Diwali - Festival of Lights

There are a number of stories connected with the origin of Diwali. Diwali is commonly known as the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodya after he had won the battle against Ravana. This account about Diwali is the most commonly accepted account with regard to the other stories attached to the origins of Diwali.

There are four reasons why it is celebrated.

First legend:

King Rama's return to Ayodhya is celebrated because he won an epic war with Ravana, the king of demons in Lanka. With happiness of the return of their king after 14 years of exile, the whole city was lighted up with rows of lamps. With this war ending the whole of the kingdom of Lanka was destroyed.

Second legend:

In many rural areas, Diwali is still celebrated as a Harvest Festival. This festival comes at the end of a cropping season. This reinforces the hypothesis of its having originated as a harvest festival. Every harvest signifies prosperity. Indian farmers celebrate this festival after they reap their harvests.

Third legend:

Narakasura, who was a monster created havoc among the gods and the sages by disturbing their penance or by creating havoc during religious rituals.

Dejected by the trouible caused by him, all the gods went to Lord Krishna and pleaded him to protect them from "Narakasura". Satyabhama (sister of lord Krishna) appealed to Krishna to give her the opportunity to destroy Narakasura. Narakasura had a curse on him that a woman would kill him. Satyabhama kills Narakasura. In the battle field. This depicts the victory of good over evil. Since then, Diwali is celebrated by people every with great joy.

Fourth legend:

According to the fourth legend goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk which is called the Ksheer Sagar. She brought wealth and prosperity for mankind with her.

On diwali, Lakshmi Pooja is performed to honor her. Many people believe that Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of wealth and good fortune, visits the homes of her devotees on this day.

Celebration:

The First day of Diwali is called Dhanteras or Dhantryaodashi, which is the thirteenth day of the month of Ashwin. The Second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi which is the fourteenth lunar day of the dark forthnight of kartik month. On this day Lord Krishna helped destroy the demon Narakasur and freed the world from fear.

The third day is called Diwali. On this day, the entrances of all houses are lit up and decorated with rangoli. Goddess Lakshmi, who is the godess of wealth and luster is prayed to with devotion. Diwali is also considered as the last day of the financial year for Hindu businesses. Diwali is considered as an auspicious festival for setting up new business.

The Fourth day is called as Padwa or Varsha Pratipada which marks the crowning of King Vikramaditya. This day is celebrated by dressing in new clothes, wearing new jewellery. They exchange sweets, dry fruits and gifts.

Festivity:

Every house entrance is made colorful with lovely "Rangoli" to welcome goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The Preparations for Diwali begin a week in advance. People decorate their houses, prepare sweets, light their homes with colorful lights, buy clothes and Jewelry. Lighting of lamps in the night is a way of paying tribute to god for good health, wealth, knowledge and peace.

Fireworks are burnt out and also distributed so that everyone enjoys the festival thoroughly.