Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and by Indians around the world. The word “Diwali” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which means a row of lights. The festival typically lasts for five days and usually falls in October or November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.
Diwali holds great significance in various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. While the specific reasons for celebrating Diwali vary among these traditions, the common theme is the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Here are some of the main reasons and significance of Diwali:
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Hindu Tradition:
- Victory of Good over Evil: Diwali is often associated with the Hindu epic, Ramayana, which narrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The lighting of lamps and candles symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, and the return of Lord Rama is celebrated with great joy.
- Goddess Lakshmi: Diwali is also dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. People believe that she visits homes that are well-lit, clean, and adorned during Diwali, bringing prosperity and good fortune.
- Lord Krishna and Govardhan Puja: In some regions, Diwali is associated with the worship of Lord Krishna and the Govardhan Puja, which commemorates the lifting of the Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra.
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Jain Tradition:
- Mahavira’s Nirvana: For Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of Lord Mahavira’s attainment of nirvana (liberation) on the dark night of Amavasya. The festival is a time for reflection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness.
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Sikh Tradition:
- Guru Hargobind’s Release: For Sikhs, Diwali is associated with the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, from imprisonment in the Gwalior Fort. Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, meaning “Prisoner Release Day.”
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Common Significance:
- Celebration of Light: Across all traditions, Diwali is a festival of lights. People decorate their homes with oil lamps, candles, and colorful rangoli (decorative art created on the ground). The idea is to dispel darkness and invite positivity into one’s life.
- Family and Community Celebrations: Diwali is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, share festive meals, and enjoy cultural activities. It fosters a sense of unity, joy, and community spirit.
Diwali is a multi-faceted festival that carries different meanings for various religious and cultural traditions, but it universally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil.
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