![]() |
Happy Diwali greetings, 2024 pngtree.com/ |
![]() |
Diwali, festival of light, India, tripsavvy.com |
![]() |
Diwali, festival of lights. religionmediacentre.org.uk |
![]() |
quotefancy.com |
Lord Rama’s Return: Deepavali in the northern states celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana after 14 years in exile, as described in the Ramayana. People light oil lamps to welcome them, symbolizing victory over Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.
Slaying of Narakasura: The day before the main Diwali is known as Naraka Chaturdashi, marking Lord Krishna's triumph over the demon Narakasura and symbolizing the defeat of evil forces. Southern states this belief is common. So is the banishment of King Bali by God Vishnu.
The Pandavas’ Return: Diwali also commemorates the victorious return of the Pandavas to Hastinapura after their exile, as narrated in the Mahabharata, celebrating light’s triumph over the darkness in their lives.
Lakshmi Puja: Business communities and families worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, seeking her blessings. Women traditionally conduct the puja after a ceremonial bath, invoking well-being and prosperity for their families.
Govardhan Puja: In some regions, Diwali includes Govardhan Puja, symbolizing divine protection. This ritual honors Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill to shield villagers from torrential rains.
In Sikhism, part of Hinduism Diwali commemorates the release of the 17th-century guru Hargobind after 12 years of imprisonment by Mughal emperor Jahangir.
For the Jains (Jainism dating back to back to the middle of the first century B.C), on the day of Diwali Lord Mahavira, the last of the great Jain teachers, reached nirvana
In Buddhism (began in the late 6th century B.C) on this festive day the mighty Hindu Emperor Ashoka,( 3rd century B.C), became a Buddhist convert.
Beyond the diverse practices, the essence of Diwali lies in its message of peace, prosperity, and a path guided by divine wisdom. Lighting diyas, in particular, signifies the dispelling of ignorance and negativity, akin to finding a silver lining in dark clouds. The strong belief has been that light protects each household from spiritual darkness.
With growing awareness of environmental impacts, the bursting of crackers is restricted or minimized in many cities due to air pollution concerns. People now turn to sustainable celebrations, using more diyas with natural oil, eco-friendly decorations, and tree planting to reduce pollution.
Diwali’s universal message of light, unity, and triumph over darkness resonates as a celebration of righteousness prevailing over evil and a reminder of hope, warmth, and wisdom lighting the way forward.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/diwali-history-customs-indian-festival-of-lights
https://www.bbc.co.uk/travel/article/20121105-indias-festival-of-lights