Diwali or Deepawali is a popular Indian festival. It is celebrated with much pomp and glory in the Indian subcontinent for the matter. Although Diwali is a Hindu festival, but it is celebrated throughout the country by different communities. Diwali is majorly associated with diyas, lamps, decorative lights, rangolis and Diwali Gifts. It is the festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil to put it precisely. We celebrate Diwali together with our loved ones as we gorge on some delicious food and sweet treats. But, did you ever stop to think that why is this festival celebrated?
Well, not everyone seems to be aware of the exact reasons why India celebrates Diwali. There are many reasons why the festival of lights is celebrated in different parts of the country. We are here to discuss about the top five reasons why Diwali is celebrated in India. Interested to know more? Well, read on…
Lord Krishna Killed Narakasura:
Narakasura was the king of Pragjyotishapura which is a place near Assam. He was an evil king who held 16,000 girls in captivity for the matter. Lord Krishna in the Dwapara Yuga had successfully killed Narakasura as the legend goes. Chhoti Diwali which is Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated in Assam, Northern part of India, southern part and the Braj region. It is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna had killed Narakasura. This is one of the earliest reasons why Diwali was celebrated to put it precisely.
Return of Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman to Ayodhya:
This is the most popular reason why India celebrates Diwali. It is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman to Ayodhya. As per the Indian epic, Ramayana, their return was after a 14 year period of exile that they returned. Most importantly, it marks the victory of good over evil as they had retuned after defeating the demon king Ravana. Diwali in the northern part of India is celebrated for this reason.
Diwali Is Celebrated As New Year:
For some northern Hindu communities, Diwali is celebrated as new year. Even in states like Gujarat, it signifies the start of the new year. This is why wearing new clothes and exchanging gifts is so important for the ideal celebration of Diwali. The new year is ushered in with lights, diyas and also with colourful rangolis. It is also the time of availing Diwali gifts delivery in Delhi for the friends and the family to be precise.
Rebirth of Goddess Laxmi:
Diwali or Deepawali is also celebrated to mark the rebirth of Goddess Lakshmi. As per the myths and beliefs, Goddess Lakshmi was born in Samudra Manthan. It was for the churning of the cosmic ocean of milk for the matter. It was done by the Gods and the demons. As per the beliefs, it was on the auspicious night of Diwali that goddess Lakshmi choose Lord Vishnu. She chose him as her husband and married him.
Kali Puja:
As per the Kalikula sect of Shaktism, the manifestation of Goddess Mahakali is known to be celebrated as Kamalatmika Jayanti. It is observed as the day of incarnation of Kamalatmika. This falls on the day of Diwali to put it precisely. Kali puja is grandly celebrated in regions like West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra etc. This celebration of shakti is also celebrated during Diwali in India for the matter.
Here are the top five reasons why India celebrates Diwali. In the present, people buy gifts online to drop in delightful surprises. No matter how you decide to celebrate the festival, don’t forget to check out these reasons. This Diwali, celebrate it with some fascinating historical facts, immense happiness and lots of love-wrapped Diwali surprises!