Diwali festival

Diwali is one of the longest celebrated and most prominent festivals celebrated by the Hindu community. It was on this day that Lord Rama returned home after defeating Ravana. People celebrate this festival by making sweets at home, buying new clothes and gold, visiting friends and decorating their homes.

Diwali legends
Diwali is widely celebrated as the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating demon king Ravana in Lanka. It was on this day that the royal families of Ayodhya and Mithila (the kingdom of which Sita was princess) were lit up with rows of lamps, glittering on the dark night of Amavasya (moonless night) to welcome King Rama and his wife. This day also marked the end of the 14-year exile they were subjected to.

In rural areas, Diwali was also known to be a harvest festival. The farmers usually celebrated Diwali to mark the end of a cropping season. Farmers bought new clothes, made sweets and celebrated to thank the Almighty for the bountiful crop.

Legend has it that, Narakasura, a monster, ruled a kingdom called Pradyoshapuram and was known to be a huge trouble maker. When Lord Indra approached Lord Krishna and pleaded to protect him and other Gods from the demon Krishna cursed the demon. With Krishna as the charioteer Satyabhama entered the battle field and killed the demon Narakasura. The killing of this demon symbolises victory of good over evil. It is also said that Bhudevi, mother of the slain demon Narakasura, declared that his death should not be mourned but celebrated. Since then, Diwali is being celebrated by people as a joyous occasion complete with fireworks and fun.

It is also said that on this day Godess Lakhshmi emerged from the ocean of milk. It was on this day that this goddess blessed mankind with prosperity and wealth. Hence it is said that every home that is cleaned and worships the goddess is visited by the goddess herself.

Five days of Diwali
Dhanteras: On this day people buy gold or some metallic object as making such a purchase is considered auspicious
Narak Chaturdasi : This day is chhoti (small) Diwali and is celebrated with equal fervour as the main day. People light diyas and burn Diwali crackers on this day
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): This is the main Diwali day and people light diyas, draw rangolis on their doorstep and worship Goddess Lakshmi. Several people also send Diwali e-cards to each other and visit friends and exchange Diwali sweets
Govardhan puja: On this day, Govardhan Pooja is performed. Many years back, Lord Krishna asked the people of Vraja to perform this puja. From then on, every year Hindus worship Govardhan on this day
Bhai Dhuj: On this day brothers visit their sisters to enquire about their well being. So the next time around while celebrating Diwali you will know the legends behind this special festival.

More about diwali festival in India

Author: Ms Coutinho.

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