and compassion.
History and Origin
In ancient India, Diwali was mainly celebrated by farmers as a harvest festival. Since, they would harvest their crops between October and November. the farmers faced a huge threat from insects who destroyed the crops by eating them. So, the farmers started lighting diyas in order to attract the insects and kill them. This proved to be quite successful as their crops remained safe and they were now able to enjoy the benefits of a good harvest.
Apart from this, the festival of Diwali also holds great importance in Hindu tradition. On this day, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Maa Sita and his brother Laxmana after spending 14 years in exile and defeating the evil King Ravana. It is said that the people of Ayodhya organized a grand ceremony on the occasion of their triumphant return. The whole kingdom was lit up with bright lamps, diyas and fireworks. Lord Rama was welcomed in grand fashion and this is how the festival of Diwali came into existence.
In some parts of India, the festival of Diwali is celebrated as the victory of Lord Krishna over the wicked demon Narakasura. It is believed that when Narakasura kidnapped more than 16,000 princesses, Lord Krishna defeated him and freed all the princesses.
Importance of Diwali
Diwali celebrations have become an integral part of Indian culture. It is celebrated all over the country and is known as the festival that brings people closer together. People also love gifting special items to their loved ones on the ocassion of Diwali. Houses are illuminated by earthern diyas as well as artificial lights. It is also a time where many people donate clothes and other items to the poor and needy. This symbolizes the true meaning of Diwali, as we try to in need and drive away the darkness from their lives as well.
From Darkness Unto Light
In each legend, myth, and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil. It is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts that this simple truth finds new reason and hope.
From darkness unto light—the light empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds and brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India, and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of firecrackers, joy, togetherness, and hope.
Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside of India, it is more than a Hindu festival; it’s a celebration of South-Asian identities. If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a diya, sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, concentrate on this supreme light, and illuminate the soul.