15 Reasons why we Celebrate Diwali

The most celebrated Indian festival throughout the whole world, is Diwali! (Don't you know it). No matter the mood you've been in, Diwali preparations always uplift your mood! And even though we don't really need a reason to celebrate it, you still could be wondering why celebrate diwali without knowing why is it that we are always all so hyped up for it! So, this awesome festival is celebrated on Amavasya of the Kartik month and heralds in the dawn of the Hindu new year. (How cool is that!) Lights, sweets and gifts for Diwali are like inseparable combined offers when it comes to the gala and galore of the festival. With the illuminating festival of lights- Diwali just around the corner, you are bound to get curious about the reasons we celebrate Diwali. You’ll probably be amazed to know that there isn’t just one or two but fifteen reasons why we could celebrate Diwali.

So, Diwali why is it celebrated? We have a Diwali story for you, and not just one but 15 stories with divergent reasons why!

1. Birth of Goddess Lakshmi

Scriptures have it that -during the “Samudra Manthan" the most eminent entity obtained, was “Goddess Lakshmi” who arose on the Amavasya(new moon day) of the Kartik month. She was subsequently married to Lord Vishnu on the same night- The darkest night of the year. A multitude of emblematic brilliant lamps was lit to mark the auspicious occasion.
That’s how Diwali embarks its association with Goddess Lakshmi and till date, the birth of Goddess Lakshmi and her marriage to Lord Vishnu is celebrated on Diwali. 

Source: Kakuartgallery.com

2. Vamana Avatar

During the Treta Yug, it is believed on the mythological front that King Mahabali, held Goddess Lakshmi as a prisoner in his cell. It was then, Lord Vishnu reincarnated as the Vamana avatar. Lord Vishnu tricked Mahabali into giving up all his wealth(Goddess Lakshmi) by asking it for alms. Diwali marks the defeat of King Mahabali by Lord Vishnu and this another reason why Goddess Lakshmi is prayed on this day. 

Source: Pinterest 

3. Killing Of Narakasura

The Vishnu Purana brings us the story of Narakasura- an evil demon king who was blessed with immense powers. When Lord Vishnu incarnated himself as Lord Krishna in the Dwapara Yuga, he killed Narakasura on the night preceding Diwali and rescued 16000 thousand women imprisoned by him. Their emancipation from the palace was celebrated with a great exuberance which continues till date. 

Source: www.templatesfolk.com 

4. Return of the Pandavas

The tour de force Hindu epic Mahabharata traces the origin of the festival of Lights-Diwali to the epoch when five Pandavas returned to Indraprastha from their 12-year exile and banishment on Kartik Amavasya. Unlike the Kauravas, the Pandavas were kind, benevolent and righteous; ergo their return was celebrated with emblematic jubilance and gaiety by lighting earthen lamps. And the tradition continues till date. 

Source: Pinterest

5. The Victory of Lord Ram

This is probably the most popular narrative associated with Diwali. The Ramayana elucidates how Lord Rama- the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu along with wife Sita and brother Lakshmana returned to their capital- Ayodhya after killing Ravana. To commemorate the homecoming of their beloved King, Ayodhya dwellers burst crackers, embellished their homes with lamps and decorated their entire city in the most magnificent way possible.  

Source: Whoa.in

6. Coronation of King Vikramaditya

In 56 BC the legendary Indian King Vikramaditya who was renowned for his wisdom valor and magnanimity was coronated on Diwali following his victory over the Sakas. This was marked by great pomp and celebrations, the grandiose is maintained till date as an annual event. One of the most celebrated Hindu monarchs, Vikramaditya’s dynasty ranged from modern-day Thailand in the east to the borders of modern-day Saudi Arabia in the west. Thus Diwali apart from having a mythological point of view also has historical roots.

Source: mythgyaan.com 

7. Enlightenment of Swami Dayanand Saraswati

One of the most revered social reformers in the Indian context, Swami Dayanand Saraswati attained nirvana on the new moon day of the Kartik month- popularly celebrated as Diwali. He was then known as Maharshi Dayanand- meaning The Great saint Dayanand. The Arya Samaj was founded by Maharshi Dayanand in 1875 to purify Hinduism of the many social evils that associated themselves with it in that era. Every Diwali, this great reformer is remembered by the Hindus all over India.

Source: Blogspot.com 

8. Enlightenment of Vardhamana Mahavira

For Jains, Diwali marks the enlightenment of Vardhamana Mahavira(the 24th and last Tirthankara). He was the founder of modern Jainism. Factually the enlightenment is said to have occurred on Oct 15, 527 BC. There’s another reason for the Jains to involve in the Diwali galore apart from the enlightenment commemoration. And that is that this festival stands for the emancipation of human spirit from earthly desires which strongly superimpose with the teachings of Jainism. 

Source: Pinterest

9. Special Occasion for Sikhs

Diwali holds a significant place for the Sikhs as it was on this day the third Sikh Guru Amar Das institutionalized the festival of light as an occasion for all Sikhs around the world to gather and receive the blessings of their Guru.
It was also on this day in 1619 that their sixth religious leader, Guru Hargobind Ji, was set free from imprisonment Mughal Emperor Jahangir. He was kept captive at the Gwalior Fort along with 52 other Hindu kings.
And thirdly, it was on the same auspicious occasion of Diwali in 1577 that the foundation stone of the Golden Temple was laid in Amritsar.

 
Source: Acelebrationofwomen.org

10. The story of Goddess Kali

According to legend, Goddess Kali was born to protect the good from the evil. Said to be the personification of Nari Shakti, Kali was born to save the heavens and earth from the increasing menace of the demons. After killing all the devils, Kali lost her control and began killing anyone who came in her way to be stopped only by Lord Shiva’s intervention.
That memorable day has been celebrated henceforth to seek the blessings of Goddess Kali to destroy our inner evils. 

Source: Youtube

11. The harvest Festival of Kharif crops

Diwali also falls at a time of reaping the Kharif crops- a time when the rice cultivation gives its fruits to the farmers. India being an agro-economic society, the significance of the rich harvest gives a new meaning and vigor to the celebrations.

Source: Oceaninsight.com 

12. Hindu New Year

Diwali is also the Hindu New Year. It is the time of the year when Hindu businessmen offer Pujas, start new books of account and pay off old debts to start a new year afresh, a good enough reason alone to indulge in the festivities.

Source: Blogspot.com 

13. Nachiketa and Yama

Another interesting story about Diwali comes from the Kanthopnishads of a small boy Nachiketa who believed that Yama, the God of death was as dark as the Dark night of Amavasya. But when he met Yama in person, he was puzzled to see Yama’s calm countenance and dignifies stature. Yama explained to Nachiketa that only by passing through the darkness of death, man sees the light of the highest wisdom. This revelation of the importance of worldly life and the significance of death is celebrated as Nachiketa’s enlightenment on Diwali day.

Source: Indiatimes

14. The Pope's Speech on Diwali

Once upon a time, Pope John Paul ll, with an auspicious tilak on his forehead, performed a special ceremony in an Indian Church which was decorated in shades of joy, and lights with Diwali lamps all over the place! He spoke at length about the festival of lights.

Source: Blogandjournal.com

15. Because it's Diwali!

Well, you got that right! With all of those lessons and remanence down historic lane, you've got more than enough reasons to celebrate this glorious day! So celebrate Diwali festival with lots of happiness, and love, and lights, and great food, and sweets, and rangolis! Because since when do we need a long list to celebrate our favorite festival, right! And if you do, we got you covered there too! (Yeah, you're welcome!)

Source: Thereportertimes.com

The feeling of oneness is bossted multiple times by sending online gifts to friends and family with more and more personalized diwali gift ideas to make the experience more personal and loving, spreading smiles throughout! If you have little ones at home, check out thoughtful Diwali gifts for kids and make their day more special. Or the corparate buddies out there, have a look at the corporate Diwali gifting to make your employees smile wide! There’s a multitude of reasons to celebrate Diwali, perhaps every part of India has its own reason. All of these, however, hardly matters when it comes to the festival itself. Whatever be your reason of celebration, the aesthetic aspect of Diwali is cherished and enjoyed by all Indians irrespective of their faith- cause that’s the beauty of Diwali.

How do We Celebrate Diwali Around the Globe?

The main reason why we celebrate Diwali​ is its sentiment or the religious aspects make it a global event with large celebrations all over major cities.

India 

The reason for Diwali celebration in India​ is that it marks Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and his return to his kingdom of Ayodhya and its inhabitants- people in North India clean their homes, light diyas and rangoli and burst firecrackers. 

In many parts of India, especially Maharashtra and Gujarat, Lakshmi Puja is performed with markets and houses being decorated on the day.

In West Bengal and Odisha, Diwali falls in sync with Kali Puja dedicated to the Goddess Kali. Lamps are lit in homes and rituals are carried out to overcome evil forces.

In states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh in South India, Diwali offerings are presented at temples and the distribution of sweets starts in the morning on this occasion.

New York, USA

After India, New York, especially in Times Square, is one of the cities that celebrate Diwali most spectacularly. The typical event referred to as ‘Diwali in Times Square’ or the ‘Times Square Diwali’ draws a large crowd of thousands of participants. 

This mega event comprises a cultural program, Bollywood night, a traditional extravaganza, and an art gallery. One of them is the lighting of a ceremonial diya (lamp) to set an example of the positivity that the annual festival also represents. Additional booths include henna painting, Indian food, and items that make the event a beloved one in New York City. 

Dubai, UAE

How do we celebrate Diwali​ in Dubai which is a city of majesty combining both tradition and luxury? The Burj Khalifa is illuminated with varied colors to signify the festival. The Dubai Creek, Global Village, and Al Seef often organize fireworks and cultural shows. Diwali sales and promotions are also included in Dubai’s notable shopping offers for festive shopping.

London, UK

Diwali is a favorite festival celebrated in London, especially by Indian communities: Wembley and Southall are the most outstanding examples. London is one such city where the famous Trafalgar Square celebrates Diwali every year with programs such as music, dance, and yoga classes besides stalls selling Indian foods such as samosas and biryanis. Homes, temples and even shops are decorated with lights and fireworks fill the night sky. 

Singapore

The Diwali festival is taken as an opportunity in Singapore for the Indians to decorate the Little India area and streets with lights and other illuminations. People buy traditional products like sweets, diyas, and local dress materials from the crowded bazaars. Temples perform special prayers and other cultural programs on Diwali. 

Fiji

Indo-Fijians, which constitute a large portion of the population in Fiji, celebrate Diwali throughout Fiji. The lighting of lamps, offering prayers, and distribution of sweets are enjoyed by all. People of different religious beliefs engage in celebrations, thus giving a close look at Fiji’s cultural diversity.

South Africa

In South Africa, specifically in Durban, Diwali is very well celebrated due to the influence of the Indian populace. Traditional ceremonies are conducted at temples and cultural shows and fairs are conducted across the city. Owing to Indian traditions, lighting lamps, firecrackers and sweets distribution also form an essential part of the celebrations.

Happy Diwali to you!