Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is more than just a festival—it’s a mosaic of rich traditions, deep spirituality, and vibrant customs. Recognized as the festival of lights, Diwali represents the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Across India, the festival is celebrated with unique rituals and stories, rooted in Hindu, Jain, and Sikh traditions, each adding depth and meaning to Diwali’s legacy. Here’s an exploration of these fascinating legends and customs that make Diwali one of the most famous festivals in India.
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The Birth and Marriage of Goddess Lakshmi – The Satyug Era
One of the most celebrated legends of Diwali in Hindu tradition revolves around Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and beauty. During the great churning of the divine ocean (Samudra Manthan) by gods and demons, many divine treasures emerged, but none was as awe-inspiring as Goddess Lakshmi. According to Hindu mythology, as soon as Lakshmi emerged from the churning waters, she chose Lord Vishnu, the preserver of humanity, as her consort, dedicating herself to working alongside him for the welfare of the universe.
This divine union symbolizes the harmony between material and spiritual prosperity, a central theme of Diwali. As a result, during Diwali, Lakshmi Puja is performed in almost every household and business across India. Homes and offices are meticulously cleaned and decorated to welcome the goddess, who is believed to bless devotees with wealth and success. The festival’s grandeur and focus on material and spiritual well-being highlight Diwali as a time to honor prosperity, making it one of the most popular celebrations in the Indian subcontinent.
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Lord Rama’s Return to Ayodhya – The Treta Yug Legacy
Another beloved legend of Diwali comes from the epic Ramayana, connecting the festival to Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshman were warmly welcomed by the people of Ayodhya, who lit oil lamps across the city in celebration of his homecoming and his victory over the demon king Ravana. This event, symbolizing the return of righteousness and justice, gave Diwali its name—Deepawali, meaning a “row of lights.”
Today, this story is reenacted in dramas, fireworks, and grand celebrations. In North India, Diwali is a jubilant time marked by vibrant displays of lights, sweets, and family gatherings. The lighting of diyas signifies the spiritual triumph of good over evil and the universal celebration of light, making it a time for introspection, togetherness, and joy.
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Jain Tradition: Lord Mahavira’s Enlightenment
For Jains, Diwali holds special significance as the day Lord Mahavira, a prominent figure and the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, attained nirvana or enlightenment. This event took place in 527 BCE, and ever since, Jains commemorate Diwali as a day of spiritual liberation, focusing on the teachings and legacy of Lord Mahavira.
Jain homes are lit up with diyas, and special prayers are offered, making Diwali a time for self-reflection and dedication to spiritual values. For Jains, the festival of lights serves as a reminder of Mahavira’s path of renunciation, inner peace, and liberation. The focus on spiritual growth and non-violence marks a unique and profound aspect of Diwali as celebrated by Jain communities, showcasing the festival’s timeless wisdom and appeal across diverse religious beliefs.
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Sikh Tradition: Bandi Chhor Divas and Guru Hargobind’s Release
Diwali coincides with a significant event in Sikh history known as Bandi Chhor Divas, or the "Day of Liberation." In the 17th century, Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, was unjustly imprisoned by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Upon his release, Guru Hargobind secured the freedom of 52 other princes who had been wrongfully detained alongside him.
Legend has it that the Guru fashioned a cloak with 52 threads, enabling each prince to hold onto a thread and walk out with him. This story represents justice, compassion, and the liberation of the oppressed, values that are central to Sikh philosophy. During Diwali, Sikh temples (Gurdwaras) are adorned with lights and filled with prayers and hymns, as Sikh communities commemorate the Guru’s blessings and his commitment to freedom. Bandi Chhor Divas adds another dimension to Diwali’s celebration, connecting the festival of lights with themes of justice, equality, and spiritual strength.
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Balipratipada – The Return of King Bali
The fourth day of Diwali, known as Balipratipada or Bali Padva, celebrates the return of the noble King Bali to earth. In Hindu mythology, King Bali was a generous and devout ruler who gained immense power, ruling over the heavens, earth, and the netherworld. However, the gods became concerned that his influence was growing too powerful. To curb Bali’s power, Lord Vishnu incarnated as a dwarf, or Vamana, and appeared before Bali to ask for three paces of land.
In an act of devotion and humility, Bali granted Vishnu’s request, only to witness Vishnu’s transformation into a giant form that covered the entire kingdom in two steps, with the third step pushing Bali down to the netherworld. Because of his devotion, however, Vishnu allowed Bali to return to earth for one day each year. Balipratipada celebrates Bali’s honor and the triumph of humility and devotion, emphasizing the spiritual virtues upheld during Diwali.
Diwali Across Indian Communities: A Harmonious Festival of Lights
Diwali’s diversity doesn’t end with mythology alone; each region of India has its own ways of celebrating. Some key rituals include:
- Lakshmi Puja (Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja): Across India, Diwali is synonymous with Lakshmi Puja, where devotees offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh. While Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, is prayed to for wisdom and success. Diyas are lit, and prayers are offered to invite blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
- Dhanteras: The festival begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to wealth and health. People clean their homes, buy gold, and welcome prosperity into their lives, symbolizing Diwali’s emphasis on well-being and good fortune.
- Chhath Puja: In Bihar and surrounding states, Chhath Puja follows Diwali as a revered festival. Devotees pray to the Sun God for health, abundance, and gratitude for nature’s bounty.
- Bhai Dooj: The celebration concludes with Bhai Dooj, a festival honoring the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, and families gather to exchange blessings and sweets, marking the end of Diwali festivities.
Diwali’s vibrance, spirituality, and inclusive nature make it one of India’s most celebrated festivals, uniting people of different beliefs in reverence and joy. Across various communities, Diwali is more than a celebration—it’s a time for introspection, gratitude, family bonding, and devotion, encapsulating India’s cultural heritage and values through lights, prayers, and legends.
[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Aavyaa, they are just for entertainment purposes]
| DHANTERAS | DEEPAWALI | DIWALI | FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS | CHHATH POOJA | BHAI DOOJ | GODDESS LAKSHMI | LORD GANESHA | SUN GOD | | LORD VISHNU | LORD RAMA |
~Mimansa Sharma
