Ah, Diwali mornings! Remember the feeling of early-morning excitement during Diwali, and you would jump out of bed, knowing that today was no ordinary day?
Distant sounds of firecrackers and the aroma of sweets, savouries, and flowers tickling our noses, the fresh, chill, and misty morning air like a signal of new beginnings, and of course, what is Diwali if not for celebrating new beginnings!
Diwali is also called Deepavali, which consists of 'Deep', meaning light, and 'Avali', meaning row. It literally means "Rows of Lights."
This grandeur can be seen in the manner in which homes, offices, shops, and streets of literally every town, city, and village get lighted up in Diwali to welcome a new season and a new life.
These oil-filled diyas and bright, vibrant firecrackers enlighten every street and the sky, against the backdrop of soft orange hues painted by twilight.
And people from all parts of the world come to witness the celebrations of this auspicious festival of Diwali.
According to the Hindu Calendar, Diwali falls on Amavasya, which is the 15th day of the month of Kartik. So, usually it would be somewhere between late October and the beginning of November.
This year, the festival of Diwali will fall on 1st November 2024, which is a Friday.
Anyway, come lets read some interesting stuff about the history of and significance of Diwali.
One story you all must have been taught since childhood would be that Diwali is celebrated for the return of Lord Rama after freeing his wife, Goddess Sita, from the chains of the demon King Ravan of Lanka and ultimately killing him, symbolizing thereby the victory of good over evil.
And the day they returned to Ayodhya was Amavasya, so thousands of diyas lit in rows and firecrackers burst by the Ayodhians to welcome back their King and Queen—Lord Rama and Goddess Sita along with Lord Rama's brother, Laxmana.
Another very famous story is narrated from the southern part of India, where a demon by the name Narakasur in its word-root meaning 'the one who made people's lives like hell', was killed by Lord Krishna and people celebrated by lighting lamps in their homes since then, it has been known as Narak Chaturdasi.
Some people believe it's a celebration of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu's auspicious marriage. In addition, Sikhs and Jains likewise celebrate Diwali as an important occasion.
It is the time for the festivities of the heroic spirit that is part of their 6th Guru, Guru Hargobind, who fought against Emperor Jahangir till he came out of his chains only when he had ensured that all 52 other Princes were free.
It is of the highest importance to the Jains because it is said that the last of their Tirthankars, Lord Mahavira, attained Nirvana enlightenment on this day and established the Dharma followed by all Jains around the world.
Diwali is called one of the major festivals for Hindus, and the celebration definitely is not just a one-day affair. It goes on for 5 days, each day having a different reason altogether. Let's look at it quickly in the table below:
| Dhanteras | Monday, October 29th |
| Chhoti Diwali | Wednesday, October 31st |
| Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Friday, November 1st |
| Govardhan Puja | Saturday, November 2nd |
| Bhai Dooj | Sunday, November 3rd |
This is based on the Hindu legend of Samudra Manthan, a battle between the Asuras and the Devtas. During the Samudra Manthan, many invaluable things came out of the ocean; amongst these, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and God Dhanvantri, the god of health, also emerged.
On this day, people pray for health and wealth, and it is also considered an auspicious time to make new purchases or start something new.
Also Read : When is Diwali 2024? Date, Timings, and Fascinating Facts
When Narakasur troubled people relentlessly and kidnapped 16,000 women, it was a time when Lord Krishna and his wife,
Satyabhama, came down to earth to save people from the clutches of Narakasur. As a boon to die only when his mother wanted, Satyabhama killed him, and Lord Krishna married the 16,000 women to give them shelter in his palace.
It is a pompous festival celebrated with firecrackers, earthen lamps, and lighting, followed by sumptuous food and company together with family and friends.
It also remembers the victory of good over evil in the stories of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna quite well. Apart from these, Goddess Kali is worshipped in eastern India, who is the destroyer of demons and sins.
Everything has a deeper spiritual meaning that has to do with turning inward and conquering our negative ideas and actions. Our hearts, brains, and souls are meant to be illuminated by the light of Diyas.
You all must know how Lord Krishna raised the Govardhan mountain on his little finger to save the people of Braj Village from the rain caused by an angry Lord Indra.
Once Lord Indra recognized Lord Krishna as the avatar of Supreme Lord Vishnu, he begged for forgiveness.
Lord Krishna showed the people that they should also worship Govardhan Mountain, which would sustain their livelihoods, and that he protects his devotees who will surrender to him.
Later, Brajwasis used to offer 56 items of cooked foods and sweets to Govardhan Parvat. From there, the tradition of Govardhan Pooja and Annakoot mountain of food started just the next day of Diwali.
Bhai Dooj hails from the story of Lord Yamraj, the Lord of Death. He went to meet his sister Yamuna and was welcomed by Aarti, Tika, and a feast in his honor.
This pleased him greatly, and he gave a boon that brothers who are welcomed this way by their sisters would be safeguarded from the atrocities of evil forces.
