Diwali (India)

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated and significant festivals in India and other countries with large Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and a variety of customs, reflecting its deep spiritual, cultural, and historical significance.

Let’s dive into a detailed exploration of Diwali, including its history, mythological origins, regional celebrations, and its modern-day significance.

Historical Origins of Diwali

The origins of Diwali go back to ancient times and are deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology and religious practices. While the exact time when Diwali started is unclear, it has evolved from a series of ancient harvest festivals, religious observances, and mythological stories.

• Vedic Period: The earliest mentions of Diwali are believed to be rooted in Vedic traditions, which were prevalent around 1500–500 BCE. During this time, fire rituals and the worship of gods associated with light, such as Agni (the fire god) and Indra (the rain god), were common. The use of fire in ceremonies later evolved into the lighting of diyas (oil lamps), a custom that remains central to Diwali.

Mythological Significance of Diwali

The most well-known stories behind Diwali are found in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Jainism, and Sikhism, each adding its own layer of meaning to the festival.

A. The Story of Lord Rama (Ramayana)

The most widely accepted mythology behind Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile, during which he defeated the demon king Ravana and rescued his wife, Sita.

• Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was exiled due to a promise made by his father, King Dasharatha, to his stepmother, Kaikeyi.
• During his exile, Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, kidnapped Sita. Rama, with the help of his brother Lakshmana and the monkey-god Hanuman, waged a battle against Ravana.
• After defeating Ravana, Rama returned to his kingdom, Ayodhya, and the citizens lit diyas to guide him home and celebrate his victory over evil. This event is commemorated by the lighting of lamps, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

Rama’s return to Ayodhya is considered the central reason why Diwali is celebrated with lights and joy, marking the victory of good over evil.

B. Narakasura and Lord Krishna (South Indian Tradition)

In South India, Diwali is also associated with the demon king Narakasura, whose defeat by Lord Krishna is commemorated on Naraka Chaturdashi, the second day of Diwali.

• Narakasura was a demon who terrorized the heavens and kidnapped 16,100 women. Lord Krishna defeated him in battle, freeing the captives.
• In honor of this victory, people wake up early, take a ritual bath, and apply fragrant oils. This day is also seen as a reminder of the liberation of the soul from ignorance and sin.

C. The Enlightenment of Lord Mahavira (Jainism)

In Jainism, Diwali holds significance because it marks the nirvana (liberation) of Lord Mahavira in 527 BCE.

• Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, is one of the most revered figures in Jainism. His attainment of nirvana, or ultimate spiritual liberation, is a momentous event in Jain history.
• Jains celebrate this day by lighting lamps to symbolize the inner light of knowledge dispelling the darkness of ignorance.

D. The Release of Guru Hargobind Ji (Sikhism)

For Sikhs, Diwali is significant because it commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment in 1619 CE by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

• Guru Hargobind Ji had been imprisoned because of his resistance to the Mughal empire’s oppressive rule. Upon his release, he walked out of the prison with 52 other princes, signifying liberation.
• The Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated with lights to mark this occasion, and Sikhs celebrate Diwali as a day of freedom and victory over oppression.

The Five Days of Diwali

Diwali is a multi-day festival, and the celebration spans five days, each with its unique significance and rituals.

Day 1: Dhanteras

• Significance: Dhanteras marks the start of Diwali and is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health, and Lord Kubera, the god of wealth.
• Rituals: People clean their homes and buy new utensils or metal, particularly silver and gold, which are believed to invite prosperity. Dhanteras is also the day when people begin preparing for the main Diwali celebrations.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

• Significance: This day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura. In South India, it’s a day for cleansing and preparing for Diwali’s main celebrations.
• Rituals: People take early morning baths with fragrant oils, believed to wash away the sins of the past year. Some people also burst fireworks or firecrackers on this day.

Day 3: Diwali (Deepavali)

• Significance: The main day of Diwali honors the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, his victory over Ravana, and the triumph of light over darkness.
• Rituals: People light diyas (oil lamps), decorate their homes with rangoli (colored patterns on the ground), and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles).
• Fireworks: Fireworks and firecrackers are a traditional part of the celebration, though many now prefer eco-friendly alternatives.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja

• Significance: This day commemorates the lifting of the Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect his devotees from torrential rains caused by the Indra (rain god).
• Rituals: People create Govardhan hills made of food, usually flour and sweets, and worship them. This day is especially significant in Vrindavan and other places associated with Krishna.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

• Significance: This day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is similar to Raksha Bandhan in many ways.
• Rituals: Sisters invite their brothers over for a feast and apply a tilak (mark) on their foreheads. Brothers give gifts to their sisters, and it is a day to pray for the well-being of one another.

Regional Variations of Diwali

Although Diwali has a common theme of light, joy, and spiritual renewal, the way it is celebrated varies significantly across different regions.

North India

• The festival primarily celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya. People decorate homes with lights and diyas, prepare sweets, and engage in family gatherings.
• In Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi, Diwali is observed with grand prayers, fireworks, and exchanges of gifts.

South India

• In the south, Diwali is often celebrated in honor of Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura.
• The day begins with early morning baths, the bursting of fireworks, and family gatherings.

Gujarat

• Diwali is the start of the new financial year. Business owners perform the Chopda Pujan, a ritual to mark the opening of account books.
• People also celebrate the goddess Lakshmi with elaborate prayers, and Rangoli patterns are created in homes and on streets.

Maharashtra

• Diwali is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, and homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated.
• Govardhan Puja is also observed in many parts of Maharashtra, and people celebrate by creating mini Govardhan hills made from food offerings.

Modern-Day Celebrations and Sustainability

In recent years, Diwali celebrations have become more eco-conscious, especially with growing concerns about pollution caused by fireworks and environmental degradation.

Sustainable Practices:

• Eco-friendly Diyas: People are increasingly using solar-powered lights, LED diyas, and clay lamps instead of traditional oil lamps.
• Fireworks: There has been a rise in noise-free and eco-friendly crackers made from less polluting materials. Many cities and communities have also adopted firework-free Diwali celebrations.
• Charitable Acts: Many people now use Diwali as an opportunity for giving back to society, through donations, charity events, and acts of kindness.

Diwali is not just a festival but a celebration of light, hope, renewal and spiritual growth. From its ancient Vedic roots to its mythological connections with the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Jainism, and Sikhism, Diwali represents a timeless victory of good over evil. The festival’s rich history, paired with its evolving customs, make it a truly diverse and inclusive celebration for people across cultures, regions, and faiths. Whether celebrated with lights, prayers, or family gatherings, Diwali continues to bring people together in joy and reflection.