The auspicious celebration of Diwali 2024 will be celebrated on 1st November. But many people don’t know the reason why we celebrate the festival. There are multiple reasons why Diwali is celebrated. Let’s take a look at the various reasons why India’s biggest festival, the festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated.
The victory of light over darkness
Diwali is also called the festival of lights. People light up their homes, offices and all the places with lights. But these rituals hold a very deep meaning. These things are done because Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali marks the elimination of all the negative energies and fills our mind with joy, clarity and positivity.
Lord Rama’s return from exile
On the day of Diwali Lord Rama, Mata Sita and Laxman came back to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile. During their exile period Lord Rama also defeated Ravana. So Diwali is also celebrated as Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
Diwali and Dhanteras
This time of the year is considered very good for wealth and prosperity. During Diwali people worship goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha, exchange gifts with each other, and contribute to charity. 2 days before Diwali, people celebrate a festival called Dhanteras.
Also Read : What is Dhanteras and what to buy on Dhanteras
Kali Puja
Kali Puja celebrates the divine feminine power known as Shakti's role in protecting good and eliminating evil. In order to represent the victory of good over evil, Goddess Kali is frequently shown as a dark-faced, fearsome warrior standing on her lover, Lord Shiva, while wearing a garland of skulls.
In order to achieve enlightenment and spiritual freedom, Kali Puja places a strong emphasis on worshiping Shakti's destructive side, which represents the eradication of ignorance and ego.
Diwali is not only celebrated on one day, but five
Diwali is actually celebrated across five days, each with its unique significance, despite the fact that most people only think about one day:
Day 1 (Dhanteras) : Dedicated to wealth, individuals purchase new cutlery, gold, and silver.
Day 2 (Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali) : Honors Lord Krishna's triumph over the demon Narakasura.
Day 3 (Lakshmi Puja) : This is the day that the Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped.
Day 4 (Govardhan Puja) : Honors Lord Krishna's raising of Govardhan Hill.
Day 5 (Bhai Dooj) : Honors the relationship between siblings.
Diwali is not only a Hindu holiday
Although Diwali is primarily a Hindu holiday, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists also observe it:
It is observed by Jains as the day that Lord Mahavira achieved nirvana.
Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, the day that Guru Hargobind Ji was freed from Mughal captivity.
Diwali is celebrated as Tihar by Newar Buddhists in Nepal.
"Diwali" is derived from "Deepavali"
The Sanskrit term Deepavali, which translates to "row of lights" (deep = light, avali = row), is where the name Diwali originates. The custom of lighting oil lamps, or "diyas," on Diwali represents the victory of knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness.
Gambling is considered good during Diwali
Gambling on the night of Diwali is a custom, particularly in northern India. Inspired by the story of Lord Shiva and Parvati throwing dice on this night, the activity is thought to be in celebration of the goddess Lakshmi and to bring good fortune. It is supposed that whomever gambles during this time will prosper in the upcoming year.
Sweets are symbols of sharing joy
Offering sweets to friends, family, and neighbors represents the sharing of joy and wealth, and they are an integral part throughout Diwali. Traditional sweets like Laddoos, Barfis, Jalebi, and Kaju Katli are made at home in many households.
Conclusion
Diwali was traditionally a celebration of oil lights and the outdoors, but in more recent years, the use of fireworks has caused worries about noise and air pollution. By burning clay diyas, staying away from noisy firecrackers, and raising awareness of environmental issues during the holiday, many people are choosing to celebrate in an eco-friendly manner in recent years. In an attempt to lessen the festival's negative environmental effects, several towns and cities have launched "green Diwali" campaigns.
Diwali's great diversity, cultural significance, and changing customs throughout different cultures and areas are all reflected in these lesser-known aspects of the holiday. Happy Diwali.
For more such topics follow Academy Of Vedic Vidya. You can explore our comprehensive courses. We also offer personalized mentorship. Each program is meticulously crafted to provide an in-depth understanding of Vedic principles and their practical applications, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to become a professional and predict the future accurately.
For further information contact us at ( +91 ) 7439041439 .
Comments