Diwali in the Mahabharata: The Pandavas’ Return
While Diwali is famously celebrated as the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, another lesser-known tradition ties it to the epic Mahabharata. According to the story, the five Pandava brothers—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—were exiled after a deceitful game of dice with the Kauravas. Alongside their wife, Draupadi, they endured 13 long years in exile, a period filled with trials, hardships, and spiritual growth. On the moonless night of Kartika Amavasya, the Pandavas finally returned to Hastinapur. Hearing of their return, the people of Hastinapur decorated their homes with countless lamps and welcomed them with open arms. This heartfelt celebration of lights symbolized the victory of truth, loyalty, and resilience over deceit, echoing Diwali's spirit. Today, this story adds a unique layer to Diwali as a festival of homecoming, symbolizing the restoration of harmony and the triumph of righteousness.
The Coronation of King Vikramaditya
The legend of King Vikramaditya's coronation brings another fascinating perspective to Diwali’s origins. In 56 BCE, King Vikramaditya—a ruler known for his bravery, compassion, and wisdom—ascended the throne. His benevolent and just rule earned him respect and admiration, and his subjects celebrated his crowning by decorating their homes with lights and earthen diyas. These illuminations symbolized joy, hope, and prosperity, becoming a celebration that honored leadership, compassion, and the principles of dharma. This story is often recalled as an early origin of Diwali’s illumination tradition, adding to its beauty and meaning. Each Diwali, people commemorate King Vikramaditya’s legacy and the spirit of unity and celebration that was displayed by his people.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s Nirvana
Diwali is also a time to honor the memory of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, a profound Hindu reformer and founder of the Arya Samaj. His life was dedicated to enlightening people and eliminating the practices he viewed as superstitious and restrictive within Hinduism, calling for a return to the ancient wisdom of the Vedas. On Kartika Amavasya—the very day of Diwali—Swami Dayananda attained nirvana, or spiritual liberation, a pivotal moment for his followers. As a reformer, he promoted truth, morality, and purity, which are the same virtues celebrated in the festival of Diwali. Remembering Swami Dayananda on Diwali adds a layer of spiritual reflection, encouraging people to embrace truth, wisdom, and purity while letting go of ignorance and darkness in their lives.
Diwali's Diverse Celebrations: A Festival Beyond Boundaries
These varied narratives—whether centered on the Mahabharata, the virtuous King Vikramaditya, or the reverence for reformers and spiritual figures like Swami Dayananda and Lord Mahavira—together form a mosaic of Diwali’s meanings across faiths and regions. Diwali's illumination represents the dispelling of ignorance and negativity, while the traditions associated with different deities, kings, and spiritual leaders emphasize the festival's universal themes of truth, honor, freedom, and self-realization.
Diwali, or Deepavali, has transcended cultural and religious boundaries to become a beloved and famous festival in India, celebrated for its values and spirit of unity. From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, every Diwali ritual carries a reminder of the rich heritage that unites communities. As one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, it stands as a reminder of how light, wisdom, and compassion remain timeless values that resonate with all, making Diwali a true festival of lights in every sense.
[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Aavyaa, they are just for entertainment purposes]
| DHANTERAS | DIWALI | FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS | BHAI DOOJ | DEEPAVALI |
~Mimansa Sharma
