The Story of Diwali: Celebrating Light Over Darkness
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in
India, representing a time of joy, unity, and cultural richness. This
auspicious occasion is marked by various rituals, customs, and traditions
that bring families and communities together. But why is Diwali celebrated?
What is the story behind this vibrant festival? As you delve into the
details of Diwali, you will uncover its significance, explore the legends
that enrich its narrative, and learn about the unique ways in which people
celebrate this cherished festival across the globe. From lighting diyas to
exchanging gifts, understanding these aspects will give you a deeper
appreciation for Diwali and its place in the hearts of millions.
Festival of Diwali
People go to each other's houses and greet them with happiness and wealth.
They all worship goddess Laxmi on Diwali. People also firecrackers and
light lamps to showcase their happiness. The main motto of the festival is
to make people understand how these festivals teach us morals. Everyone
gives sweets to each other and offers food to needy people. People also
clean their houses and surroundings to welcome everyone. Diwali is a
festival to celebrate happiness and love.
Diwali Story
Lord Ram was sent into exile for fourteen years. He was accompanied by Lord
Lakshman and Goddess Sita. Lord Lakshman is Lord Ram’s brother, and Goddess
Sita is Lord Ram’s wife. They all spent fourteen years wandering in
jungles, facing various challenges and adventures during their exile.
During this time, they encountered mystical creatures and made allies,
including the devoted monkey god, Hanuman. However, Ravana, who was the
king of Lanka, kidnapped Goddess Sita. He was the rival of Lord Ram and
deceived Goddess Sita by converting himself into a saint. This act of
deceit led to a series of events that tested the strength and resolve of
Lord Ram and his companions.
Determined to rescue Sita, Lord Rama with Lord Lakshman, Lord Hanuman, and
thousands of monkeys went to fight Ravana. They fought many battles with
the rival forces, showcasing immense bravery and strategic warfare. The
turning point came when Lord Hanuman flew to Lanka, found Sita, and
delivered Lord Rama's message, giving her hope. After a fierce and intense
battle, Lord Rama finally defeated Ravana and saved Goddess Sita. He won a
war over evil. They returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana with a great
victory, signifying the triumph of good over evil.
His arrival in Ayodhya spread happiness and smiles among all the residents.
The entire kingdom was adorned with lights and decorations in celebration.
He was welcomed with flowers and lamps. People worshipped Lord Rama and
Goddess Sita and their companions, lighting oil lamps (diyas) to illuminate
the night sky and guide them home. This joyous occasion marked the
beginning of the Diwali festival, symbolising hope, renewal, and the
victory of righteousness.
Why do we Celebrate Diwali?
Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. All the people of
Ayodhya were tremendously happy to hear the news. They decorated the whole
place with flowers and lighted lamps all around. They made Ayodhya very
beautiful. When Lord Rama reached Ayodhya, they worshipped all of them,
including Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshman, for their bravery and resilience
during the challenging times.
The celebration of Diwali goes beyond just the return of Lord Rama. It
signifies the triumph of good over evil, as represented by Lord Rama's
victory over the demon king Ravana. This story serves as a reminder of the
importance of righteousness (dharma) and the strength of love and loyalty
in overcoming obstacles.
After their arrival in Ayodhya, people started celebrating that day as
Diwali every year. People light lamps and decorate their homes with
flowers. Diwali is to celebrate the victory of good over evil. People
showcase their happiness and love towards each other. They give sweets to
each other. They also create intricate rangoli designs at their doorsteps
to welcome guests and the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, into their homes.
Diwali is not only a time for celebration but also a period for reflection
and forgiveness. People clean and renovate their homes, symbolising the
removal of negativity and the welcoming of positivity. Families come
together, and it is customary to exchange sweets and gifts, showcasing
their happiness and love towards each other.
In addition to the religious significance, Diwali has become a cultural
festival that promotes unity and togetherness among people from all walks
of life. The festival also includes various customs, such as performing
prayers (puja) for wealth and prosperity, which is often done in front of
beautifully decorated altars.
As the festival has evolved, it now incorporates modern elements like
fireworks and community celebrations, bringing people together in joyous
gatherings. Ultimately, Diwali serves as a reminder of the enduring light
of hope and the bonds of love that connect us all.
Celebrations in Ayodhya: The Homecoming of Lord Rama
When Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, the entire city
erupted in joy and celebration. The people of Ayodhya had long awaited this
moment, and they prepared to welcome their beloved prince with immense
enthusiasm and reverence.
1. Decoration of Ayodhya: The streets and homes were lavishly decorated
with flowers, garlands, and vibrant rangoli designs. The citizens adorned
their houses with colourful decorations, creating an atmosphere filled with
joy and excitement. Every corner of Ayodhya was transformed into a
beautiful spectacle to honour Lord Rama's return.
2. Lighting of Diyas: One of the most significant aspects of the
celebration was the lighting of oil lamps, known as diyas. People lit
thousands of diyas throughout the city, illuminating the night sky. The
light from these diyas symbolised the victory of light over darkness and
good over evil. It is said that the brightness of the diyas could be seen
from afar, guiding Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman as they entered the city.
3. Welcoming with Joy: As Lord Rama, accompanied by Goddess Sita and Lord
Lakshman, approached Ayodhya, the citizens lined the streets to greet them.
They showered flowers and offered heartfelt prayers, expressing their
gratitude for the return of their rightful king. The atmosphere was filled
with chants, cheers, and songs of joy, celebrating the long-awaited
homecoming.
4. Worship and Offerings: Upon entering Ayodhya, the royal family was
welcomed with traditional rituals. People performed aarti (a ceremonial
prayer) and offered sweets and fruits to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita,
signifying their devotion and respect. Temples and homes were filled with
prayers, and special ceremonies were conducted to honour their return.
5. Festive Feasting: The celebration was not just limited to decorations
and prayers; it also involved feasting. Families came together to prepare
delicious meals and sweets. They exchanged gifts and sweets with neighbours
and friends, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
6. Community Celebration: The celebration of Lord Rama’s return marked a
new beginning for the people of Ayodhya. They expressed their happiness
through dance and music, showcasing traditional performances that
highlighted the importance of love, loyalty, and righteousness. This
communal joy solidified the bonds among the residents of Ayodhya, as they
celebrated not just a royal return but the triumph of good over evil.
7. Establishing a Tradition: The joyous celebration of Lord Rama's return
laid the foundation for what is now known as Diwali, a festival celebrated
annually. It became a tradition to light diyas, decorate homes, and
celebrate with family and friends, reflecting the same joy and unity
experienced during Lord Rama's return.
Why do People Worship Goddess Laxmi on Diwali?
People also worship Goddess Laxmi on Diwali. As the goddess of wealth,
prosperity, and fortune, she is believed to bring abundance and happiness
to those who seek her blessings. On this auspicious day, devotees clean
their homes and decorate them with flowers and lights, creating a welcoming
atmosphere for Goddess Laxmi to enter.
In addition to Goddess Laxmi, people also worship Lord Ganesha, the remover
of obstacles, and Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
By worshipping these deities together, devotees seek a balanced life filled
with wealth, wisdom, and the ability to overcome challenges. They offer
sweets, fruits, and flowers during the puja (prayer ritual) as symbols of
their devotion and gratitude.
Families and friends gather to perform prayers, and it is common to light
diyas (oil lamps) and candles during worship, signifying the removal of
darkness and ignorance. This practice emphasizes the belief that light and
knowledge can dispel negativity and bring positivity into one’s life.
Diwali also teaches us to always be happy, even in bad times. The festival
encourages the values of kindness and compassion. People are reminded to
light lamps not just in their homes but also in the lives of others,
spreading joy and positivity.
Additionally, the festival inspires acts of charity. Many individuals and
families take this opportunity to help the needy and poor, offering food,
clothes, and essentials. This selfless act of giving is a way to show
gratitude for one’s own blessings and to uplift those who are less
fortunate. { ['Essence of the Fifth Veda' by Gaurang Daman}
NO IT IS NOT COUNTER;
Sri Rama reached Ayodhya in Chaitra month ( March-April), but not on
Kaartika Amavasya.
The vanaras sent in Southern direction in Sarad Ritu (September - October)
lost their way and enters in a Big cave and finally reach a big mansion.
After coming out of that cave and reaching Ocean, they found that much time
was lost and already Vasanta Ritu - Spring season (February - March ) has
arrived.
ते वसंतम् अनुप्राप्तम् प्रतिवेद्य परस्परम् | नष्ट संदेश काल अर्था निपेतुर्
धरणी तले || ४-५३-५ VR
"On discussing among themselves they found that spring season has arrived,
and they also found the purpose of timely messaging about Seetha to
Sugreeva is lost, thus they plumped down onto the surface of earth"
After taking guidance of Sampati, Sri Hanuma flew to Lanka on the same day
Sri Hanuma spent 1 full night in Lanka and after meeting Sita and fighting
with Rakshasas and he came back on the next day.
After his coming back and narrating his exploits to Vanaras, immediately
they flew back to Kishkinda, with a brief sojourn in Madhuvana., on the
same day.
Immediately after hearing the news of Sita, Sri Rama started on war
expedition on the day when the Nakshtra was Uttara Phalguni.
a) The journey time from kishkinda to Ocean was not provided in Srimad
Ramayana.
b) He spent 3 days praying for Ocean god.
तस्य रामस्य सुप्तस्य कुश आस्तीर्णे मही तले | नियमाद् अप्रमत्तस्य निशास्
तिस्रो अतिचक्रमुः || ६-२१-१०
Following the scriptural injunction, that Rama who was devoted to his
sacred vow, while sleeping on the ground spread with Kusha grass, spent a
time of three nights there."
c) 5 days were spent in construction of Bridge to Lanka.
d) 1 Full day was taken to reach Lanka. Sri Rama spent that night on Mount
Suvela.
5) On the next day Angada was sent as emissary to Ravana and war began on
the same day. On the First (1 day) day of the war , Indrajit bounded Sri
Rama and Lakshmana with Nagaastra. However, at the arrival of Garuda, they
were relieved.
6) on the 2nd of war Ravana himself enters the battle field, and gets
defeated at the hands of and let off by Sri Rama. Kumbakarna was woken up.
7) On the 3rd day of the war Kumbakarna gets killed at the hands of Sri
Rama. Indrajit eliminates 67 crores of Vanaras, and Lakshmana gets hurt.
Sri Hanuma brings Sanjeevani Hill and Lakshmana gets rejuvenated.
8) On the 4th day of the war , Indrajit gets killed on Krishna Chaturdasi
day (It must be Phalguna Month)
अभ्युत्थानं त्वमद्यैव कृष्णपक्षचतुर्दशीम् || ९२-६-६६ कृत्वा
निर्याह्यमावास्यां विजयाय बलैर्वृतः |
"Making yourself ready today itself, the fourteenth day of the dark half of
this month, you along with the armies, sally forth tomorrow, the moonless
day, to victory."
9) The war between Sri Rama and Ravana started on Amavasya day and
continued for 1 full day.
10) It was described in Srimad Ramayana that Sri Rama reached the hermitage
of the sage Bharadwaja, on the fifth (5th) day of lunar month after
completion of 14 years of exile.
पूर्णे चतुर्दशे वर्षे पञ्चम्यां लक्ष्मणाग्रजः | भरद्वाजाश्रमं प्राप्य
ववन्दे नियतो मुनिम् || ६-१२४-१
After completion of fourteen years of his exile and on the fifth day of the
bright half of the lunar month , Rama, who was disciplined even now,
reaching the hermitage of the sage Bharadwaja, offered his salutation to
the sage.
Sri Hanuma conveys to Bharata that on the next day, when the nakshtra
(Star) was Pushyami , Sri Rama will reach Ayodhya.
तं गङ्गां पुनरासाद्य वसन्तं मुनिसंनिधौ || ६-१२६-५४ अविघ्नं पुष्ययोगेन श्वो
रामं द्रष्टुमर्हसि |
"Reaching the coast-line of Ganga-river again, Rama is staying in the
presence of the sage, Bharadwaja. Tomorrow, when the moon will be in
conjunction with the asteroid, Pushya you will be able to see Rama, without
any obstacle."
After deciding upon the Crown prince ceremony of Sri Rama, the king
Dasaratha directs his priests Vasistha, Vamadeva, etc to make arrangements.
चैत्रः श्रीमानयं मासः पुण्यः पुष्पितकाननः | यौवराज्याय रामस्य
सर्वमेवोपकल्प्यताम् || २-३-४ राज्ञस्तूपरते वाक्ये जनघोषो महानभूत् |
"This is the glorious and auspicious month of Chaitra, in which the forests
bloom with flowers. Let all arrangements be made for the coronation of Rama
as prince." While these words of the king were being completed, there was a
great delightful uproar of the people."
The king Dasaratha then informs Sri Rama about the ceremony.
यतस्त्वया प्रजाश्चेमाः स्वगुणैरनुरञ्जिताः || २-३-४० तस्मात्त्वं पुष्ययोगेन
यौवराज्यमवाप्नुहि |
"O, Rama! As you with your good qualities cherished these people, you get
the princely kingdom on the day of Pushyami star (when the moon appears in
conjunction with the constellation Pushya).."
On the same day, Sri Rama left for the Forest in order to fulful the boon
given by his father to Kaikeyi. So it is Chaitra month in which he left
Ayodhya.
So Sri Rama reached Ayodhya again in Chaitra month only (March - April)
Hence Rama seetha would not have celebrated the deepavali at all
K Rajaram IRS 311024
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