What is Diwali and Why is it Celebrated?

India is known as the land of festivals because of its cultural diversity, faith, and religious beliefs among people of different religions.

What is Diwali?

Diwali is the biggest and one of the most famous and light-hearted festivals which is celebrated by billions of people. It is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm throughout India and by Indians in foreign countries. It is known as the festival of lights, a widely celebrated festival by Hindus.

When is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali is celebrated in the month of October and November, 20 days after the festival of Dussehra. Diwali marks the victory of good over evil.

Why is Diwali Celebrated?

There is a history behind the festival of Diwali. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Rama was the avatar of the God Vishnu. Lord Rama was the son of Dashratha, the ruler of Ayodhya. Lord Rama was a great warrior king but due to the conspire of his stepmother, his father Dashratha asked him to go on a fourteen-year exile. Being a faithful son Lord Rama aptly agreed to it. Both his wife Sita and brother Lakshman stood by him and went with him to the forest.

During the end of their exile Ravana, the powerful king of Lanka heard of Sita’s beauty. He kidnapped her and took her to Lanka. For this reason, Rama and Lakshman went to Lanka to bring back Sita. They were accompanied by the greatest devotee of Lord Rama, Hanuman. Lord Rama defeated Ravana and brought back his wife. After this victory, Rama, Sita and Lakshman got back to Ayodhya and their people gave them a fabulous greeting by lighting the entire Ayodhya with rows of clay lamps and by firing crackers. Thus, this event denotes the honour of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana; the triumph of Good over Evil.

How is Diwali celebrated?

These days people celebrate Diwali with a similar spirit. Most people are busy cleaning and decorating their houses 15 days before Diwali. People buy and wear new clothes on this day. In the evening people light up their homes with tube lights, clay lamps known as Diya and candles to destroy evil and welcome God and Goddesses. Sky candles are also used to brighten the beauty of homes.

As per the Hindu religious belief, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, may visit their houses and bestow prosperity. Due to this belief, Hindus worship Lakshmi, light candles and diyas at the entrance of their homes and leave their doors open to welcome the goddess.

People greatly enjoy Diwali with joy and enthusiasm. Diwali is a lovely festival that makes people come closer to their dear ones. On this day, various sweets are made at home and distributed among friends and relatives. People invite their near and dear ones. People also visit their relatives and friends and exchange gifts and dry fruits.

Children eagerly wait for Diwali. They enjoy making beautiful rangoli in the bursting of crackers and fireworks and also decorating their house. People get together, throw parties at home or workplaces, dance, sing, exchange gifts, and enjoy eating delicious dinners.

What are the Drawbacks of Diwali?

This celebration has specific drawbacks also, because of carelessness, the people are harmed by bursting crackers. Sometimes fire breaks out and causes a lot of damage to life and property. Also, the smoke and noise can cause health problems and increase pollution levels. People are advised by the government to be cautious and also avoid using crackers and instead use sky candles.

Importance of Diwali

Diwali is the festival of the whole country. It has great importance for Hindu mythology and people need to understand the importance of real happiness and peacefulness. It is the day of festivity of the victory of good over evil. Diwali generates belief in good deeds and marks a day of happiness, joy, and the end of evilness. It is celebrated with extraordinary enthusiasm in each town and city of India and by also Indians in foreign countries. It becomes the symbol of unity. India has been celebrating this festival for thousands of years and continues to celebrate it even today.

You Asked, We Listened – Get Free Access to All Writing Lists 😍😍