Deepawali festival : Celebrating good winning against evil

Hindus celebrate Deepawali (Also known as Diwali) as the day Lord Krishna finally subdued the demon Narakasura. Though this is the belief of Sri Lankan Tamils regarding Diwali, people of Southern India use the occasion to commemorate the conquering of Asura Naraka, a powerful king of Assam. This king is said to have imprisoned thousands of inhabitants and it was Lord Krishna, a deity worshiped in Hinduism, who was finally able to subdue Asura Naraka and free the prisoners.   
There is also a North Indian belief that Deewali is celebrated to honour Lord Sri Rama Chandra, the Seventh Avatar Incarnation of God Vishnu. It is believed that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years in exile. It is also said that he won a battle against the demons and King Ravana. People lit lamps in their houses to celebrate his victory over evil (light over darkness).   

The goddess of happiness and good fortune, Lakshmi, also features in the celebrations. It is believed that she roams the earth on this day and enters the house that is pure, clean, and bright.   

 Indians regardless of faith or whether they are Hindus, Janis, Buddhists, and Sikhs also celebrate Diwali. In all interpretations, one common thread rings true; the festival marks the victory of good over evil

The festival gets its name from the row of clay lamps (Deepangal in avali). Deepa avali meaning ‘rows of lighted lamps,’ It is also known as the ‘festival of lights’ where clay lamps are lit in the night to signify the victory of good over evil. The light outside their homes   symbolises the inner light that protects the individual from spiritual darkness.   

Indians regardless of faith or whether they are Hindus, Janis, Buddhists, and Sikhs also celebrate Diwali. In all interpretations, one common thread rings true; the festival marks the victory of good over evil.   

The goddess of wealth and prosperity is Lakshmi. Some believe the day of celebration coincides with her birthday and that is the day that she married 
Lord Vishnu.   

Legend has it that demon Naraka Asura just prior to death realised the bad things he had done and in turn made a request to celebrate his demise to mark happiness.   

In Jainism the occasion marks the ‘nirvana’ or spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira (on October 15, 527 B.C). Sikhs use it to celebrate a renowned teacher (Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru) who was freed from imprisonment.   

In Sikhism it marks the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru was freed from imprisonment.   

There is also a North Indian belief that Deewali is celebrated to honour Lord Sri Rama Chandra, the Seventh Avatar Incarnation of God Vishnu. It is believed that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years in exile

Goddess Lakshmi 

Diwali falls either in October or November, but the exact dates change annually based on the Hindu Lunar Calendar,   

When the holiday is celebrated, residents leave their windows and doors open to allow Goddess Lakshmi to find her way into their homes,   

Every home is lit with clay lamps and the brightness leaves no room for darkness to enter. Doorsteps are decorated with lamps.   

People wear new clothes to thank Goddess Lakshmi for ensuring prosperity and bringing good fortune. And when late evening dawns, firecrackers are set off. Throughout the festival, traditional sweets and savory items are consumed.   

The Five Days of Diwali are celebrated in some parts of India.   

On the first day of Diwali, people consider it auspicious to spring-clean their homes and shops.   

On the second day, people decorate their homes with clay lamps and draw patterns called rangoli on the floor using coloured powders or sand.   

The third day is dedicated for the main day of the festival. Families gather together for Lakshmi Pooja, during which prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi. This session is followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities.   

The fourth day is considered as the first day of the New Year where friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes, for the season.   

The goddess of wealth and prosperity is Lakshmi. Some believe the day of celebration coincides with her birthday and that is the day that she married Lord Vishnu.   Legend has it that demon Naraka Asura just prior to death realised the bad things he had done and in turn made a request to celebrate his demise to mark happiness

On the final and fifth day of Diwali, brothers visit their married sisters who welcome them with love and treat them to a lavish meal.   

Diwali celebrations may vary in different communities, but its significance and spiritual meaning is generally ‘the awareness of the inner light’.   

The Diwali festival symbolises the victory of righteousness and marks the victory of good over evil.   

(The writer is also the President of the Tamils National Action Group)