Diwali a Festival of Lights

Diwali, the festival of lights and victory of good over evil. Being a diverse country, in various parts of India, people celebrate this festival for various reasons. But the theme is one and that is to remove the darkness and bring the light.

In North India, people celebrate Diwali to celebrate the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile with brother Laxman and wife Sita. Since it was a new moon day in the month of Kartik season, it was dark all around. So, to welcome their homecoming, the people of Ayodhya lighted the entire kingdom with diyas. The return of Lord Rama is associated with the victory of good over evil.

In Southern India, Diwali is associated with the Killing of Narkasura. In the,Dwapar Yuga, Lord Vishnu as incarnation of Krishna and his wife Satyavama killed the Demon Narakasura, who was evil king. Diwali was celebrated as a significance of triumph of good over evil after Lord Krishna's Victory over Narakasura. The day before Diwali is remembered as Naraka Chaturdasi, the day on which Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna.

Hindus of eastern India associate the festival with the fierce avatar of Durga who is Kali who symbolises the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated when the new moon day of Ashwin month coincides with the festival of Diwali.

In Western India Diwali is mostly associated with business and trade. And they worship Goddess Laxmi. Rangoli is a very important part of Diwali in all states in Western India. Footprints are also drawn to welcome Goddess Laxmi. On Diwali, houses are brightly lit. For Gujaratis, Diwali is New Year.