Why Is Diwali Celebrated Every Year

🌟 Why Do We Celebrate Diwali?

By Intimate Viewpoint

Introduction

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated and joyous festivals in India. Known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The word Deepavali comes from Sanskrit—Deepa meaning “lamp” and Avali meaning “a row.” Thus, Diwali literally means “a row of lamps.” On this day, homes, streets, and temples are illuminated with thousands of diyas (earthen lamps), creating an atmosphere filled with warmth, happiness, and divine energy.

Though Diwali holds different meanings across India, its central theme remains the same — the triumph of goodness, truth, and hope. The festival is celebrated by people of various faiths, including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, each giving it their own historical and spiritual significance.

✨ The Legend Behind Diwali: The Return of Lord Rama

One of the most popular legends associated with Diwali comes from the Ramayana, one of the greatest Hindu epics. According to the legend, Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, was sent into exile for 14 years along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. During their exile, Sita was abducted by the demon king Ravana of Lanka. After a fierce battle, Lord Rama defeated Ravana with the help of Hanuman and his army of monkeys.

When Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after 14 years, the people of the kingdom celebrated their return with great enthusiasm. They lit diyas across the city to welcome them and to celebrate the victory of good over evil. This joyous occasion came to be celebrated as Deepavali. Even today, the lighting of lamps during Diwali is symbolic of dispelling darkness and welcoming divine light and positivity.

💰 Goddess Lakshmi and the Festival of Prosperity

Another major aspect of Diwali celebrations is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan (the churning of the cosmic ocean) on the day of Diwali. Therefore, this day is considered highly auspicious for invoking her blessings.

People clean, decorate, and illuminate their homes to welcome the goddess. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits clean and well-lit homes first, bringing fortune and happiness. The tradition of Lakshmi Puja on Diwali night remains one of the most important rituals, symbolizing the hope for prosperity, good fortune, and peace in the coming year.

🙏 The Association of Lord Ganesha

Alongside Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha is also worshipped on Diwali. He is regarded as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. It is believed that wealth (Lakshmi) should be accompanied by wisdom (Ganesha) to bring true happiness and prosperity in life. Hence, on Diwali night, both deities are worshipped together for overall well-being and success.

🔥 The Story of Narakasura and the Triumph of Light

In South India, Diwali is associated with the story of Lord Krishna and the demon Narakasura. According to legend, Narakasura was a cruel king who had imprisoned thousands of people and spread terror across the world. Lord Krishna fought against him and defeated him on the day before Diwali, freeing the prisoners and restoring peace. This day is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali in many regions, marking the triumph of righteousness over cruelty.

🕯️ Significance in Jainism

For the Jain community, Diwali marks a very special spiritual event — the day when Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara, attained Nirvana (liberation) at Pawapuri in 527 BCE. To honor this moment, Jains light lamps symbolizing the eternal light of knowledge and truth. Thus, for Jains, Diwali is not just a festival of lights but a celebration of enlightenment and liberation from worldly desires.

⚔️ Diwali in Sikh Tradition

For Sikhs, Diwali holds another historical meaning. It commemorates the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, from imprisonment by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, along with 52 Hindu kings. The day is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas (the day of liberation). The Golden Temple in Amritsar is beautifully illuminated, and devotees gather to offer prayers and gratitude for freedom and righteousness.

🌼 Buddhist Significance

Some Buddhists, especially those following the Newar tradition in Nepal, also celebrate Diwali as the day when Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism and dedicated himself to the path of peace and non-violence. Thus, the festival symbolizes inner awakening and enlightenment.

🎇 How Diwali is Celebrated Across India

Though the central spirit of Diwali remains the same, the celebrations vary across regions:

In North India, people decorate their homes with diyas, lights, and rangolis, perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, exchange sweets, and light firecrackers.

In South India, celebrations start with Naraka Chaturdashi, where people wake up early, take an oil bath, wear new clothes, and burst crackers to mark the destruction of Narakasura.

In Western India, particularly in Gujarat and Maharashtra, Diwali marks the end of the old business year and the beginning of a new one. Shopkeepers perform special pujas for prosperity and good luck.

In Eastern India, especially in West Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, where Goddess Kali, the fierce form of Durga, is worshipped for protection from evil forces.

The festival lasts for five days in most regions:

1. Dhanteras – the day for buying gold, silver, and new utensils.

2. Chhoti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) – marks the destruction of evil.

3. Main Diwali – the night of Lakshmi Puja.

4. Govardhan Puja – honors Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill.

5. Bhai Dooj – celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

🌙 Symbolism of Light and Inner Meaning

Diwali is much more than a festival of lights; it is a celebration of life itself. Lighting a diya is not just a ritual — it represents the illumination of the soul and the removal of ignorance. The lamps signify that even a small spark of goodness can drive away the darkness of negativity. The bursting of crackers symbolizes joy and the destruction of evil thoughts, while the exchange of sweets represents love, harmony, and forgiveness among people.

On a deeper level, Diwali teaches us that just as we clean our homes before the festival, we must also cleanse our hearts and minds of anger, greed, and jealousy. It is a time to start afresh, to forgive others, and to welcome positivity, peace, and new opportunities into our lives.

🌏 Global Celebration of Diwali

Today, Diwali is not just limited to India. It is celebrated across the world — in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Many countries recognize Diwali as a public holiday, symbolizing its growing importance as a festival of universal values — hope, light, and unity.

🌺 Conclusion

Diwali is a festival that transcends religion, region, and time. It unites people in a spirit of happiness, gratitude, and goodwill. Whether one celebrates the return of Lord Rama, the victory of Lord Krishna, the enlightenment of Lord Mahavira, or the liberation brought by Guru Hargobind Ji, the underlying message remains the same — the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and truth over ignorance.

In a world often filled with challenges and conflicts, Diwali reminds us that light can always overcome darkness, and hope can always conquer despair. By lighting a lamp, sharing joy, and spreading kindness, we keep the eternal flame of humanity alive.