Diwali or Deepavali is a popular Indian festival. Also called the Festival of Lights, this festival is celebrated in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin. When referencing this with the Gregorian calendar, you will be celebrating diwali in between October and November. Diwali is celebrated with much aplomb. It is celebrated for a period of 1 – 5 days. In many states of India, the state government issues a holiday for this festival. For Hindus, there cannot be a more important festival than this. At this time, Hindu families unite to celebrate together. Jains regard this festival as an auspicious occasion during which Mahavira attained nirvana. Arya Samaj Ists have a different interpretation of this festival. They celebrate it to commemorate the demise of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.
Origins of Diwali
- The festival of Diwali was celebrated in ancient India as a harvest festival. There are different theories supporting the origins of this festival.
- It is said to be the time of the year when Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity married Lord Vishnu.
- In Bengal, Deepavali is celebrated in the honour of Mother Kali.
- In many Hindu homes, this festival is also an occasion to worship Lord Ganesha.
- Jains believe that this was the time of the Hindu year when during 527 BC Mahavira attained moksha.
- For a majority of people, this festival is the celebration of Rama’s victory over Ravana. It commemorates Lord Rama’s and his queen Sita’s return from exile after fourteen years.
The four days of Diwali
- First day – This is the day that commemorates the killing of Tarka. This demon is killed by Lord Krishna.
- Second Day – This day is called Amavasya. On this day, Hindus worship Lakshmi. Worshipping her on this day is said to benefit devotees. On this day Lakshmi is said to be in a very generous mood. She willfully fulfills all the wishes of her devotees.
- Third day – Lord Krishna grants a wish to the tyrant Bali. Krishna allows Bali to visit Earth once a year. This is the day that Bali visits Earth. This day is also called Kartika Shudda Padyami.
- Fourth Day – The fourth day is the Bhai Dooj day. This day is special for sisters and their brothers. Sisters prepare special meals for their brothers and invite them home.
Diwali – an orchestra of lights and firecrackers
Diwali is the time when homes are illuminated with lights which are called deepams. People burst firecrackers and send them into the skies. It is a celebration of life. It is to ask the heavens to lift the spirits of devotees and provide the earthlings with good health, wealth, and overall happiness.
On this auspicious day, many families indulge in another strange activity – gambling. It is said that Shiva and Parvati – the two husband and wife gods, played dice on this day. Parvati opined that whoever gambled on this day and won will win more riches in his or her future life.
Conclusion
The festival of diwali is open to interpretation. People celebrate this festival for different reasons. Nevertheless, it is still the festival of lights, laughter, and joy.
