Diwali – The Festival of Lights

 

The origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India. And there are various legends associated with it and vary with the regions in which it is being celebrated. In West Bengal, it is dedicated to the worship of Maa Kali. Throughout the country the festival of lights kick start with Dhanteras, which is commonly celebrated as the day of Wealth. And then followed by Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhaiya Duj.   

 

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The festival of lights is celebrated on the night of Amavasya tithi of Kartik month of Hindu calendar to mark the occasion of returning of Lord Rama after 14 years of exile and killing demon king Ravana in Lanka. The residents of Ayodhya were so happy to see their icon Lord Rama that they couldn’t wait till the next morning and decided to lit up the whole city with lamps to wash out the darkness of no Moon night. 

 

This is the mythological story behind celebration of Deepawali on the night of Kartik Amavasya. Lord Rama killed demon king of Lanka, Ravana, on the ninth day of brighter half of Ashwin month and after killing Ravana. He made Bibheeshan, brother of Ravana, the king of Lanka. After attending the ceremony of Bibheeshan’s assumption of power, Lord Rama started to reach Ayodhya with His bride Seeta and brother Lakshman. It took a bit more than a fortnight to reach the capital city Ayodhya for them as commuting from one place to another was not so easy at that time.

In our present context of life, we observe Deepawali as one of the most awaited festival that is celebrated by the people irrespective of their age and socio economic status. People start preparing for Diwali well in advance. They clean their houses, get it white washed. Then they decorate their household with artistic objects and lights and other decorative items. Children start burning fire crackers from Dussehra onwards to express their happiness and joy.

 

On the day of Deepawali, people adored with new clothes of their traditions and ornaments, offer puja to Goddess Lakshmi and exchange greetings, sweets and gifts with each other in their family circle and social arena. In north India it is the biggest festival, just like Durga Puja in Bengal or like Ganesha Festival in Maharashtra. Companies distribute bonus and gifts to their employees and staff members to help them enjoy the festivity as per their capacity.