The untold significance of Diwali
Posted on: 18/Oct/2017 9:51:20 AM
One of the most celebrated Hindu festivals in India is Diwali or Deepavali. Not just Hindus, the festival is celebrated across the country and all over the world by people of mixed religions. The festival is also called as the Festival of Lights, as it involves a lot of pomp and show.
Deepavali stands for Deep and avail. Deep means light and Avail is a row, thus meaning a row of lights altogether.
Generally, Diwali falls during the ending days of October or early November. Importantly, it falls in Aippasi / Karthigai month (a Hindu month) in general. So, there may be variations in the exact date of Deepavali every year.
Mixed history of Diwali
The history of Diwali dates back to the ancient Indian period. It is also said that this is one of the most important harvest festival. A lot of people even believe this as a commemoration of marriage between Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. On the other hand, a few others claim this as the birthday of goddess Lakshmi. This is the day to worship goddess Kali in Bengal. And on the same day, lord Ganesh is also worshiped for his auspicious being.
Coming on to what the Hindu tradition has to say, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile period. On their return, the people in Ayodhya are said to have celebrated by lighting Diyas all over and burst crackers.
4 days of Diwali celebration
There are different forms of Diwali celebration in India. We basically celebrate it as a festival of four days each one with its own significance.
- On the very first day, it is called Naraka Chaturdasi. This is the commemoration of victory of Lord Krishna over Naraka
- The second day is the Amavasya where we worship goddess Lakshmi
- The third day is the Karika Shudda Padyami. On this day, Bali is said to come out of hell and rule the entire world
- Yama Dvitiya marks the fourth day when Bhai Dooj is performed. On this day, sisters usually invite brothers to their houses
In India, in 2017, Diwali falls to be on 18th October.
In addition to this, Diwali is widely referred to as the festival of lights, as it celebrates the fight and victory of good over evil and darkness.
Wishing you all a very Happy and Safe Diwali 2017!
