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Diwali
The Festival of Lights โ Victory of Light over Darkness, Good over Evil
Overview
Diwali (เคฆเฅเคตเคพเคฒเฅ) โ from Sanskrit "Deepavali" (row of lamps) โ is the festival of lights, celebrated across India and by Hindus worldwide. It signifies the victory of light (deep) over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil. The festival typically lasts five days (Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj), with the main celebration being the third night when Lakshmi Puja is performed. Diwali commemorates multiple events in different traditions: Rama's return to Ayodhya (Ramayana), Lakshmi's emergence from the Samudra Manthan, Krishna's victory over Narakasura, and the day Guru Hargobind released himself from imprisonment (Sikh tradition).
Origin & History
Rama's Return (Ramayana)
The most famous story: After Rama killed Ravana and rescued Sita, he returned to Ayodhya. The people of Ayodhya, overjoyed at their king's return, lit oil lamps (diyas) throughout the city to celebrate. This is the primary origin of Diwali โ the celebration of dharma's victory and the return of the ideal king.
Lakshmi's Emergence
In another tradition, Diwali celebrates Lakshmi's emergence from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean). She appeared on a lotus, holding a pot of gold (nela). Thus Diwali is also Lakshmi's night โ the goddess of wealth and prosperity is especially accessible.
Krishna's Victory over Narakasura
In some traditions (especially South India), the second day (Naraka Chaturdashi) celebrates Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura. The morning of Diwali, people wake before dawn, apply oil to their bodies, and take a bath to cleanse themselves of sin โ this prepares them to receive Lakshmi's blessings.
Sikh Connection
For Sikhs, Diwali commemorates Guru Hargobind's release from imprisonment in 1619. He was freed along with other political prisoners, and they arrived in Amritsar on Diwali. The Golden Temple was lit to celebrate their return.
Jain Connection
Jains celebrate Diwali as the day when Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana (liberation). The light metaphor applies โ Mahavira's light illuminating the path.
The Five Days
| Day | Name | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhanteras | Wealth and prosperity (Lakshmi's day) |
| 2 | Naraka Chaturdashi | Krishna's victory over Narakasura |
| 3 | Lakshmi Puja (Diwali main) | Lights, Lakshmi worship, fireworks |
| 4 | Govardhan Puja | Krishna as Govardhan (hill) worship |
| 5 | Bhai Dooj | Bonds between siblings |
Core Teachings
Light over Darkness
The fundamental teaching: light (knowledge, truth, dharma) inevitably triumphs over darkness (ignorance, falsehood, adharma). This is not wishful thinking but a cosmic principle.
Lakshmi as Inner Wealth
While Diwali celebrates material prosperity (Lakshmi), the deeper teaching is inner wealth โ the wealth of wisdom, devotion, and spiritual abundance. The external lights (diyas) symbolize the inner light of the Self.
Community and Family
Diwali is a time for family reunion, forgiveness, and renewal of relationships. The festival teaches: dharma extends to our bonds with family and community.
Sacred Texts Associated
| Text | Description |
|---|---|
| Ramayana | Rama's return and lighting of lamps |
| Skanda Purana | Lakshmi's emergence |
| Vishnu Purana | Various Diwali-related stories |
| Puranas | Multiple references to deepavali |
Daily Practice [BEGINNER]
Lighting Diyas:
- Light oil lamps (diyas) in your home
- Place them at doorways, windows, on the family shrine
- The light represents the victory of light over darkness
Lakshmi Puja:
- On the main night (Lakshmi Puja night), clean the house
- Install Lakshmi's image or picture
- Offer: flowers, incense, lamp, sweets
- Recite: Lakshmi Chalisa or simple Lakshmi mantras
Family Gathering:
- Diwali is a time for family
- If possible, gather with family for celebration
- Exchange sweets and blessings
Daily Practice [INTERMEDIATE]
Dhanteras Observation:
- On Dhanteras (first day), buy gold, silver, or metal items
- This invites Lakshmi into the home
- Some observe no borrowing on this day
Naraka Chaturdashi Ritual:
- Wake before sunrise
- Perform abhisheka (bathing ritual) to cleanse sin
- Some observe a bath with herbs and flowers
Five-Day Practice:
- Observe each of the five days with appropriate rituals
- This creates a complete Diwali experience
- Use each day for specific intention-setting
Daily Practice [SCHOLAR]
Textual Study:
- Study the Ramayana's account of Rama's return
- Analyze the symbolism of the diya (lamp) in various traditions
- Compare Diwali accounts across different Puranas
Regional Variations:
- North Indian (Rama's return) vs. South Indian (Krishna's victory)
- Bengal (different Lakshmi worship focus)
- Analyze the regional variations and what they reveal about local theology
Comparative Study:
- Compare Diwali with other festivals of light (Hanukkah, Bodhi Day)
- Analyze the "light over darkness" theme in world religions
- Study the economic and social dimensions of Diwali celebration
Living Tradition
The Night of Lakshmi Puja
The main night (usually the third day) is when Lakshmi Puja is performed. Families:
- Clean the house thoroughly
- Decorate with rangoli (colorful designs at doorstep)
- Install Lakshmi and Ganesha images
- Light hundreds of diyas
- Perform the full puja
- Then explode fireworks
Exchange of Sweets
The tradition of exchanging sweets (mithai) is central โ families visit each other, gifts are exchanged, and the festival creates social bonds.
Golden Temple
For Sikhs, the Golden Temple in Amritsar is lit spectacularly on Diwali. Thousands of pilgrims visit. The celebration honors Guru Hargobind's release.
Modern Diwali
In cities and diaspora, Diwali has become:
- A major commercial festival (fireworks, sweets, gifts)
- A time for family reunion
- A celebration of Indian culture globally
Known Limitations
- Diwali has become associated with excessive noise (fireworks), pollution, and sometimes alcohol โ these are modern deviations from traditional observance
- The regional variations are significant โ presenting one region's celebration as "the" Diwali misrepresents others
- The "festival of lights" has been commercialized in ways that can obscure its spiritual significance