Diwali, often dubbed the “Festival of Lights,” is a vibrant and significant five-day festival celebrated across Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Spanning from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika, Diwali’s dates in the Gregorian calendar typically fall in late October and November, illuminating the autumn season with its warm glow. The very name “Diwali” is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, which beautifully translates to “row of lights,” perfectly encapsulating the essence of this radiant festival. At its heart, Diwali symbolizes the profound victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil, resonating deeply with celebrants across diverse cultures and traditions.
Observances and traditions of Diwali are rich and varied, shaped by regional customs and religious interpretations. Within Hinduism, the most common practice involves lighting diyas, small earthenware lamps filled with oil, during the new moon night. This symbolic act is an invitation to Lakshmi, the revered goddess of wealth and prosperity, to bless homes with fortune and abundance. However, Diwali’s celebrations are not monolithic across India. In Bengal, the focus shifts to the worship of Goddess Kali, the powerful embodiment of divine feminine energy. North India commemorates Diwali as the joyous homecoming of Lord Rama, along with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, to Ayodhya after his triumphant victory over Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. This homecoming is also linked to the Dussehra festival, further highlighting the theme of good conquering evil. In South India, Diwali marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, another powerful narrative of righteousness prevailing. For some, Diwali is celebrated as the divine marriage anniversary of Lakshmi and Vishnu, while others honor it as Lakshmi’s auspicious birthday.
Illuminated diyas during Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
During the luminous days of Diwali, diyas are not merely lit; they are strategically placed in rows along temples and homes, creating breathtaking visual displays. These tiny lamps are also set adrift on rivers and streams, their gentle lights dancing on the water’s surface. Homes are meticulously decorated, and floors, both inside and out, become canvases for rangolis. These intricate and colorful designs are crafted using colored rice, sand, or flower petals, adding an artistic flair to the festive atmosphere. Doors and windows are intentionally left open, a symbolic gesture of welcome, hoping that Lakshmi will grace the homes with her presence and bestow blessings of wealth and success upon the residents.
The five days of Diwali each hold unique significance and names, contributing to the festival’s multifaceted celebrations:
- Dhanteras: The first day, Dhanteras, is dedicated to preparing for the festivities. Homes are thoroughly cleaned, and it’s considered auspicious to purchase small gold items, symbolizing prosperity. Lakshmi is the primary deity worshipped on this day.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): The second day, also known as Choti Diwali or Small Diwali, commemorates Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. Prayers are also offered to honor ancestors on this day.
- Lakshmi Puja: The third day, Lakshmi Puja, is the most significant day of Diwali. Families perform special prayers and rituals to seek blessings from Lakshmi for prosperity and well-being. Diyas, candles, and fireworks illuminate the night, and visits to temples are common.
- Govardhan Puja (Annakut, Balipratipada): The fourth day has various names and celebrates Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains sent by Indra. It also marks the start of the new year in the Vikrama Hindu calendar, and merchants often begin new account books and perform religious ceremonies.
- Bhai Dooj (Bhai Tika, Bhai Bij): The fifth and final day, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the cherished bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ success and well-being, mirroring the spirit of Raksha Bandhan.
Beyond the rituals, Diwali is a time for joyful social interactions. Visiting loved ones, exchanging heartfelt gifts, donning new clothes, and enjoying festive feasts are integral parts of the celebration. Feeding the poor and needy is also a common practice, emphasizing compassion and sharing during this auspicious time. Fireworks, although increasingly regulated due to environmental concerns, remain a popular way to express joy and celebrate the triumph of light. Interestingly, gambling, particularly card games, is traditionally encouraged during Diwali. This practice is believed to invite good luck for the coming year and is reminiscent of mythological games of dice played by deities like Shiva and Parvati, or Radha and Krishna. Ritually, in honor of Lakshmi, it’s customary for the female player to win in these games.
Diwali holds special significance in Jainism as well. For the Jain community, it commemorates the moksha, or enlightenment and liberation, of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, from the cycle of life and death. The lighting of lamps in Jainism symbolizes the illumination of Mahavira’s divine knowledge.
In Sikhism, Diwali, since the 18th century, has marked the return of Guru Hargobind to Amritsar from imprisonment in Gwalior. This event is seen as analogous to Rama’s return to Ayodhya. To celebrate Guru Hargobind’s return, the residents of Amritsar illuminate the city with lights.
Even within Buddhism, although not a primary festival, Diwali is observed by some Buddhists, particularly the Vajrayana Buddhist Newar community in Nepal. For them, it commemorates Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE. Their celebrations include lighting lamps, adorning temples and monasteries, and worshipping the Buddha.
In conclusion, Diwali is a multifaceted and deeply meaningful festival that transcends religious boundaries. It is a time for reflection, renewal, and rejoicing in the victory of light over darkness in all its forms. Whether celebrated as a Hindu festival, a Jain observance, a Sikh commemoration, or even acknowledged within Buddhism, Diwali’s core message of hope, prosperity, and the triumph of good resonates universally, making it a truly global festival of lights.
