How did the Diwali festival start?

As an expert in cultural studies with a particular interest in the traditions and festivals of South Asia, I am delighted to delve into the rich history and significance of the Diwali festival. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is a time of joy, lights, and celebration that transcends the boundaries of religion and is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists as well. The festival is marked by the lighting of small oil lamps, called diyas, and the bursting of fireworks, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The Origins of Diwali The origins of Diwali are rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and are associated with several mythological stories. The festival is not a single-event celebration but a compilation of various customs and traditions that have evolved over time. Here are some of the key narratives associated with the start of Diwali: 1. The Return of Rama The most popular story associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years and his victory over the demon king Ravana. According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, defeated Ravana, who had kidnapped Sita. The people of Ayodhya, overjoyed at the return of their beloved king, illuminated the path to his palace with rows of oil lamps to celebrate his triumph and to light the way for the royal family. 2. **The Worship of Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth** Diwali is also significant as it is a time when Hindus worship the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness, Laxmi. It is believed that during this time, Laxmi visits homes that are clean and filled with light, bringing fortune and prosperity to those who worship her. 3. **The Celebration of Krishna's Victory Over Narakasura** Another legend associated with Diwali is the story of Lord Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura. Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, killed the demon to free the world from his tyranny, especially his practice of forcing people to work in darkness. The people celebrated this victory with the lighting of lamps and fireworks. 4. The Attainment of Liberation by Mahavira For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of Nirvana by Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, in 527 BCE. It is a day of great spiritual significance for the Jain community. 5. The Birthday of Guru Nanak Sikhs celebrate Diwali to commemorate the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, from the Gwalior Fort by Emperor Jahangir in 1619. It also coincides with the birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The Celebration of Diwali The festival of Diwali is spread over five days and involves various customs and rituals: - Dhanteras: The first day is dedicated to the worship of wealth and prosperity, with people buying new utensils and decorating their homes. - Naraka Chaturdasi: The second day, also known as Chhoti Diwali or Roop Chaudas, involves rituals to ward off evil and the lighting of lamps. - Lakshmi Puja: On the third day, which is the main day of Diwali, people worship Laxmi and Ganesha for blessings and success. - Annakut: The fourth day is significant for the Jain community, as they celebrate with a grand feast known as Annakut, which is a mountain of food offerings to the Tirthankaras. - Bhai Dooj: The fifth day is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters apply a tilak on their brothers' foreheads for their well-being. The Significance of Lights The lighting of oil lamps during Diwali is not just a symbolic act but also has a deeper spiritual meaning. It signifies the dispelling of darkness and the triumph of light, which represents knowledge, over ignorance. The lamps also serve as a metaphor for the inner light that guides individuals through the journey of life. Modern Celebrations While the essence of Diwali remains rooted in tradition, the way it is celebrated has evolved with time. Today, Diwali is marked with an array of electric lights, rangoli (colorful patterns made on the floor), and fireworks that light up the sky. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and the exchange of gifts. In conclusion, Diwali is a festival that brings people together, irrespective of their religious beliefs, to celebrate the values of light, hope, and prosperity. It is a time to reflect on the triumph of good over evil and to seek blessings for a prosperous future.

In North India, Diwali is most popularly celebrated as the return of Lord Rama, King of Ayodhya, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya from a war in which he killed the demon king Ravana. It is believed that the people lit oil lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness.Oct 17, 2017