A plethora of narratives thrive around the genesis of one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu calendar, Diwali. Celebrated on the day of the new moon, which ends in the month of Ashwin and begins in the month of Kartika, the festival of lights has come to signify different things to different communities across India. To some, it means deliverance from evil; to others, it signifies homecoming; while for others yet, it symbolises enlightenment of their spiritual leaders.
Here's all you need to know about the origins and celebrations of Diwali in India:
THE FOLKLORES
Samudra-manthan and Goddess Laxmi
According to mythology, on Diwali, the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, appeared from the depths of the bottomless ocean during samudra-manthan (churning of the oceans). There was a time when the devas (gods) and the asuras (demons) were mrita (mortals), just like humans. To attain amarattva (immortality), they churned the ocean to seek amrita, or the nectar of immortality.
During the process, various celestial beings were churned out of the waters — Goddess Lakshmi, the daughter of the king of the milky ocean, being one of them. She was married to Lord Vishnu on this darkest night of the year. Hence, the day became a festival of lights, meant to celebrate the birth and marriage of the goddess.
Killing of Narakasura
Yet another legend speaks of Lord Krishna. According to Bhagavata Purana, a sacred Hindu text, the demon king Narakasur — the ruler of Pragjyotishpur — managed to acquire mysterious powers. He defeated Lord Indra in war and took away the earrings of Goddess Aditi. She was the ruler of Suraloka, and a close relative of Lord Krishna's wife, Satyabhama. The demon king had also confined 16,000 women — all daughters of gods and saints — at his palace.
During the process, various celestial beings were churned out of the waters — Goddess Lakshmi, the daughter of the king of the milky ocean, being one of them. She was married to Lord Vishnu on this darkest night of the year. Hence, the day became a festival of lights, meant to celebrate the birth and marriage of the goddess.
With Lord Krishna's help, Satyabhama defeated Narakasura, released the captive women and returned the stolen earrings to Goddess Aditi. To celebrate this slaying, the event is celebrated in some parts of India as Naraka Chaturdasi, just two days prior to Diwali.
King Mahabali's defeat by Lord Krishna
In Bhagavata Purana it is mentioned that King Mahabali, a powerful demon king who ruled the Earth, had taken Goddess Lakshmi captive. He was made invincible by Lord Brahma's boon, and hence, no deva could defeat him in fair battle. Hence, Lord Vishnu had to devise a little ruse to vanquish Mahabali. He disguised himself as a short Brahmin and asked the demon king for charity. The otherwise benevolent king could not refuse a Brahmin's request and was tricked into giving up his kingship and wealth. Thus, Diwali celebrates Lord Vishnu's victory over the powerful demon king.
THE HOMECOMING
The Pandavas
In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas had lost a game of dice to the Kauravas, and been banished from Hastinapura for 12 long years. They returned home after completing their exile on the day of Kartika Amavashya, a moonless night.
The people of Hastinapura illuminated the entire city with earthen lamps or diyas to celebrate the return of their favourite king. The tradition continues even today.
Lord Rama
According to the Ramayana, upon defeating Ravana, the king of Lanka, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshmana, after 14 years of exile. This homecoming is celebrated as Diwali with lights and fireworks.
HISTORICAL ROOTS
The crowning of King Vikramaditya
Vikramaditya, the legendary Indian king known for his wisdom and bravery, was crowned on this day, following his victory over the Sakas in 56 BC. The entire empire celebrated the occasion with lights.
Remembering Swami Dayananda Saraswati
On the new moon day of Kartika (Diwali), Swami Dayananda Saraswati, one of the greatest reformers in Hinduism, attained nirvana, or enlightenment, and became Maharshi Dayananda. He founded the Arya Samaj in 1875, and every Diwali, he is remembered by Hindus across India.
The enlightenment of Vardhamana Mahavira
For Jains too, Diwali holds special significace. It coincides with the enlightenment of Vardhamana Mahavira, the last Tirthankara of the Jains, and the founder of modern Jainism.
Foundation stone of the Golden Temple laid in Amritsar
The third Sikh Guru, Amar Das, institutionalised this day as the day when all Sikhs will gather to receive their Guru's blessings. Also, in 1619, on a Diwali day, Guru Hargobind Sahibji, who was held by the Mughal emperor Jehangir, was released from prison, along with 52 other Hindu kings. Finally, it was also on Diwali in 1577 that the foundation stone of the Golden Temple in Amritsar was laid.
