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DIWALI—The Eternal Message of Light and Triumph
Kamlesh Tripathi
Diwali originates from Indian mythology. It celebrates the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya, after fourteen years of exile and his victory over Ravan, the king of Lanka. Accompanied by Sita and Lakshman, Ram returns to his kingdom after rescuing Sita and defeating Ravan. According to the holy text, the people of Ayodhya welcome the royal family by illuminating the city with rows of earthen lamps.
The story is much more than a celebration of a victorious king. It signifies restoration of justice, fulfilment of duty, the power of perseverance and the victory of righteousness over wrongdoing. Hanuman’s unwavering devotion to Ram adds another dimension to the narrative.
Another important belief celebrates Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, whose tyranny had brought suffering to many. His defeat symbolises the liberation of the oppressed and the destruction of evil. The churning of the cosmic ocean, or Samudra Manthan, also occupies an important place in Diwali-related traditions. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during this event, linking the festival with prosperity.
The presence of Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Kali and other deities in India’s broader religious pantheon further enriches the spiritual landscape in which Diwali is celebrated. Different regions emphasise different stories, demonstrating the remarkable diversity of Hindu belief and practice.
Diwali is traditionally celebrated over five days, each carrying its own significance, although customs and observances vary across regions.
The festivities begin with Dhanteras, an auspicious occasion associated with prosperity, health and well-being. Many families purchase gold, silver, utensils or other household items as symbols of good fortune. Dhanvantari, the divine physician associated with Ayurveda, is also remembered on this day.
The second day is Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali. It commemorates the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. The story celebrates liberation from oppression and the restoration of righteousness.
The third day is Lakshmi Puja, the principal Diwali celebration. Homes are cleaned and decorated, diyas are lit, and families worship Goddess Lakshmi, associated with wealth and prosperity, along with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
The fourth day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, Annakut or Bali Pratipada. Govardhan Puja recalls Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to protect the people of Braj from torrential rain, while Annakut celebrates gratitude for food and nature’s bounty.
The fifth day, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the affectionate bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, while brothers reaffirm their love and commitment to their sisters.
Diwali’s significance extends beyond the popular narratives of Ram and Krishna. For Jains, the festival commemorates the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara, and recalls the spiritual light of his teachings. For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with the celebration of Bandi Chhor Divas, associated with the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment and his return to Amritsar. The Golden Temple is illuminated magnificently on this occasion.
Falling on the new-moon day, or Amavasya, of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, Diwali usually occurs in October or November. It follows the autumn harvest season in many parts of India and arrives as the weather begins to cool. The festival therefore combines religious observance with seasonal change. There is also a profound connection with the ancient Indian prayer from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: Asato mā sadgamaya,
Tamaso mā jyotirgamaya,
Mrityor mā amritam gamaya: Lead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, and from mortality to immortality.
Diwali and Hanukkah (The Jewish Festival of Lights): Both celebrate light, faith, hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. Diwali and Christmas: Both festivals emphasise joy, family togetherness, generosity, goodwill and the triumph of hope. Diwali and John Milton’s Paradise Lost: A fascinating literary parallel to Diwali can be found in the celebrated English poet John Milton’s epic Paradise Lost. At the beginning of Book III, Milton invokes divine light in the memorable words: “Hail holy Light, offspring of Heav’n first-born”
Despite its grandeur, Diwali’s true significance does not lie in the number of lamps lit, the value of gifts exchanged or the brilliance of fireworks. Its deeper purpose is to illuminate the human heart.
Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi
Author, Poet, & Columnist
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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com
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