Diwali also called Deepavali in many regions is celebrated across India during mid-October or November. It is celebrated by all the communities together and is marked as the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on 7 November 2018.
From the moment we were able the understand, we were told various stories about Deepavali and reasons why we celebrate this occasion in such a grand manner. However, Generally speaking, it is a time to empower your spiritual life, to remove the negative vibes from both inside and outside the minds and move on towards the better-enlightened version of oneself. It is also a time of a get together for the entire family where the festival brings positivity and happiness all around.
Knowing the legends behind any celebration makes it even more significant.
Victory of Ram
According to the epic ‘Ramayana,’ it was the new moon day of Karthik when Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after vanquishing the demon king Ravana and conquering Lanka. The citizens of Ayodhya decorated the entire city with the earthern lamps and illuminated it like never before, and the festival of Diwali is in honor of Rama’s victory.
Death of Narakasura
Another reason to celebrate is because on the eve of deepavali Lord Krishna killed the demon king Narakasura, who had the invaded the three worlds, taking great pleasure in torturing the beings there. Krishna rescued 16,000 women from his captivity. The celebration of this freedom went on for two days including the Diwali day as a victory festival: The second day of Diwali is Naraka Chaturdasi.
Incarnation of goddess Lakshmi
Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth , is considered to have been incarnated from the deep waters on the day before Deepavali. Another legend is that Lord Vishnu in his fifth Avatar rescued Lakshmi from prison king Bali.
Coronation of Vikramaditya:
One of the greatest of Hindu rulers, Vikramaditya was crowned on the day of Diwali. The legendary emperor, who may have been a historical figure or based on one, is thought of as the ideal king, known for his generosity, courage, and patronage of scholars. Thus, Diwali became a historical event as well.
Special Day for the Arya Samaj and the Jains:
It was the new moon day of Kartik (Diwali day) when the 19th-century scholar Maharshi Dayananda, one of the greatest reformers of Hinduism and the founder of Arya Samaj, and Mahavir Tirthankar, considered to be the founder of modern Jainism attained their nirvanas. Dayananda’s great mission was to ask humankind to treat one another as brothers through practices of nobility. Whereas, Mahavira abandoned his royal life and left his family to become an ascetic, undertaking fasting and bodily mortifications. At the age of 43, he achieved the state of Kevala Jnanan and began teaching the philosophy of Jainism.
Chukki Mane is a great believer in the rich culture and tradition of India. We celebrate each and every festival with great dedication and commitment. Celebrating festivals is the DNA of being a true Indian and preserving the rich culture is what Chukki Mane aims for.
Superb effort Sanjay to keep up our traditions!