Diwali is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. Each year on the Ammavaasya in the month of Ashwayuja the glittering lamps, the dazzling fireworks, sounds of crackers announce the arrival of the most vibrant festival of India-Diwali. Originally, the name was Deepavali, which has its origin from Sanskrit, meaning “Rows of light”. This festival is still called Deepavali in South India. Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important festival. Enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion, its magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity. The festival of Diwali is not only significant to Hindus, but, has importance in Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism as well. Diwali is considered auspicious for shopping, inaugurations of new homes, business deals or for starting any new ventures and projects.
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 ‘Deepavali.’ 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 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, Deepavali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana from fourteen yearlong 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.
Hindus make preparations to welcome Goddess Lakshmi by drawing rangoli and also Her footsteps (Paduka) at the entrance that would allure Goddess Lakshmi to visit one’s home and bring prosperity along with Her.
Diwali celebrations spread across five days, with each day having its own significance and set of rituals.Dhanteras sets the beginning of the festival and then comes Narakachaturdasi, which symbolizes Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. The main Diwali day is devoted to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. The fourth day is celebrated as the New Year Day. The last day or Bhai Duj is observed as a symbol of love between brothers and sisters.The festival of Diwali is truly a “Festival of Lights”, as it not only involves lighting of lamps but it also brings the light of happiness, togetherness, spiritual enlightenment and prosperity for everyone. The festival of Diwali indeed fills the atmosphere with an aura of goodness and a heaven like atmosphere with the sounds of crackers killing all bad omen, the lighted lamps- lighting the lives of people, the prayers and pujas creating an atmosphere full of goodness and purity.
All the simple rituals of Diwali have 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 sounds of fire-crackers is an indication of the joy of the people 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
In each legend, myth and story of Deepavali lays the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepavali 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.
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