Diwali 2024: Reasons Behind Celebrating the Festival of Lights

Last Update:28 October 2024 09:30 IST

From Kali Puja in Eastern India to oil-bathed Southern India, different parts of India celebrate Diwali in different ways due to their diverse cultures and religious histories.

Lighting your homes during Diwali is said to ward off dark and bad energy and purify your home. (Image: Shutterstock)

Diwali is arguably one of the largest and most important festivals in India and among Indian communities around the world. Known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, it usually falls between late October and November, depending on the lunar calendar. Spread over five days, each day of Diwali has a unique significance, complete with various rites and rituals.

According to Drik Panchang, this year Diwali has divided celebrations on October 31 and November 1; Amavasya Tithi starts on 31 October at 15.52 and ends on 1 November at 18.16.

Various parts of India have different stories regarding Diwali:

MYTHOLOGICAL ROOTS: THE VICTORY OF GOOD OVER EVIL

The name ‘Diwali’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Diwali’. deepavaliIt means “order of light”. The festival has always been associated with the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This powerful metaphor refers not only to the physical concept of light but also in a spiritual sense. The festival of lights has various mythological stories depicting these elements, thus making it a cultural and religious celebration for millions of people.

DIWALI IN NORTH INDIA: THE RETURN OF LORD RAMA

One of the most popular stories associated with Diwali is based on the Ramayana, which tells of Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. Ram, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, returned home after 14 years of exile, which was celebrated as a joyous occasion. By lighting a diya, the people of Ayodhya rejoiced in welcoming Lord Rama back home, marking Diwali as a symbol of hope and righteousness.

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DIWALI IN SOUTH INDIA: LORD KRISHNA AND NARAKASURA

In some parts of South India, Diwali is celebrated to mark Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon king Narakasura. Narakasura obtained the boon that he could only be killed by his mother and thus believed that he was invincible. However, her mother was reborn as Satyabhama, the wife of Krishna, who defeated her in battle. Naraksura’s death is said to be worth celebrating rather than mourning, reflecting the vitality of Diwali as a festival.

GODDESS LAKSHMI AND DIWALI: CALLING PROSPERITY

The second important mythological story is about Goddess Lakshmi, who is considered the god of wealth. It is said that he was born from the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan) that was churned after a great war between gods and demons. His arrival represents the element of wealth; Therefore, during Diwali celebrations, people illuminate their homes with lamps. This narrative also fits into the general scheme of ideas that present light as the harbinger of truth defeating darkness.

REGIONAL DIFFERENCES: DIFFERENT TRADITIONS AND BELIEFS

DIWALI IN NORTH INDIA

In northern India, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, Diwali is primarily associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. People start preparing for the festivals by cleaning their homes and decorating them with bright colours, then lighting lamps and setting off fireworks.

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DIWALI IN SOUTH INDIA

Deepavali is another name given to Diwali in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. Rituals include taking oil baths and praying to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi in the morning. Houses are cleaned, kolam designs similar to rangoli designs are made and a delicious product is prepared.

DIWALI IN WEST INDIA

Diwali festival has its own unique style and color in Western India especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra. For Gujaratis, it is a festival of new opportunities and people draw colorful Rangolis on their doors to mark the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. The first day, called Vasubaras, requires respect for cows, which are seen as harbingers of wealth.

DIWALI IN EAST INDIA

In Eastern India, especially West Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja. During this auspicious occasion, Goddess Kali, who is considered a powerful protector, is worshiped with great faith. Devotees celebrate the night with various cultural activities and light clay lamps.

Moreover, rituals to honor ancestors are also performed in this region. Lamps known as pradips/diyas are lit to guide the spirits of ancestors to find their way to heaven. The same tradition is followed in Odisha to pay respect to ancestors during Diwali, highlighting the ancestor honoring aspect of the festival.

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SPIRITUAL IMPORTANCE OF DIWALI

The essence of Diwali celebrations is that good triumphs over evil. The lighting of candles (diyas) on the occasion of Diwali represents not only the accomplishment of Ram’s victory but also the assurance that good will always triumph over evil. Diwali inspires meditation and self-reflection. Lighting a lamp is equivalent to illuminating one’s mind and soul.

In the Hindu calendar, Diwali is the first day of the New Year and is therefore considered a time of joy and good luck. Such rituals performed during this period are said to resonate with cosmic forces, helping to achieve inner peace and tranquility.