The Origins of Diwali Celebrations

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a major festival in the Hindu Calendar. The festival marks the end of the Ashvin month of the Hindu calendar and the beginning of the Kartik month. According to the Ramayana, Diwali marks the home-coming of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the ruler of Lanka after an exile of 14 years. A quick Google search reveals that this is not the only accepted belief for the origin of the festival. Hindus have several other significant events associated with Diwali. Based on these, Diwali celebrations are spread over five days:

1. Dhanatrayodashi or Dhan teras: Dhan means wealth and Trayodashi means 13th day. It is considered an auspicious day for buying utensils and gold. This day is regarded as the Jayanti of God Dhanvantri who came out during the churning of the great ocean by the gods and the demons.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi: Chaturdashi is the 14th day on which the demon Narakasura was killed by Krishna – an incarnation of Vishnu. It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
3. Lakshmi Puja: Lakshmi Puja marks the most important day of Diwali celebrations in North India. Hindu homes worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesh, the God of auspicious beginnings, and then light lamps in the streets and homes to welcome prosperity and well-being.
4. Bali Pratipada and Govardhan Puja : In North India, this day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, also called Annakut, and is celebrated as the day Krishna – an incarnation of god Vishnu – defeated Indra and by the lifting of Govardhana hill to save his kinsmen and cattle from rain and floods.
5. Bhaiduj: on this day, brothers and sisters meet to express love and affection for each other. It is based on a story when Yama, lord of Death, visited his sister Yami. Yami welcomed Yama with an Aarti and they had a feast together. Yama gave a gift to Yami while leaving as a token of his appreciation. So, the day is also called 'Yam Dwitiya'.

There are still many other accepted beliefs about the origins of Diwali. The festival, not being a Hindu-alone festival, also brings to light the various other origin related beliefs that members of other religious groups like Sikhism and Jainism have. However in every religion, Diwali in its true spirit is celebrated as a day to mark the victory of good over evil and the uplifting of spiritual darkness.