Diwali 2022 – All you need to know about this festival of lights

About Diwali

Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It got its name from Sanskrit word Deepawali which means rows of lights. Deepawali symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated between mid-October to mid- November, when Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped.

It is celebrated over the period of 5 days; first day is called Dhanvantari Triyadashi or Dhanteras. On this day the god of medicine, Lord Dhanwantari came out of ocean with science of Ayurveda for mankind. The second day of Diwali is called Naraka Chaturdashi. Third day is for devoting to Lakshmi Puja. The fourth day is for Govardhan Puja, when Lord Krishna asked the people of Vrindavan to pray to Giri Govardhan, the hill, instead of Indra. The fifth day is Bhai Dooj dedicated to brothers and sisters. It is said that Lord of Death Yama once visited his sister Yamuna. He gave blessing that who would visit her sister on this day, would be freed from all sins, get Moksha and live long.

Let’s explore various legends behind the celebration of Diwali-

Diwali in Ramayana

Hindu epic Ramayana says Diwali marks the day Rama, Sita and Lakshmana return to Ayodhaya after 14 years in exile. Rama was exiled by his own father king Dasharatha. Later Rama, Sita and Lakshmana faced various hardships while travelling through forest.

In exile she was kidnapped by Ravana and takes Sita across sea to his kingdom of Lanka.

Rama with the help of Jatayu the Divine bird, Sugriva king of Vanaras and Hanuman tried to fight off Ravana. Later they made bridge of stones over the sea, writing Rama over it to reach Lanka.

In the fight between good and evil, Rama killed Ravana and rescued Sita.

They returned to Ayodhaya from Lanka after 21 days. To celebrate this victory and return people of Ayodhaya cleaned their houses, lighted lamp to light their path.

So, the ritual of cleaning, lighting continuous to be an important part of Diwali to represent the victory of good over evil and show as remembrance. Bringing joy of light.

Other must to know stories linked with Diwali-

Lord Krishna killed Narakasur

Narakasur son of goddess earth Bhudevi and Varaha. Bhudevi got blessing from Vishnu that Narakasur must be all powerful and must have long life.  When he conquered both heaven and earth and took 16000 women with him. So, Krishna, avatar to Lord Vishnu killed Narakasur and freed all 16000 women on the request and pray of all gods.  Krishna married these women and to restore their dignity.

Before death Nakarasur asked for blessing that his death should be celebrated on this day, so since then this day is celebrated as Diwali.

Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana

Lod Mahavira, the 24^th and last Tirthankara, teacher who preaches Dharma, attained Nirvana (Moksha) on the day. Hence, we celebrate Diwali for Mahavira’s soul who have become Siddha, the purest form of soul.

Rescue of Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali

Powerful king who ruled earth Mahabali defeated all the gods and enslaved Goddess Lakshmi after defeating all the gods. Vaman fifth avatar Vishnu killed Bali and rescued Goddess Lakshmi. So on this day, Lakshmi Ji is worshipped.

Coronation of King Vikramaditya

Return Of Pandavas

Epic Mahabharata says, Pandavas returned to Hastinapur after 13 years of exile. People welcomed Pandavas by lighting their houses with earth lamps.

• As it is well known that Diwali is celebrated at multiple locations with multiple believes but its all about victory of good over evil, celebrations and blessings.
• In present days, preparations start much ahead with cleaning of our houses.
• On Dhanteras we by auspicious silver/ gold or other objects.
• On the Diwali day we light our houses with candles, diyas, lights, prepare rangoli. We pray goddess prosperity and wealth Lakshmi ji and Ganesh ji offer flowers, prasad recite puja mantras with family for blessings.
• Later evening we share gifts, cooked food, prasad, sweets to friends’ neighbours to remove evil and celebrate happiness. Wishes good luck and prosperity.
• Diwali is especially awaited by children as they light crackers to lighten the night indicating path in darkness, along with family. 

On the fourth day, our Govardhan puja is performed and the festival of lights ends with Bhai Dooj, which is very similar to Raksha Bandhan as it is a celebration of love between a brother and sister.

Story written by – Sweta Shashi