For over a billion people worldwide, the five-day festival of Diwali is the year’s most significant celebration. Derived from the Sanskrit word Dipavali, meaning "a row of lights," the festival transcends mere religious observance to embody a universal theme: the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Traditionally falling between late October and November, Diwali is a meticulously observed event whose meaning changes beautifully depending on the community and region.

But what truly makes this festival—lasting from the 13th day of the dark lunar half of Ashvina to the second day of the light half of Karttika—a global cultural phenomenon? The answer lies in its layers of history, tradition, and profound personal rituals.

Five Days of Distinct Purpose

The true magic of Diwali unfolds across five distinct days, each dedicated to a unique purpose:

• Dhanteras: The beginning is all about prosperity. Homes are thoroughly cleaned, and the focus is on Goddess Lakshmi, with the ceremonial purchase of small gold items to invite wealth.

• Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): This second day primarily commemorates Lord Krishna's destruction of the demon Narakasura, symbolising the elimination of evil forces.

• Lakshmi Puja: The central, main day of the festival. Families light diyas and candles, seek blessings from Lakshmi for prosperity, and set off fireworks to celebrate their joy.

• Govardhan Puja/Annakut: This day commemorates Krishna's feat of lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the cowherds from the wrath of Indra. It also marks the start of the new year in the Vikrama (Hindu) calendar.

• Bhai Dooj: The final day celebrates the cherished bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan, with sisters praying for their brothers' success and well-being.

Regional Tales of Triumph in Hinduism

While the lighting of the diyas is the most widespread custom—inviting the presence of Lakshmi—the narrative that defines the festival differs dramatically by geography:

• In North India, Diwali is intrinsically linked to the epic Ramayana, celebrating Lord Rama’s royal homecoming to Ayodhya after his victory over the demon king Ravana.

• In South India, the focus shifts to Lord Krishna’s triumph over Narakasura, marking a different story of righteous victory.

• In Bengal, it is the fierce Goddess Kali who is primarily worshipped on this night, revered as the destroyer of evil.

• Other traditions commemorate the marriage of Lakshmi and Vishnu or observe it as Lakshmi’s birthday, showcasing the incredible tapestry of Hindu belief.

  

A Light for Every Faith: Diwali’s Broader Significance

The festival’s power to symbolise light over darkness allows it to resonate deeply beyond Hinduism:

• For the Jain community, Diwali is a holy occasion that commemorates the enlightenment and ultimate liberation (moksha) of Mahavira, the most recent Tirthankara, from the cycle of rebirth.

• In Sikhism, the celebration, known as Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorates the day when Guru Hargobind returned to Amritsar after being freed from captivity, with the city’s residents lighting lamps in his honour.

• Even some Buddhists, particularly the Vajrayana minority among the Newar people of Nepal, celebrate by lighting lamps and worshipping the Buddha, with some traditions tracing the observance to Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism.

Diwali is a rare cultural phenomenon—a shared moment of joy celebrated with visiting, feasting, exchanging gifts, and decorating homes with elaborate rangolis. It is a dynamic celebration that beautifully adapts its meaning to honour different triumphs, yet maintains its universal core: a beautiful, luminous affirmation of hope and positivity.
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