Diwali is the a 5 day Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Oct.- Nov. The name "Diwali" or "Divali" is a contraction of deepavali which translates into "row of lamps”. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. These lamps are kept on during the night and one's house is cleaned, both done in order to make goddess Lakshmi feel welcome. Firecackers are burst because it is believed that it drives away evil spirits. The smoke from the crackers also helps destroy the bugs. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.
Diwali celebrations are spread over five days, from Dhanteras to Bhaiduj. All the days except Diwali are named according to their designation in the Hindu calendar & have special stories, all symbolizing the celebration of the inner light of good in every living being. The 5 days are:
1. Dhanteras or Dhanatreyodashi : Dhana means wealth and Tryodashi means 13th day. This day falls on the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month Ashwina.. It is considered an auspicious day for buying utensils and gold, hence the name ‘Dhana’ or wealth. It is believed that the wealth received on this day symbolizes a reward for the people’s good deeds in their past.
This day is also regarded as the Birth Anniversary of God Dhanvantari, the Physician of Gods, who came out during Samudra Manthan, the churning of the great ocean by the gods and the demons.
2. Naraka Chaturdasi : Chaturdashi is the 14th day. This was the day on which the demon Narakasura was killed by Krishna – an incarnation of Vishnu. It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. In southern India, this is the actual day of festivities. Hindus wake up before dawn, have a fragrant oil bath and dress in new clothes. They light small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate rangolis outside their homes. They perform a special puja with offerings to Krishna or Vishnu, as he liberated the world from the demon Narakasura on this day. It is believed that taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy river Ganges. After the puja, children burst firecrackers celebrating the defeat of the demon. As this is a day of rejoicing, many have very festive meals and meet family and friends.
In some places, Goddess Kali( the goddess of strength) is worshipped to help abolish vices like laziness & evil from the minds of devotees.
3. Laxshmi puja : It is the last day of the year in lunar calender as New Moon or Amavasya in the month of Ashwina. Lakshmi Puja marks the most important day of Diwali celebrations in North India. On this day Goddess Lakshmi appeared from the churning of the ocean.So, Hindu homes worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesha, the God of auspicious beginnings also known as the remover of obstacles. Hindus light deeyas (little clay pots) in the streets and homes to welcome prosperity and well-being. The lamp symbolizes the light of knowledge and good deeds removing the darkness of ignorance & evil.
This day celebrates the return of Lord Rama along with his wife Sita, & brother Laxmana, to his kingdom, Ayodhya after 14 years of exile & defeating Raavana, the king of Lanka.
On this day, according to the epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas along with their wife Draupadi, returned to their kindom Hastinapur, after spending 12 years in banwaas(exile) & 1 year in Agyatwaas(hiding their identities) as a result of their defeat in the hands of the Kauravas at the game of dice (gambling).
Diwali is celebrated in other religions also-
In Jainism, it is believed that Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana(Moksha) & many gods were present there illuminating the darkness. Jains recite sacred hymns & meditate to acknowledge Lord Mahavira’s preaching,
In Sikhism, Guru Har Govind, the 6th guru of the Sikhs was released from the prison on this day. The 3rd Sikh Guru Amardas, called upon all Sikhs to come & seek blessings from the Guru of Goindval on the Diwali day. The foundation stone of Golden Temple at Amritsar was laid on Diwali day.
Buddhists chant the mantras & remember Emperor Ashoka who embraced Buddhism on this day, hence Diwali also called Ashok Vijayadashmi. Monastries are well decorated & Buddha is worshipped with full honor on this day.
4. Bali Pratipada & Govardhan Puja : In North India, this day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, also called Annakoot, and is celebrated as the day Krishna defeated Indra (the king of Gods), and by the lifting of Govardhan hill to save his kinsmen and cattle from rain and floods. For Annakoot, large quantities of food are decorated symbolizing the Govardhan hill lifted by Krishna.
In some parts of South India, it is celebrated as Bali-Pratipada or Bali Padyami. ( padya means the 1st day) The day commemorates the victory of Vishnu in his dwarf form Vamana over the king Bali, who was pushed into the patala(the world believed to be below the earth’s surface).However, he is also remembered as a generous person. Vishnu granted him a boon that he could return to earth for one day in a year to be with his people and light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance and spread the radiance of love and wisdom. Thus the focus of this day is to see the good in others, even your enemies.
The the 1st day of the month karthika is celebrated as a New Year as it is the first day of the lunar New Year or Vikram Samvat. At this time, old business accounts are settled and new books are opened. The books are worshipped in a special ceremony and participants are encouraged to remove anger, hate, and jealousy from their lives.
5. Yama Dwitiya & Bhaiduj : Dwitiya or the 2nd day of the month Karthik. On this day, brothers and sisters meet to express love and affection for each other. It is based on a story when Yama, the lord of Death, visited his sister Yami (the river Yamuna). Yami welcomed Yama with an aarti and they had a feast together. Yama gave a gift to Yami while leaving as a token of his appreciation. Brothers visit their sisters’ place on this day and usually have a meal there, and also give gifts to their sisters.
So, It’s not just the festive mood in the air during Diwali that makes you happy, or just that it's a good time to enjoy before the advent of winter. There are many mythical and historical reasons why Diwali is a great time to celebrate. And there are good reasons not just for Hindus but also for all others to celebrate this great Festival of Lights.