The Festival of Lights, Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the Hindu festival that symbolises the spiritual victory of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and light over darkness. It is celebrated in various unique ways across regions of India. Commencing with Dhanteras and concluding with Bhai Dooj, the celebrations span five days. Let’s take a look at significance, history, and some lesser-known facts about the festival.
History
According to Hindu belief, Ram, the Prince of Ayodhya, returned home with wife Sita and brother Lakshman after a 14-year exile, having vanquished Ravana, the King of Lanka. To celebrate Ram’s return, the residents of Ayodhya lit rows of lamps on the streets and at every home. This is believed to have initiated the tradition of lighting lamps and celebrating the day as the Festival of Lights. Hindus also worship Ganesha and Lakshmi on this day.
Significance
Diwali symbolises the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and light over darkness. The worship of Ganesh and Lakshmi, followed by exchange of presents, is believed to bring peace and prosperity.
Hindus also consider Deepavali a lucky day that brings luck and wealth. It also signifies a fresh start and is considered an auspicious day to launch new businesses. As people light diyas, candles, and colourful lights to decorate their homes, eat delicious sweets, exchange gifts, and observe customs, the festival also strengthens a sense of community among worshippers.
Date and Time
According to the lunisolar Hindu calendar, this festival is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartik, which is the darkest night of the year. This usually falls between mid-October and mid-November of the Gregorian calendar.
The Amavasya Tithi for Diwali 2024 will start on October 31 at 3:52 PM and end on November 1 at 6:16 PM. Laxmi Puja is to take place between 5:12 PM and 6:16 PM. The BSE and the National Stock Exchange have announced a special one-hour window from 6 PM to 7 PM on November 1 during which token ‘Muhurat trading’ will take place on the bourses.
The Origin of Diwali
Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali or ‘Deepawali.’ Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength.
Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day.
In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana.
The return of Lord Rama
Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen year long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers. These Four Days Each day of Diwali has its own tale, legend and myth to tell. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the second day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees.
The story of Lord Vishnu
Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the tyrant Bali, and banished him to hell. Bali was allowed to return to earth once a year, to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance, and spread the radiance of love and wisdom. It is on the third day of Deepawali – Kartika Shudda Padyami that Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj) and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
Lights & Firecrackers
All the simple rituals of Diwali have a significance and a story to tell. The illumination of homes with lights and the skies with firecrackers is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity.
According to one belief, the sound of fire-crackers are an indication of the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful state. Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes produced by the crackers kill a lot of insects and mosquitoes, found in plenty after the rains.
The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva, and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year. Diwali is associated with wealth and prosperity in many ways, and the festival of ‘Dhanteras’ (‘dhan’ = wealth; ‘teras’ = 13th) is celebrated two days before the festival of lights.
In each legend, myth and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil; and 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 that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which 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 fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside 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.
5 Days of Diwali 2024
Day 1: Dhanteras (October 29, 2024)
The celebrations of Diwali begin on Dhanteras. On this day, people pray for wealth and success and worship Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi. Gold coins, bars, and jewellery are among the new things that devotees buy.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali (October 31, 2024)
Choti Diwali, or Naraka Chaturdashi is observed on the second day. It honours Lord Krishna’s triumph against the evil Narakasura.
Day 3: Diwali (October 31, 2024)
Lord Rama, Mata Sita, and Lakshman return to Ayodhya on Diwali. It also honours the triumph of good over evil. People use lights, colourful rangoli, and clay lamps (diyas) to adorn their homes on this day. In the evening, devotees also conduct Lakshmi and Ganesh Puja.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (November 2, 2024)
Following Diwali, Indians celebrate Govardhan Puja. It is devoted to the worship of the mountain, Govardhan Parvat.
It is stated that Lord Krishna saved the people of Mathura from Lord Indra by raising the mountain.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2024)
Bhai Dooj, Bhau Beej, or Bhaiya Dooj are the names given to the final day of Diwali celebrations. It honours the unique bond between sisters and brothers. On this day sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and prosperity.
Diwali – The Festival of Lights
