Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of India's most cherished festivals, carrying a rich legacy that spans multiple eras, most notably Satyug and Treta Yug. This five-day celebration embodies profound spiritual significance, bridging two distinct stories that convey the festival’s values of light, virtue, and renewal. In Satyug, the era of the divine, Diwali marks the emergence of Goddess Lakshmi from the cosmic ocean during the legendary churning of the seas, or Samudra Manthan. This auspicious day is thus celebrated as Lakshmi Pujan, when devotees worship the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune, invoking her blessings for an abundant and prosperous life.
The festival also finds its roots in Treta Yug, a later era, where Diwali commemorates the victorious return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Following his victory over the demon king Ravana, the people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshman by lighting oil lamps across the city, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and dharma over adharma (righteousness over unrighteousness). This grand reception of light is what gives Diwali its name—Deepawali, meaning “a row of lights.” Thus, the festival of Diwali unites both the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance, from Satyug, and the reverence of Lord Rama in Treta Yug, showcasing a profound spiritual heritage that continues to inspire Indian culture today.
The Significance of Worshipping Lakshmi and Ganesha Together on Diwali
The connection between Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is pivotal to Diwali, as it beautifully combines the energies of prosperity and wisdom. According to Hindu tradition, Goddess Lakshmi, after emerging from the cosmic churning, married Lord Vishnu and took on the role of the universe’s benefactress of wealth and fortune. Initially, she appointed Kuber, the god of wealth and treasures, to distribute wealth. However, Kuber, a yaksha known for his frugality, became overly attached to his own wealth, and his limited generosity caused Lakshmi’s blessings to reach fewer people than intended.
Observing the situation, Lord Vishnu advised Lakshmi to turn to Lord Ganesha, who was both wise and compassionate, embodying the qualities needed to spread prosperity freely. Lakshmi entrusted Ganesha with the task of bestowing blessings and abundance, and under his guidance, people began to experience an unbridled flow of fortune. Over time, impressed by Ganesha’s wisdom and devotion, Lakshmi blessed him, declaring that wherever she was worshipped, he would be venerated alongside her. This divine partnership emphasizes that prosperity without wisdom can lead to attachment, while wisdom without abundance can limit potential—together, they bring balanced and holistic blessings.

Why Diwali Honors Lakshmi and Ganesha Together
Diwali, celebrated on the new moon of Kartik Amavasya, has a profound cosmic alignment. During this period, Lord Vishnu is said to be in deep yogic meditation, or Yognidra, only awakening eleven days later on Dev Uthani Ekadashi. In this time, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi descends to the earthly realm, gracing her devotees with prosperity and blessings. With Vishnu in his cosmic slumber, Lakshmi brings her “son-like” companion, Lord Ganesha, to represent the harmonious union of wealth and wisdom. This tradition of honoring Lakshmi and Ganesha during Diwali reflects a holistic approach to prosperity—one that nurtures the material and spiritual dimensions of life. It reminds devotees that true wealth lies not only in abundance but in the wisdom to nurture and manage it.
The Cultural and Spiritual Essence of Diwali in India
Diwali, celebrated across India as the festival of lights, includes various regional customs and rituals that reflect the diversity and unity of Indian spirituality. Diwali begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to wealth, health, and prosperity, followed by Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali, symbolizing the cleansing of the self. The main day, Lakshmi Pujan, is when families light lamps and worship Lakshmi and Ganesha together. This is followed by Govardhan Puja, celebrated with reverence for nature and agriculture, and Bhai Dooj, honoring the sibling bond.
Each of these days celebrates different aspects of Indian life, from health and wealth to family and devotion. In many communities, people also observe Chhath Puja, especially in Bihar and Eastern India, paying homage to the Sun God. Thus, Diwali brings forth an experience of cultural unity and spiritual diversity, showcasing a remarkable tapestry of rituals across the subcontinent.
The Diwali festival brings families and communities together, fostering hope, positivity, and the joy of shared traditions. It is a time to honor the light within, dispelling the darkness of ignorance and fear, and to welcome new beginnings with the blessings of Lakshmi and Ganesha, and the inspiration of Rama’s return to Ayodhya. As one of India’s most famous and celebrated festivals, Diwali continues to inspire millions, reflecting the enduring values of peace, prosperity, and harmony that lie at the heart of Indian culture.
[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 | GOVARDHAN PUJA | GODDESS LAKSHMI | LORD RAMA | LORD GANESHA | LORD VISHNU | SUN GOD |
~Mimansa Sharma