The whats and whys of Diwali | Fairs & Festivals of India

Urmi Chanda
Oct 30, 2016
2 min read

Diwali is one of the most important festivals of India. Diwali is also known as Deepavali, meaning a string or a row of lights. It alludes to the dazzling display of lights on the new moon night of diwali when people place traditional earthen diyas or use electric lamps to brighten their homes and surroundings. This Hindu festival falls on a new moon night in the month of Kartik, which is roughly between October and November by the Gregorian calendar.

Diwali is typically celebrated over five days beginning with Dhanteras, followed by Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali, Balipratipada and concluding with Bhai Duuj. Each day has a special meaning and significance and preparations begin days in advance. Dhanteras is usually marked by the buying of some metallic objects, Narak Chaturdashi by the ritual of Kali Chaudas, Diwali with Lakshmi Pujan, Balipratipada with the worship of King Bali and Bhai Duuj with a celebration of filial love.

There are many regional variations in the way Diwali is celebrated across India, with many mythical attributions. For instance, among Sikhs, the day of Diwali is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind and 52 princes from the captivity of the Mughals. For Jains, the day is special as Vardhaman Mahavir – their 24th Tirthankar – attained Nirvana on this day. But some practices are common to all, like worshiping a deity like Lakshmi, Ganesha or Kali, the lighting of lamps, wearing new clothes, bursting fire crackers, making and consuming delicacies and exchanging gifts. At a symbolic level, the lighting of lamps represents the dispelling of the darkness of evil and ignorance.

However, the most popular story associated with Diwali comes from the epic, Ramayana. The festival is said to have started when the residents of Ayodhya joyously welcomed Rama back home after 14 years in exile. The citizens cleaned their homes, cooked good meals, wore new clothes and lit lamps all over the city celebrating the homecoming of their beloved crown prince. Rama's return marked not just his victory over Ravana, but also the upholding of all desirable moral values and order in society. Therefore, in celebrating Diwali, we actually celebrate all that is good, right and auspicious in life.