Diwali, meaning Festival of Lights, is India’s greatest and most thrilling festival. Homes are covered with diyas, candles, and pyrotechnics as if enunciating the triumphing glory of light.
This year, Diwali will be celebrated on 31st October. This festival spans five days of celebrations, commencing with the first day, Dhanteras, on October 28th and concluding on November 1st with Bhai Dooj. Let’s learn more about Diwali’s history, importance, duration, rituals, and other important factors related to it.
Also read : Diwali 2024 Date, Significance & Shubh Muhurat | 31 Nov or 1 Oct?
History of Diwali
The history of Diwali dates back thousands of years and is associated with several legends and tales from Indian mythology.
Among all the stories, the most popularly associated story of Diwali is about the return of Lord Rama from the Hindu epic Ramayana, when he had gone into exile for 14 years and had killed the demon king Ravana. Returning to his kingdom Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, the citizens lighted oil lamps to welcome him back home as a victory of good over evil.
- Krishna and Narakasura: Another story goes that of the Lord Krishna who liberated thousands of women prisoners of the demon Narakasura. After winning the fight, one day later people rejoice with lights, therefore Diwali occurs on the second day of victory; this festival is called Naraka Chaturdashi.
- Goddess Lakshmi’s Birthday: People pray before Goddess Lakshmi on this auspicious occasion and seek blessings to have a prosperous and happy life.
- Mahavira’s Nirvana: To the Jains, Diwali is more than just an important festival, as it is on this day that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained Nirvana in 527 BCE.
- Golden Temple: The Diwali falls on the day of Bandi Chhor Divas anniversary of Guru Hargobind Singh’s release from prison and the laying of the foundation stone of the Golden Temple for Sikhs.
Also read: The Diwali Story: Legends Behind the Festival of Lights
Diwali 2024 Timings
Diwali is observed on the day of Amavasya or the new moon of the Hindu month of Kartika. The Lakshmi Puja is the most important activity of the day as it is thought that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes to shower wealth and prosperity on her devotees.
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 06:11 PM to 08:17 PM
- Pradosh Kaal: 05:42 PM to 08:17 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal: 06:11 PM to 08:06 PM
The Hindu lunar calendar gives timings for puja. It is believed that doing puja in this period would bring greater blessings to mankind.
Five Days of Diwali
Diwali is not a one-day festival alone. Its celebrations are observed for five days during which each day is associated with its specialty and means of puja.
- Dhanteras (October 28, 2024): The festival begins with Dhanteras, which is the idol day of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda. People deep-clean their homes and get into ‘sraddh’ by purchasing a new item of utensil, gold, or silver to cleanse all the evil spirits around.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (29 October 2024): On this day, people welcome it with the name of Choti Diwali because of Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. People wake up early in the morning to cleanse themselves through oil baths and to remove all evil spirits by lighting lamps.
- Diwali (October 31, 2024): The festival of lights commences with lights, candles, and rangolis in every home. Relatives worship Lakshmi Puja to receive good fortune for prosperity. After the puja is over, firecrackers are shot up into the air, and everything is distributed as sweets.
- Govardhan Puja, November 1, 2024: Lord Krishna saves the villagers from torrential rains by holding up Govardhan Hill. People seek nature’s blessings through an invocation ceremony and celebrate her bounty by arranging a mountain of food.
- Bhai Dooj: It is of huge significance because it reflects the love of sisters for their beloved brothers. The ritual ensures the celebration of sibling love.
Also read: Diwali Delights: Veg Festive Food Recipes to Celebrate the Festival of Lights
Diwali Rituals and Traditions
Every ritual followed within the festival holds deep meaning. At the entrance of homes, rangolis are drawn and diyas are placed all around to dispel darkness.
- Lakshmi Puja: The primary Puja of Diwali is that of Goddess Lakshmi, along with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and God of wisdom.
- Lighting Diyas: Lighting diyas symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and ushering in light and knowledge. Diyas are lit on doorsteps, windows, and balconies to create an emanating ambiance.
- Giving: Exchange of Sweets and Gifts Diwali is a festival of giving. People give their relatives, friends, and neighbors sweets and gifts as tokens of love and good wishes.
- Crackers and Fireworks: Bursting crackers are an important feature of Diwali. It is said that evil spirits get scared of the sound of crackers. In recent times, most people want to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly way with minimal crackers bursting to cause less pollution.
- Charity and poor feeding: Many do feed during Diwali or they may donate to such welfare organizations to bring smiles onto the faces of those poor people.
Spiritual Significance of Diwali
Diwali is not just a festival of lights. It shows that there is something deeper behind it spiritually. It reminds people of good overcoming evil and light overcoming darkness. The lit lamps symbolize knowledge, hope, and destroying ignorance. It motivates inner enlightenment and spiritual development.
It also develops unity and coexistence. Diwali brings families and communities closer, reminding everyone of the importance of love, respect, and compassion.
Eco-Friendly Diwali
Many people are searching for an eco-friendly Diwali because of the growing environmental issues. Here are some ways to celebrate your festival while your home environment comes back to bay:
- Use Eco-Friendly Diyas: Instead of using plastic or electric lamps, always opt for clay diyas or LED lights to reduce energy consumption.
- In place of synthetic colors, natural powders such as turmeric, henna, and rice flour are used to make rangoli.
Also read: Diwali 2024 Date, History, Significance & Traditions of the Festival of Lights
Conclusion
Though rituals and traditions play a significant role in the celebrations, Diwali’s deeper meaning revolves around peace within, enlightenment, and victory of good over evil.
