The History of Diwali dates back to more than hundreds of centuries. This is undeniably one of the best known and widely celebrated Hindu festivals. It marks the celebration of victory of the good over evil. The celebrations take place during the months of October - November which is regarded as the 'Ashvin' month of the Hindu calendar. This year Diwali will be celebrated on the 28th October. It is interesting to note that Diwali is also celebrated by Buddhists of Nepal.
Diwali is that time of the year when people get together to thank god for his grace and generosity. This is also known as the festival of lights. In present times the festival is observed across India irrespective of cast and creed. The Goddess of wealth, Goddess Laxmi is thanked during Diwali for bestowing upon her devotees all the wealth and prosperity.
People of different age groups come together during the Diwali festival. Children are however more attracted to the goodies they get to eat and the colorful fireworks that accompany the celebration. Since the celebration is common to all sub-castes among Hindus, it is only apt that we know a little more about the festival.
The festival is celebrated for five days across India. The first day is known as Dhanteras or Diwali Trayodasi, followed by Narak Chaudas held on the second day. Narak Chaudas is also known as Chota Diwali. The first day or Dhanteras initiates the Diwali celebrations. It is believed that there was a fight between the Gods and Demons for the water of immortality known as 'Amrit'. They were churning the ocean of milk and Lord Dhanvantrari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared before them. The appearance of the lord in between the battle for ‘Amrit’ proved beneficial for mankind. Thus the first day of Diwali is dedicated to him.
Narakasura was a demon who had imprisoned about sixteen thousand daughters, women and saints in his harem. He was ruthless and known for his atrocities. He had defeated Lord Indra and snatched the earrings of Goddess Aditi. Lord Krishna defeated him and after his death people rejoiced. The death of the brutal Narakasura is celebrated as Narakachaudashi and is observed during the second day of the five days ritual.
The actual festival of lights is celebrated on the third day. The third day or Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama. He was also crowned as the King of Ayodhya. Rows of Diyas are lit to welcome the Lord. Fireworks also take centre stage to mark the celebrations.
The fourth day is dedicated to the worship of Mount Govardhan and is known as Govardhan pooja. The Govardhan Pooja is symbolic of Lord Krishna's feat of lifting the Govardhan Mounatin near Mathura. This was done to provide shelter to people from the rains and storm sent by Lord Indra. Religious people stay awake through the night and cook 56 or 108 different types of food to be given as offering to Lord Krishna. The offerings look like a mountain and is known as ankut or annakuta which means mountain of food.
The fifth day is observed as Bhai Dooj which marks the sanctity of the Brother-Sister relationship. The celebrations is dedicated to the brother sister bond. Sisters apply vermilion mark on the forehead of their brothers. It is believed that Lord Krishna visited his sister after slaying Narakasura. His sister Subhadra welcomed him with lit lamps, flowers and put the holy protective vermilion spot on his forehead. Since then sisters all over India pray for the well being of their brothers on this day.
Whatever be the history that backs the extravagant celebration of Diwali we as Indians look forward to the festival. Be it the joie de vivre, cultural events, fireworks or assorted variety of sweets the festival has a charm of its own. Families that are distances apart get together during the festival.
The festivities are lapped up by all irrespective of the age. There have been attempts to add novelty to the celebrations by organizing various festival specific events. Exchange of gifts is an indispensable part of the celebration and new ideas of gifting exclusive presents is witnessed during Diwali.
We once celebrated Diwali to mark the victory of good over evil and today the coming together of members of the family to observe the celebrations, is reason enough for its popularity. As virtue gained supremacy over evil, Diwali will always rein the festival panorama in India.
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