History of Diwali

Diwali, as we know it today, is more of a social observance, where the greatest emphasis is paid to visiting friends and family, and partaking celebrations with great enthusiasm. However, what is of greatest significance in the celebrations of Diwali is the history and the legends that surround it. They help give true meaning to the festival and teach us how it is really to be enjoyed.  

It is not just Diwali which enjoys great history and significance. There is a history and meaning to every celebration, covering each of the five days of Diwali. Whether in the celebration of Bhai Duj, Dhanteras or even the Govardhan Puja, it must be remembered that there is some meaning, history and purpose to each.  

Diwali has the unique distinction of being a festival that has relevance in several ages of Hindu history. Most epics allude to stories which, over the years, have translated into legends that give Diwali its significance and true import.

Rama Returns to Ayodhya

The most popular legend commemorates the victory of Lord Rama (an incarnate of Lord Vishnu) over Ravana, the ruler of Lanka. On rescuing his wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana, Lord Rama returned home to Ayodhya after an exile of fourteen years on the day we know today as Diwali. Symbolic of the victory of good over evil, this implores us to let the good in our heart get the better of immorality. Today’s Diwali is all about lighting diyas and lamps around the house as an auspicious omen welcoming Lord Rama to our homes and hearts.

Krishna Conquers Narakasur

Diwali is also celebrated as the day that the demon Narakasur was destroyed by Lord Krishna. A menace who constantly troubled the womenfolk, Narakasur finally repented and implored Krishna that his death should be cause for happiness among the people. True to his word, Lord Krishna ensured that Diwali and happiness became synonymous. It is customary for families to wake up in the morning, bathe and light some crackers in the joy of Narakasur’s defeat, and in the renewed faith that God will come to rescue man should He be called with true faith.

Krishna and Indra

Although most people only know Diwali to be a festival for extravagance and fun, this is also a time of humility and thanksgiving. Diwali puja is also meant to offer thanks for the endless gifts of nature. The residents of Gokul managed to earn the wrath of Lord Indra when they, on the insistence of Krishna , stopped praying to Him and to Mount Govardhan instead. What followed were raging storms that threatened to submerge the entire region. Krishna then gave all inhabitants shelter under the mountain which he lifted with his little finger, and held overhead for seven long days till Indra’s wrath had been spent.

Bali and Vamana

A king called Bali was once humbled by Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Bali was gaining disrepute for his arrogance. On assuming gigantic proportions, the midget Vamana took three strides of the earth, the last one on the head of King Bali to subjugate him completely. For the goodness which the king possessed in abundance, the Lord blessed him with the boon that he could return to his kingdom and celebrate with his subjects once a year, on the occasion of Diwali. This is yet another reason why this festival is characterised by cheer and goodwill.

Sikh and Jain faiths

Apart from a staunch Hindu following, Diwali has a bearing on the Jains and Sikhs as well. The Sikh community celebrates on this day the homecoming of their sixth guru, Hargobind who was held captive in Gwalior. Followers of Jainism observe this day as one of reverence, as this is the day Lord Mahavira attained salvation or kevala gyana. The legends are only simple, appealing ways to imbibe the goodness and the true spirit of Diwali. Without exemplifying the values this festival symbolizes, the essence of Diwali is lost.

The colours and dazzle of Diwali has spread way beyond Indian to include those who reside abroad as well. In attempts at being able to savour the sweetness of Diwali, and also as a means of inducting children into the festival and its importance, families are looking at ways to make Diwali more appealing and relevant to their children. With an understanding of the legends and by sharing it with their children, everyone now has a chance to celebrate Diwali uninhibitedly, more so by sending Diwali Gifts Online