Diwali festival

Diwali festival Deepavali, Festival of Lights, Diya, Rangoli, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Dhanteras Naraka Chaturdashi, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj.

What is the Diwali Festival?

At its core, the Diwali festival is a celebration of light conquering darkness, knowledge triumphing over ignorance, and hope prevailing over despair. While the central theme remains consistent, the specific legends and traditions vary across different regions of India and among various communities.

• The Festival of Lights: A Universal Symbol
  • The most striking characteristic of the Diwali festival is undeniably its emphasis on light. Homes are adorned with strings of electric lights, intricate lanterns, and, most traditionally, countless Diya (earthen lamps). This act of illuminating our surroundings is symbolic. It’s not just about brightening physical spaces; it’s about igniting the light of wisdom, joy, and spiritual understanding within ourselves. Each flickering flame represents a prayer for clarity and a warding off of negativity.
  • Diya are central to the aesthetics and symbolism. Hand-painted and simple, they embody humility and tradition, their gentle glow a stark contrast to the modern LED lights, yet equally significant.
• Victory of Good Over Evil: The Core Narrative
  • The fundamental message of the Diwali festival resonates deeply with the human spirit: the ultimate victory of good over evil. This narrative is woven into various mythological tales associated with the festival, making it a powerful reminder of dharma and justice.

II. The Grand Narratives: Stories Behind the Diwali Festival

The rich tapestry of the Diwali festival is woven with countless stories and legends. Understanding these tales helps us appreciate the depth and diversity of this celebration.

Diwali festival

• Lord Rama’s Return: The Ayodhya Connection
  • Perhaps the most widely celebrated legend, especially in North India, revolves around the epic Ramayana. The Diwali festival marks the glorious return of Lord Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the vanquishing of the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit up their city with thousands of Diya to welcome their beloved king and queen, symbolizing the end of a dark era and the dawn of righteousness. This homecoming is a powerful testament to the victory of good over evil and is a cornerstone of the Diwali festival‘s spiritual narrative.
• Goddess Lakshmi’s Birth and Blessing: The Pursuit of Prosperity
  • Another crucial aspect of the Diwali festival is the reverence for Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi was born during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) on the day of Diwali. Therefore, her worship is paramount, as devotees seek her blessings for material and spiritual abundance. This aspect is particularly prominent in business communities, marking the beginning of a new financial year.
• Lord Krishna’s Triumph: The Naraka Chaturdashi Link
  • The second day of the Diwali festival, known as Naraka Chaturdashi, commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. This specific day also emphasizes the victory of good over evil, with Krishna liberating thousands of captivated princesses. It’s a day often marked by special oil baths and early morning rituals.
• The Jain and Sikh Connections
  • The Diwali festival also holds immense significance for Jains, marking the attainment of Moksha (nirvana) by Lord Mahavir. For Sikhs, it commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 Hindu kings from Mughal imprisonment, a day celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas. These diverse narratives underscore the pan-Indian and even global appeal of the Diwali festival.

III. The Five Glorious Days: A Journey Through Diwali’s Rituals

The Diwali festival is not a single-day event; it’s a five-day extravaganza, each day imbued with its own unique significance and rituals.

• Day 1: Dhanteras – The Worship of Wealth and Well-being
  • The Diwali festival officially kicks off with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to prosperity and well-being. “Dhan” means wealth, and “teras” refers to the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight. On this day, people traditionally purchase new utensils, gold, or silver, believing it brings good luck and wards off misfortune. Homes are thoroughly cleaned, preparing them for the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Small Diya are lit at the entrance, welcoming positive energies.
• Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi – Cleansing and Liberation
  • As mentioned earlier, Naraka Chaturdashi celebrates Lord Krishna’s triumph over Narakasura. This day is marked by an early morning ritualistic oil bath, believed to cleanse the body and soul. It’s a time for reflection and shedding negative energies, symbolizing a fresh start before the main Diwali festival celebrations.
• Day 3: Lakshmi Puja – The Heart of the Diwali puja
  • This is the main day of the Diwali puja. The evening of Lakshmi Puja is the most anticipated and sacred. Families gather to perform the elaborate Puja (prayer ritual) to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha (Lord of beginnings).
    • Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is worshipped first to ensure the smooth conduct of the puja and to bless new beginnings.
    • The Puja involves intricate preparations: idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha are bathed, adorned with fresh garlands, and offered various items like fruits, sweets, coins, and flowers. Diya and candles illuminate the entire space, creating an ethereal glow.
    • The belief is that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are clean, well-lit, and filled with devotion. After the Puja, families light Fireworks and share Mithai and Uphaar.
• Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Padwa – Devotion and Marital Love
  • The fourth day holds different significances. In some regions, it’s Govardhan Puja, commemorating Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from Indra’s wrath. Devotees build small mounds of cow dung, symbolizing the Govardhan Hill, and worship them.
  • For many, this day is also known as Padwa or Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year), celebrating the love between husband and wife. Wives traditionally apply Tilak on their husband’s forehead, praying for their long life and prosperity, and receive Uphaar in return.
• Day 5: Bhai Dooj – The Bond of Sibling Love
  • The Diwali festival concludes with Bhai Dooj, a day dedicated to celebrating the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters. Similar to Raksha Bandhan, sisters pray for their brothers’ longevity and well-being, applying a Tilak on their forehead and offering sweets. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters and give them Uphaar. It’s a heartwarming culmination of the five-day celebration, reinforcing familial ties.

IV. The Aesthetics and Sounds of the Diwali Festival: Decor, Delights, and Dazzle

Beyond the rituals, the sensory experience of the Diwali festival is what makes it truly unforgettable.

• Diwali Decorations: A Kaleidoscope of Colours
  • Homes undergo a stunning transformation during the Diwali festival. Every nook and cranny is adorned.
    • Rangoli: Perhaps the most iconic decoration, Rangoli are intricate patterns created on floors, especially at the entrance of homes, using colored powders, rice flour, flower petals, or even pulses. These beautiful, ephemeral artworks are believed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and bring good fortune. Each region has its unique Rangoli style and patterns.
    • Diya and Lights: The omnipresent Diya provide a warm, traditional glow, complemented by vibrant strings of electric lights, lanterns, and candles that adorn every facade. The aim is to make every home sparkle, reflecting the inner joy.
    • Torans and Flowers: Doorways are graced with artistic Toran made of mango leaves and marigolds, symbolizing freshness and auspiciousness. Fresh flowers, especially marigolds and roses, are used extensively for decoration.
• Mithai and Feasts: A Symphony for the Palate
  • No Indian festival is complete without an abundance of food, and the Diwali festival is a culinary paradise.
    • Mithai: The star of the show is undoubtedly Mithai (sweets). From traditional Laddoos, Barfis, Gulab Jamuns, and Jalebis to region-specific delicacies, homes are filled with the aroma of freshly made treats. These are not just consumed but are integral to the exchange of Uphaar and offerings during Puja.
    • Savoury Delights: Alongside the sweets, an array of savoury snacks like Namkeen, Chakli, and Mathri are prepared, ensuring a balanced feast for all. Family gatherings revolve around lavish meals, fostering togetherness and sharing.
• Uphaar: The Joy of Giving
  • The spirit of giving is paramount during the Diwali festival. Uphaar (gifts) are exchanged generously among family, friends, neighbours, and even colleagues. These can range from boxes of Mithai, dry fruits, and household items to more personalized presents. The act of giving and receiving Uphaar strengthens bonds and spreads happiness.
• Fireworks: Lighting Up the Night Sky
  • As dusk settles on the main day, the sky erupts in a spectacular display of Fireworks. While increasingly debated for environmental reasons, Fireworks have long been an exhilarating part of the Diwali festival, symbolizing the bursting forth of joy and the celebration of victory. Sparklers, rockets, and various firecrackers illuminate the night, creating a festive atmosphere that is both dazzling and thrilling. Many are now moving towards quieter, more eco-friendly celebrations, focusing on community and light.

Diwali festival

V. The Deeper Meaning: Why the Diwali puja Still Resonates

Beyond the glitter and gusto, the Diwali puja holds profound spiritual and social significance that transcends generations.

• New Beginnings and Renewal: The Diwali puja is a time for fresh starts. Homes are decluttered and purified, old debts are settled (both financial and emotional), and new accounts are opened. It’s a societal reset button, encouraging individuals to shed negativity and embrace optimism.
• Unity in Diversity: Despite its myriad legends and regional variations, the Diwali puja unites people across India. It fosters a sense of community, encouraging visits to family and friends, reconciliation, and mutual respect.
• Spiritual Awakening: The lighting of Diya and the performance of Puja are not mere rituals; they are acts of devotion intended to awaken inner light and connect with the divine. The presence of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha in the core worship symbolizes the balance between material prosperity and spiritual wisdom – true wealth encompasses both.
• Ethical Living: The overarching theme of the victory of good over evil serves as a constant reminder to uphold righteousness, truth, and compassion in our daily lives. The stories of Rama and Sita and Krishna’s triumphs inspire moral conduct.

Diwali festival

Conclusion: The Enduring Glow of the Diwali puja

As the last sparkler fizzles out and the scent of incense lingers in the cool night air, a sense of peace settles after the joyous chaos of the Diwali festival. The lights may dim, the Rangoli may fade, and the Mithai may be all but gone, but the spirit of Deepavali endures. It’s a spirit of renewal, of hope, of family, and of the unwavering belief in the ultimate triumph of light.

The Diwali puja is more than just a tradition; it’s a living, breathing cultural heritage that continues to evolve while holding steadfast to its ancient roots. It teaches us the importance of gratitude, the joy of giving Uphaar, the strength of family bonds, and the profound significance of seeking blessings from Lakshmi and Ganesha. So, whether you celebrate with elaborate Fireworks, quiet Diya, or simply a heart full of hope, may the glow of the Diwali puja illuminate your path for the year ahead, reminding us all that even in the darkest times, there is always a light to be found.

Hi, I’m chandan kumar, a lifelong devotee and cultural enthusiast based in India. For over 20 years, I’ve been actively involved in organizing community Diwali  and charity events at Diwali festival. My writings stem from a deep personal connection to the traditions and stories of Diwali festival, passed down through my family for generations.