Happy Diwali | History

India’s most awaited festival has finally arrived. Diwali, the festival of lights is around the corner and we can’t keep calm. Festival of lights and is celebrated with much pomp and fervour in India. The ancient Hindu festival is celebrated in the months of October or November, and this year Diwali will fall on October 27 and 28.

One of the most significant festivals of India, Diwali (or Deepavali) derives its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that the devotees light in their houses in order to symbolise the inner light that drives away spiritual darkness. As per the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartik, which is the holiest month in the lunar calendar!

The biggest festival for Hindus, It is celebrated every year by lighting diyas and worshiping Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi and is usually followed by fireworks. Besides being the festival of lights, Diwali is also the festival of love and people meet each other and exchange sweets and wishes!

History

Behind every tradition lies a story; in this case, every culture has a different one. While legends may differ, the messages conveyed are aligned. For example, in northern India, Diwali is celebrated in the memory of the day when Lord Rama returned to his people in Ayodhya after 14 years in exile, during which he rescued Sita from King Ravana in an epic battle detailed in the Ramayana.

In the south, Deepavali is celebrated as a one-day festival in honour of Lord Krishna’s victory over the Demon Narakasura. In Jainism, Diwali is an auspicious day which marks the anniversary of Lord Mahavir‘s attainment of Moksha (enlightenment). Meanwhile, in the east, Diwali is associated with Kali Puja, which commemorates the reincarnation of the Goddess Kamalatmika. Buddhists also consider the day holy as the enlightened one, Gautam Buddha returned to Kapilavastu after 18 long years with his followers. Their return was celebrated by an endless sea of light.