History, meaning and important information of Diwali.
Table of Contents
History of Diwali:
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated Hindu festivals.
It is a five -day festival that usually comes between October and November, which Symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil.
The history of Diwali lies in ancient Hindu mythology and many important legends are associated with it. One of the most prominent and widely celebrated stories is to return to Ayodhya after Lord Rama’s exile and victory over the demon king Ravana.
According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman spent 14 years of exile in the forests. After completing his exile, he returned to Ayodhya on the new moon day of Kartik month. To welcome and respect his beloved prince, the people of Ayodhya illuminated the entire city with oil lamps and celebrated with immense joy and happiness. This tradition of lighting a lamp is a symbol of light on darkness and the victory of good over evil.
Story related to Diwali:
Diwali is associated with many stories and legends which have deep cultural and religious significance.
Ramayana:
The epic Ramayana tells the story of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his devotee Hanuman. Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman, one of the major events of the Ramayana, return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
To celebrate his return and honor Lord Rama’s victory over the demon King Ravana, the people of Ayodhya burnt lamps (oil lamps) and decorated the entire city. This tradition is still followed during Diwali to commemorate Lord Rama’s return home.
Story of Krishna and Narakasura:
According to this legend, the demon king Narakasura became a threat to the world. Lord Krishna, along with his wife Satyabhama, fought a fierce war against Narakasura and eventually defeated him, which relieved people from his atrocities.
The day of the defeat of Narakasura is celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali, which is before the main day of Diwali. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the importance of righteousness.
King Bali’s story:
King Bali was a generous and virtuous ruler, but his ambitions scared the gods. Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf Brahmin Vamana and reached King Bali for a boon. Bali accepted Vamana’s request, later developed into a huge form and covered the entire universe in just three stages. In return, Lord Vishnu gave King Bali a boon to visit his kingdom once a year. The journey is celebrated as Onam as a festival of Diwali in the state of Kerala.
Story of Goddess Lakshmi:
Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, plays a central role in the Diwali celebrations. It is believed that on the night of Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi comes to homes and blesses them with wealth and abundance. People clean their homes, light lamps and pray to seek their blessings. The story emphasizes the importance of taking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and welfare.
Importance of Diwali:
This festival is religious, culturally and socially important. It is also known as a festival of light, which shows the victory of light and knowledge by defeating darkness and ignorance.
Religious importance:
Diwali has the main religious significance of Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi is a symbol of wealth, prosperity and religion. People pray for his grace, blessings and wealth on this day. On the day of Deepawali, the purpose of making the house Jyotamay with the light of lamps is to intend the arrival of Lakshmi Mata.
Cultural Importance:
Indian culture and traditions have an important role in Diwali. On this occasion, people decorate their homes with colors and lamps.
The light of Rangoli and lamps not only increases the beauty of the house, but also shows the feeling of organization and collective unity. In this festival, spending time with families and friends is a good opportunity to increase affection and love. It establishes a sense of unity, fraternity and harmony in Indian society.
Social Importance:
Diwali is a social festival that connects people with each other and collects them with happiness. People distribute sweets and gifts, enjoy eating and drinking with each other, and organize performance and entertainment programs collectively.
It is considered an opportunity to celebrate it as a happy and enthusiastic environment, which strengthens social bonds and strengthens a sense of prosperity in the community.
How to celebrate Diwali:
Deepawali is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm. There is a unique way to celebrate it for five days, which has its important form of every day.
Dhanteras:
The celebration of Deepawali begins with Dhanteras. On this day peoples worshiped God Dhanvantari, The God of wealth.
On this day people decorate their homes and worship Goddess Lakshmi to achieve wealth and prosperity. On the day of Dhanteras, people wear new clothes and shop.
Chhoti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi):
Chhoti Diwali is known as Narak Chaturdashi, when Lord Krishna killed demon Narakasura. On this day people worship lamps and remove darkness and ignorance. Rangoli is usually made and home decoration.
Deepawali:
The main day of Deepawali is, which is celebrated on Amavasya.
On this day, it shines outside the house and inside the light of lamps. People decorate the house, make special sweets and dishes for Diwali and celebrate happiness with their family and friends.
Firecrackers are usually burnt and other entertainment programs are organized.
Govardhan Puja:
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the fourth day of Deepawali. Govardhan Parvat is worshiped on this day, which was rescued by Lord Krishna.
People worship food, fruits and offerings and perform around Govardhan Parvat.
Bhaiya Dooj:
On the last day of Deepawali, Bhaiya Dooj is celebrated, which is called the festival of brother and sister. On this day, the sister worships her brother’s diapers and gives them a boon. This festival reflects the love and respect of siblings.
Diwali traditions and customs:
Rituals is prevalent to celebrate the festival of Deepawali collectively. However, they also have a slight variation in different regions and societies, but everyone’s feelings and purpose are the same – wishing for happiness, prosperity and harmony and brightening as a symbol of light.
Home decoration:
People start decorating their homes from the very first day of Deepawali. Rangoli is made to decorate the house, lamps are lit and toran is applied to the courtyard of the house.
Burning of firecrackers:
An important part of the theater of Deepawali is to burn firecrackers. People burn different types of firecrackers and create an atmosphere of colorful feeling and joy in the sky.
Gifts and sweets distribution:
The festival of Deepawali is also a habit of distributing gifts and sweets. People gift their family, friends and neighbors and also feed sweets. This keeps a sense of love and dedication with each other.
Social combinations:
On the occasion of Diwali, people enjoy Together. Families, friends and neighbors have an opportunity to meet and share happiness, sweetness and love with each other.
