What is The History Of Diwali?

Diwali: The Festival of Lights and its Ancient Roots

Diwali is one of the oldest continuously celebrated festivals in the world, with its roots dating back thousands of years.Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals in India, celebrated with immense fervor and joy across the country and by Indian communities worldwide. Often referred to as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali marks the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival spans five days, with each day carrying its own unique rituals and traditions. However, the history of Diwali goes far beyond modern-day celebrations, rooted deeply in ancient scriptures and legends that are intricately woven into the fabric of Indian civilization.

Origins of Diwali in Ancient Texts and Traditions

The origins of Diwali are ancient and are intertwined with various historical, religious, and cultural traditions across India. The term “Deepavali” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Deepa,” meaning light, and “Avali,” meaning a row or series. Thus, Deepavali literally translates to a “row of lights,” symbolizing the lighting of oil lamps (diyas) that brighten homes, temples, and public spaces.

Diwali finds mention in several ancient Hindu texts, including the Skanda Purana and the Padma Purana, which describe the lighting of lamps as a symbol of dispelling ignorance and welcoming wisdom. The festival also appears in early Jain and Buddhist traditions, each linking it to unique historical and spiritual events.

Ramayana and the Return of Lord Rama

One of the most popular narratives associated with Diwali is found in the Ramayana. According to the Ramayana, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya, overjoyed at the return of their righteous king, illuminated the entire city with rows of oil lamps to guide Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana back home. This event marked the first Diwali, symbolizing the return of righteousness, justice, and prosperity to the land.

Mahabharata and the Pandavas’ Return

The Mahabharata, also offers a Diwali connection. According to some traditions, Diwali is linked to the return of the Pandavas—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—to their kingdom after 12 years of exile and one year of incognito living. The people of Hastinapura celebrated their return by lighting lamps and offering prayers, similar to the celebrations in Ayodhya for Lord Rama.

Krishna and the Defeat of Narakasura

In another tradition from the Vishnu Purana and the Harivamsa, Diwali is associated with Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon king Narakasura. Narakasura had terrorized the kingdoms and enslaved 16,000 women. Krishna, along with his wife Satyabhama, slew the demon and freed the captives. The day following Krishna’s victory, which is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, marks the beginning of Diwali. This aspect of the festival signifies the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of dharma (righteousness).

Lakshmi Puja and the Worship of Wealth

One of the most significant rituals of Diwali is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The origins of this practice can be traced to the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the cosmic ocean, as described in the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana. During the churning of the ocean by the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras), various divine treasures emerged, one of which was Goddess Lakshmi. Her appearance from the cosmic ocean is believed to have occurred on the day of Amavasya (new moon), which coincides with Diwali. Hence, Lakshmi Puja is performed to invoke her blessings for wealth and prosperity in the coming year.

Jainism and Diwali

For Jains, Diwali holds special significance as it marks the day when Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara and the founder of Jainism, attained Nirvana or liberation in 527 BCE. According to Jain scriptures, Mahavira’s final teachings illuminated the path of liberation, and his followers commemorated this event by lighting lamps. Jain Diwali is, therefore, a celebration of spiritual awakening and the attainment of knowledge.

Buddhism and Diwali

In Buddhism, Diwali is celebrated predominantly by the Newar Buddhists of Nepal. The festival is associated with Emperor Ashoka, who converted to Buddhism and embraced non-violence after witnessing the horrors of the Kalinga War. Ashoka’s embrace of peace and dharma is seen as a significant event in Buddhist history, and lighting lamps on Diwali is symbolic of the victory of spiritual wisdom over ignorance. Although not a central festival in mainstream Buddhist traditions, Diwali remains important in Buddhist regions with Hindu cultural influences.

Sikhism and Diwali

In Sikhism, Diwali holds a special place due to its association with the Bandi Chhor Divas. This day commemorates the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, from the Gwalior Fort in 1619. Guru Hargobind was imprisoned by the Mughal emperor Jahangir, and upon his release, he insisted that 52 other princes held in captivity be freed alongside him. When Guru Hargobind returned to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the entire city was illuminated with lamps in celebration. For Sikhs, Diwali is a day of freedom and spiritual liberation.

Agricultural and Seasonal Significance

Apart from its religious significance, Diwali also has ancient agricultural roots. Diwali coincides with the end of the autumn harvest season in India, making it a time of thanksgiving for farmers. The festival marks the end of the Kharif crop cycle and the beginning of the Rabi crop season. The abundance of food, the exchange of sweets, and the general mood of festivity reflect the agricultural prosperity of the land. The rituals performed during Diwali, such as Lakshmi Puja, are also deeply connected with the invocation of wealth and fertility for the land.

Diwali’s Modern Celebrations

In modern times, Diwali has transcended its ancient roots to become a unifying festival for all communities in India, irrespective of religion. The festival is celebrated with the lighting of diyas, bursting of firecrackers, and the exchange of gifts and sweets. In urban India, Diwali is also a time for buying new clothes, electronics, jewelry, and other luxury items, marking it as a major shopping season.

Businesses and traders also view Diwali as a time to begin new ventures. The ritual of Chopda Pujan or the worship of account books is an essential practice among the business community, symbolizing the start of a new financial year.

Environmental and Social Awareness

In recent years, Diwali has evolved to include greater environmental and social awareness. The use of eco-friendly diyas, a reduction in firecracker usage, and a focus on charity and helping the underprivileged are gaining prominence. Many people now choose to celebrate Diwali in a way that respects both the planet and the community, reflecting the core values of light, goodness, and harmony that the festival embodies.

Conclusion

Diwali, with its roots in ancient scriptures and diverse religious traditions, continues to be a beacon of light and hope in modern times. It serves as a reminder of the eternal truth that light will always conquer darkness and that knowledge, goodness, and prosperity will ultimately prevail. Whether celebrated in the context of Lord Rama’s return, Lord Krishna’s victory, Mahavira’s enlightenment, or Guru Hargobind’s liberation, Diwali remains a timeless festival that brings people together in a shared celebration of life, light, and joy.