Why Do We Celebrate Diwali?

Diwali, or Deepavali, is the most happening and colorful festival for the people in India and the Indian community across the world. Have you ever wondered, though, "Why do we celebrate Diwali?" Come; let's go on this wondrous journey as we unravel this great festival and learn all about its importance, stories, and traditions.

What is Diwali?

Diwali is the grand week-long festival of fun, lights, and treats. It is sometimes said to be the Festival of Lights because everyone decorates houses with beautiful lamps and beaming lights of all colors. However, Diwali means much more than decoration and fireworks shows; it is that very valued time to gather near and far-flung family members, honor tradition, and covet the spirit of the holiday.

Why Do We Celebrate Diwali?

A complete nonsense, Diwali, Deepavali is the most happening and colorful festival to the people in India and the Indian community across the world. But have you ever come across this question: "Why do we celebrate Diwali? "Come; let us take this marvelous journey that is going to take us through this wonderful festival while getting to know its significance, tales, and customs.

1. The Return of Lord Rama

The most popular legend behind Diwali is the story of Lord Rama, one of the princes in the ancient Indian epic called Ramayana. According to the tale, Lord Rama was banished from his kingdom for 14 years. He faced a lot of hardships throughout this period of his exile, all of which culminated with his wife, Sita, actually being kidnapped by a demon king named Ravana.

With a collection of monkeys and his dedicated Hanuman, he conducted a giga battle of Lanka and rescued Sita. Thus Rama defeated Ravana and returned to his Kingdom in Ayodhya. On his return, all homes in Ayodhya were lit with oil lamps (days). And till today the lighting of Diyas, oil lamps, follows Diwali.

2. The Victory of Lord Krishna

Another story is about Lord Krishna, the most famous of all the deities among the Hindu religion followers. There was an evil demon king at one time in the natural order of things who was notorious for constantly disturbing the people, and his name was Narakasura. Lord Krishna finally invaded him and defeated him. And, this very victory brought happiness and peace to the people—all of it through lights; they celebrated with lights and festivities. The same story is followed on the day of the Diwali celebration in parts of India.

3. Arrival of Goddess Lakshmi

During the function festival of Diwali, besides lamps and fireworks, there is a name for the Furze of Riches and Wealth, Goddess Lakshmi. It is assumed that Goddess Lakshmi arrives on the earth at every house that is cleaned, illuminated and open to her access. People celebrate Diwali to pay respect to her and invite her grace and blessings.

Hence, they light lamps and candles in demonstration of willingness and preparedness to receive the Blessings.

Significance of Diwali

Diwali is not all about fireworks and sugary delights; it has great substance to it as under:

A Time for Family and Togetherness

Diwali is such an occasion when family members come together to celebrate and spend time with one another. It's the time to further strengthen family bonding, share meals, and a moment, and create memories to last a lifetime. Some may visit their relatives or friends and present gifts and their time to their loved ones.

2. Victory of Good

One powerful theme that stands prominent in the celebration of Diwali is that it is a celebration of the victory of righteousness. Several stories about Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and other heroes convey the message that in the end, good deeds and righteousness always win against evil. Rich moral values in the form of learning for us simply explain or help us to learn important traits of courage, honesty, and compassion.

3. A Time for New Beginnings

Diwali is a harbinger of the new year in a lot of parts of the country. It signals the onset of a time for fresh beginnings, new starts, and new goals. Cleaning of homes, new clothes bought, planning for the coming year. A good time to forget old worries and take the tide in your stride.

4. An Occasion to Spread Joy and Kindness

People on this day share their happiness and love by gifting their friends, family, and neighbors with sweets. So, it's the day to be humane and thoughtful toward others, thereby sharing happiness and love in other people's lives. It helps to bond the community more positively into Diwali through some random act of kindness and bonding—it thus one home feeling.

How Many Days Does Our Diwali Celebrate?

Essentially, the festival runs in a span of five days. Out of the five days that the festival takes, each day is of much significance, which includes:

Dhanteras

The first day of Diwali is Dhanteras. This day makes purchases of new articles, especially things made of metal—gold or silver—for a good sign. It is also a day for worshiping Lord Dhanvantari: The god of health and medicine. To ensure that the coming year will be one of good health and prosperity.

2. Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

Similarly, the second day is called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali and symbolizes the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People celebrate by performing their daily morning rituals at the break of dawn, cleaning their houses, and preparing important purchases, and things for the most important and grand Diwali celebration at night, which consists mostly of lighting thousands of earthen lamps and firecrackers.

3. Diwali (Deepavali)

The third day is the main Diwali day and is called Deepavali. It is the day of maximum celebrations, where houses are all cleaned and decorated with every available light, and sweet

In this place, several delicacies of the highest order are cooked, and more importantly, prayers are put in order in the name of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. With the use of fireworks, the night sky is lightened up, and families dine together.

4. Govardhan Puja

The fourth day of Diwali is Govardhan Puja. It has something to do with Lord Krishna, where he lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the people who were being hit by a storm. On that particular day, they have a special meal that they offer to the gods called 'Annakut'. Some regions also take it as the time when people in Mathura welcome back Lord Krishna to their city.

5. Bhai Dooj

This is the last day of Diwali, and on this very day, it is celebrated as Bhai Dooj. It has been dedicated to the very sweet relationship between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for a long life and happiness for their brothers, and the brothers take gifts in return. Thus, this is an excellent way of adding some zest to sibling relationships and a 'thank you' to each other.

Diwali Story for Kids

Let's make the Diwali story fun and simple for the kids!

Very long ago, in the land of India, there was a prince named Rama. He was a well-known and loved prince. There was no one like Rama. He had a beautiful wife named Sita and a very faithful brother, his shadow, whose name was Lakshman. But one evil day, the king of demons, Ravana, carried away Sita to his country.

Rama set out upon this valorous feat of valorous enterprise, to recover Sita, with the help of his friend Hanuman and a troop of monkeys. Rama fought many battles and accomplished many feats in defeating Ravana and bringing back Sita home. The people back in their kingdom of Ayodhya were overwhelmed with joy, waiting to make merry on this great return.

They had kept shining lamps at every nook and corner, light in their homes, to welcome Rama. The entire city was lit up, and the enthusiasm to meet their prince was very warm and cheerful. This celebration was stored for some days and was named as Diwali—Feast of Light celebrations.

Warmth, devotion, lights and sweets spell the spirit that Diwali fills people with. Most noticeably, it is reflected in each celebration whereby people relish this festival by lighting lamps, eating sweets and sharing time with their loved ones. It is also reminiscent of valor, goodness, and cheer while joining in the celebration all alone.

Conclusion

Diwali is  the festival of light, joy, and togetherness. Understanding why we all celebrate Diwali means knowing the kind of meanings and traditions illuminated within this beautiful festival. It's not just the crackers and lights; it's a celebration of good over evil, family togetherness, and moments of happiness.

Wherever this light of spark doth entrance thine eye, may it liquefy in drooling sweets or glaze of fireworks—remember the wonderful stories and this true meaning of the festival. Come, soak in the spirit of Diwali. It shall make you soft and strong and happy for the rest of the year.

Take you and your family to a great Diwali!

FAQs

What is the main reason for celebrating Diwali?

Diwali is known for the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Why is called Diwali?

Diwali is actually a Sanskrit word, which means "row of lights."

What is the special thing about Diwali?

Diwali is the colorful festival of lights, fireworks, and sweets.

What is the flower of Diwali?

The marigold flower forms a link with Diwali, brightly colored for the festivity and further used in decorations.

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