Diwali Religious Holiday, Observances, & Facts
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important and widely celebrated religious festivals in India. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Observed by millions of people from various religions like Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, Diwali holds deep spiritual significance. The festival typically spans five days of celebrations filled with lights, prayers, feasts, fireworks, and the exchange of gifts.
In this blog, we will explore the religious significance, observances, and facts surrounding the Diwali festival.
Religious Significance of Diwali
Hinduism
For Hindus, Diwali marks several important mythological events depending on the region. The most popular association is the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshman to the city of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya celebrated their return by lighting oil lamps to illuminate the city, signifying the triumph of good over evil.
In other regions, Diwali celebrates:
- The victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, who had terrorized the heavens and the earth.
- The worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. On Diwali night, devotees light lamps to welcome Lakshmi into their homes and seek her blessings for prosperity in the coming year.
- In West Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, the worship of Goddess Kali, the fierce form of the Goddess Durga, symbolizing the destruction of evil forces.
Jainism
For the Jain community, Diwali marks the day when Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained nirvana or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The festival is a time of reflection, prayers, and fasting for Jains.
Sikhism
In Sikhism, Diwali is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, from Mughal imprisonment. On this day, the Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated with lights and candles, and Sikhs come together to celebrate the freedom and return of their beloved Guru.
Buddhism
In some Buddhist communities, Diwali is celebrated to honor Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism and the spread of peace and compassion.
Observances During Diwali
Diwali is a five-day festival, with each day carrying its own significance and customs:
1. Dhanteras (Day of Wealth)
The first day of Diwali is dedicated to Dhanteras, where people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health and healing. On this day, people clean their homes and buy new utensils, gold, or other valuables, believing it brings good fortune for the coming year.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
The second day is known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, commemorating the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People take oil baths, clean their homes, and light diyas (oil lamps) to dispel darkness and negative energies.
3. Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali Day)
The third and most important day of Diwali is dedicated to Lakshmi Puja, where families worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. People light lamps and decorate their homes with rangolis (colored powder designs). After the puja, families celebrate with feasts, bursting of fireworks, and the exchange of sweets and gifts.
4. Govardhan Puja (Annakut)
On the fourth day, Hindus perform Govardhan Puja to honor Lord Krishna, who protected the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains by lifting Mount Govardhan. People prepare a grand feast known as Annakut, offering food to deities and celebrating Krishna’s love for humanity.
5. Bhai Dooj (Celebration of Sibling Bond)
The fifth and final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, where brothers and sisters celebrate their bond. Sisters perform aarti and apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, praying for their well-being, while brothers give gifts to their sisters in return.
Interesting Facts About Diwali
- Global Celebrations: While Diwali is primarily celebrated in India, it is a global festival. Countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and even the United States observe Diwali with great enthusiasm.
- Festival of Cleanliness: Diwali is not just about lights and decorations; it’s also a festival of cleanliness. People clean their homes and surroundings, believing that Goddess Lakshmi only visits clean and tidy homes, bringing prosperity with her.
- Sweets Galore: Sweets are an integral part of Diwali celebrations. Traditional Indian sweets like ladoos, barfis, jalebi, and gulab jamun are exchanged among families and friends as a symbol of love and goodwill.
- Fireworks Tradition: Fireworks are a hallmark of Diwali, symbolizing the joy and excitement of the festival. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of fireworks, leading to eco-friendly alternatives.
- Eco-friendly Diwali: With increasing concerns about air pollution, many people are now opting for eco-friendly ways to celebrate Diwali. Using earthen lamps (diyas), minimizing the use of fireworks, and opting for sustainable decorations have become popular.
- Economic Impact: Diwali is a massive festival that significantly boosts India’s economy, particularly in sectors like retail, gold, and fireworks. It’s one of the busiest shopping seasons in the country, similar to Christmas in the West.
- Symbolism of Lights: The lighting of lamps during Diwali represents the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness. It’s a reminder of the victory of good over evil and the dispelling of ignorance through knowledge.
Diwali is not just a religious holiday, but a festival that celebrates life, family, love, and the triumph of goodness. With its rich religious significance and widespread observance across different communities, it is a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration. Whether through the worship of deities, the lighting of lamps, or the exchange of gifts and sweets, Diwali brings people together in the spirit of joy and unity.
Wishing everyone a joyous and prosperous Diwali!
