Introduction: Why We Celebrate Diwali?
Why we celebrate Diwali? This beautiful question takes us deep into India’s heart, culture, and spirituality. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated with grandeur across India and the world. It marks the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
From lighting clay lamps and bursting fireworks to sharing sweets and exchanging gifts, every ritual of Diwali carries a deep spiritual and cultural meaning. But Diwali is not just a festival — it’s an emotion that connects families, friends, and communities.
Let’s uncover the true reason behind why we celebrate Diwali and explore its traditions, stories, and modern significance.
The Meaning of Diwali – Festival of Lights
The word “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali”, which means “a row of lights.” These lights — or diyas — represent hope, purity, and spiritual awakening. Lighting them symbolizes removing the darkness of ignorance and bringing in the light of wisdom.
Diwali reminds us that no matter how dark life seems, light and goodness always find their way through. Every home illuminated during Diwali tells a story of faith, joy, and the triumph of righteousness.
The Mythological Significance of Diwali
The reasons behind why we celebrate Diwali differ across India’s diverse regions, but all share the same core message — victory of good over evil.
a) Lord Rama’s Return to Ayodhya
In North India, Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. After defeating the demon king Ravana, Rama returned home. The people of Ayodhya lit up the city with thousands of lamps to welcome their beloved king.
This story represents the triumph of truth, love, and virtue over arrogance and evil.
b) Goddess Lakshmi’s Birth
In some regions, Diwali marks the birth of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, from the cosmic ocean during its churning (Samudra Manthan).
People pray to Goddess Lakshmi for good fortune, wealth, and success, cleaning their homes and businesses to invite her blessings.
c) Lord Krishna and Narakasura
In South India, Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, who had captured thousands of women. His defeat by Krishna symbolizes freedom from fear and evil.
d) Lord Mahavira’s Nirvana
For Jains, Diwali marks the day Lord Mahavira attained nirvana, achieving ultimate liberation and peace.
e) Guru Hargobind’s Release
For Sikhs, Diwali celebrates Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from imprisonment, known as the “Bandi Chhor Divas.” It’s a symbol of freedom and justice.
The Spiritual Meaning Behind Diwali
While lights and celebrations are central, Diwali’s deeper message lies in self-reflection and renewal. It teaches us to:
- Eliminate negativity and embrace positivity.
- Forgive and forget old grudges.
- Start anew with a clear heart and pure intentions.
Diwali encourages introspection — to remove inner darkness (anger, greed, jealousy) and let our inner light shine.
That’s why, every diya you light represents hope, purity, and divine energy within you.
The Five Days of Diwali Festival
Diwali isn’t just one day — it’s a five-day festival, each day having its unique importance:
Day 1: Dhanteras – The Day of Prosperity
People buy gold, silver, and new utensils as a symbol of good luck. It is believed Goddess Lakshmi blesses households with wealth on this day.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
This day reminds us of Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Homes are cleaned and decorated, and small lamps are lit.
Day 3: Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali Day)
This is the main day when people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth and wisdom. Houses shine with lights, candles, and diyas. Families exchange sweets and gifts, symbolizing unity and love.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakut)
People prepare 56 varieties of food (Chappan Bhog) and offer them to Lord Krishna for protecting the people of Gokul from Indra’s wrath.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj – Celebration of Sibling Love
Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being and longevity.
Diwali Traditions and Rituals Explained
Every ritual of Diwali has a deeper purpose. Let’s explore:
- Cleaning and Decorating Homes: It’s believed Goddess Lakshmi visits only clean and welcoming homes.
- Lighting Diyas and Candles: Represents removing darkness from our lives.
- Rangoli Designs: Symbolize positive energy and happiness.
- Fireworks: Celebrate joy and the victory of good over evil.
- Sharing Sweets: A gesture of spreading love and harmony.
- Wearing New Clothes: Symbolizes new beginnings and positivity.
Each act connects us with faith, community, and gratitude.
Why We Celebrate Diwali Across Different Regions of India
North India:
Celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.
South India:
Marks Lord Krishna’s triumph over Narakasura.
West India:
In Gujarat, it honors Goddess Lakshmi and also marks the start of a new financial year.
East India:
In Bengal, people worship Goddess Kali, representing power and protection.
Though reasons differ, the essence remains the same — celebrating light, love, and prosperity.
How Diwali is Celebrated Around the World
Diwali’s magic has crossed borders! It is celebrated by Indian communities across the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Mauritius, and the Middle East.
In places like Leicester (UK) and Trinidad & Tobago, entire cities glow with lights, parades, and cultural shows. Governments even recognize it as a public holiday in countries like Nepal, Fiji, and Malaysia.
Diwali has become a global celebration of peace, unity, and cultural pride.
The Importance of Diwali in Modern Times
Today, Diwali is more than just a festival — it’s a reminder to reconnect with loved ones and reflect on our values. In the modern world, it inspires people to:
- Practice sustainability by using eco-friendly diyas.
- Support local artisans and hand-made decorations.
- Spread kindness and charity, donating to the less fortunate.
- Celebrate with awareness and gratitude.
Even in today’s busy life, Diwali remains a pause — a time to cherish relationships, culture, and inner peace.
Eco-Friendly Diwali: Celebrating Responsibly
As environmental concerns grow, more people are embracing green Diwali celebrations:
- Avoiding firecrackers to reduce pollution.
- Using earthen diyas instead of plastic lights.
- Decorating with flowers and organic rangoli colors.
- Donating old clothes and food to those in need.
Eco-friendly Diwali ensures we celebrate responsibly, keeping our environment and traditions alive together.
The Spiritual Message: Light Your Inner Lamp
Beyond rituals and celebrations, Diwali reminds us to light the inner lamp of wisdom. True celebration happens when we:
- Spread love and kindness.
- Forgive and let go.
- Help others in need.
- Stay humble and grateful.
Diwali teaches that the greatest victory is not over others, but over our own darkness.
The Global Impact of Diwali Culture
From Bollywood-themed parties in New York to grand celebrations in Dubai, Diwali showcases India’s cultural strength. It promotes unity in diversity and inspires people of all faiths to embrace light and positivity.
Global landmarks like the Empire State Building and London Eye often light up for Diwali — showing how this Indian festival has become a symbol of hope for humanity.
What Diwali Teaches Us Every Year
Each year, Diwali reminds us to:
- Be grateful for what we have.
- Reconnect with family and friends.
- Celebrate our traditions.
- Share joy and love selflessly.
It’s a festival that renews our faith in goodness, kindness, and togetherness.
Conclusion: Why We Celebrate Diwali – The Festival of Light and Hope
So, why we celebrate Diwali? Because it reminds us that no matter how dark life gets, the light of truth, love, and goodness always shines through.