New Delhi: Diwali is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and the victory of knowledge over ignorance. The festival is celebrated all over the country with great pomp and splendour, and people participate in it en masse.
However, the celebration of Diwali varies from one religion to another. There are several variations of Diwali in our country and each is celebrated with the respect the festival deserves. In this article, we will take a look at the religious significance of Diwali.
Diwali and the victory of Lord Ram
According to one tradition, Diwali is linked to the legends of Lord Ram. It is believed that on that day, Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman reached Ayodhya after the former trio spent 14 years in exile and Lord Ram defeated the army of the demon king Ravana. To everyone, Diwali is a festival that reminds everyone to maintain their dharma like Lord Ram did in his life.
In many parts of India, Diwali is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that on the day the festival started, from the great Samudra Manthana, Goddess Lakshmi was born. Lord Ganesha is also remembered on Diwali as one who symbolises the removal of obstacles and ethical beginning. In eastern India, Diwali is associated with the worshipping of Goddess Kali while Hindus from the Braj region in northern India celebrate Diwali as Lord Krishna’s victory over the evil demon king Narakasura.
How is Diwali celebrated in other religions?
In Jainism, Diwali is celebrated as Mahavira Nirvana Divas. It denotes Mahavira’s physical death and final nirvana. The Jains celebrate the Diwali like the Hindus with the lighting of lamps. However, their focus remains on Mahavira. In Sikhism, people celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to commemorate Guru Hargobind’s release from the prison in the Gwalior Fort during the reign of Jahangir and he came to the Golden Temple. While Diwali is not celebrated in Buddhism, the Newar Buddhists celebrate Diwali by worshipping Lakshmi.
