Why Diwali Is Called The Festival Of Lights – Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement all over India. It is usually a five-day festival, lasting from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj. Every day has its own significance, but in a broader perspective, Diwali or Deepavali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil.
Why Diwali Is Called The Festival Of Lights (Diwali Is Also Known As)
Diwali is also known as Deepawali and festival of lights. According to religious beliefs, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshman to their kingdom Ayodhya. Lord Rama, who is the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was sent into exile from the kingdom for 14 years under the orders of Kaikeyi. During his exile, his wife Sita was kidnapped by the demon Ravana, the king of Lanka. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon-king Ravana and his return to Ayodhya.
Away from his homeland, Lord Rama raises an army of his own to wage war against the demon king to rescue Goddess Sita. After defeating Ravana and completing his period of exile, Lord Rama returned back to his kingdom.
Ayodhya was illuminated with earthen lamps to welcome its king. It also marked the victory of good over evil and since then the anniversary of Rama’s return to Ayodhya came to be celebrated as Diwali or Deepawali – the festival of lights. It is because of this tradition of lighting lamps that Diwali is called the “Festival of Lights”.
People celebrate this festival of lights by repairing, decorating and whitewashing their houses to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi is considered the goddess of prosperity and wealth. Impressed by the serene beauty of Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu decided to marry her, and hence, lamps were lit in a row to mark the occasion. Since then Diwali is celebrated to worship Goddess Lakshmi and seek blessings.
On this day people decorate their homes and workplaces with banyan and mango tree leaves, marigold flowers, Toran and colorful rangoli. People decorate houses with candles, lamps, exchange sweets and gifts and welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
This day holds great importance not only in Hindu religion but also among people of Jain, Sikh and Buddhist religions. Other religions also have some beliefs, such as Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhod Diwas to commemorate Guru Hargobind’s freedom from prison in the Mughal Empire, while Newar Buddhists, unlike other Buddhists, celebrate Diwali by worshiping Goddess Lakshmi. Jains have their own Diwali, which celebrates the final liberation of Mahavira.
Diwali brings sanctity and aura to revive the faith in truth, kindness and humanity among the people. The Festival of Lights encourages people to have faith in the true path.
Diwali five day festival
Diwali is a festival lasting five days. Every day has its own significance and celebration. Homes and businesses are cleaned, decorated with rangoli designs, flowers and lights.
Dhanteras – On the first day, Dhanteras, people worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Businesses start new accounting books for the year. This day is dedicated to wealth and prosperity. People clean their homes, buy new utensils or precious metals and light lamps to invite wealth and good fortune into their lives. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the churning of the ocean.
Narak Chaturdashi – The second day is Narak Chaturdashi, when people stay up all night singing religious songs, often called Chhoti Diwali. It commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali over the demon Narakasura.
Diwali – The third and main day is Diwali when people wear new traditional clothes. In the evening, oil lamps called diyas are lit in temples, homes, offices to welcome prosperity and wealth. Firecrackers illuminate the night sky. People exchange sweets and gifts.
Govardhan Puja – The fourth day is Govardhan Puja where offerings are made to Lord Krishna, also known as Annakoot. In North India, it marks the day when Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan to protect it from the rain caused by Indra. Devotees prepare a variety of vegetarian food offerings on this day, and elaborate puja ceremonies are organized in temples.
Bhai Dooj – The fifth day is Bhai Dooj where sisters pray for the long life and well-being of their brothers and brothers promise to protect their sisters. Sisters also apply tilak on the forehead of brothers for their prosperity. It is a day to strengthen family relationships and celebrate brother-sister love.
FAQs
Why is Diwali called the festival of lights?
Diwali is the festival of lights – it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
What is the other name of Diwali festival?
The second day of Diwali festival is Diwali, festival of lights.
By what name is Diwali also known?
Deepawali is also known as Diwali, festival of lights.
How many days is the Diwali festival?
The festival of Diwali lasts for five days, in which festivals like Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj are celebrated.