Why Celebrate Diwali ?

 Why is Diwali celebrated?

India is known as the land of festivals. Every month, some festival is celebrated here. The biggest and most popular festival is Diwali. This festival of lights not only brings joy, but also gives a message of spirituality, love and prosperity. There are many answers to the question of why Diwali is celebrated, as different religions, sects and regions have different stories associated with it. Let us look at the main reasons for celebrating Diwali today.

1. The occasion of Shri Ram's return to Ayodhya

The most famous story associated with Diwali is Shri Ram's return to Ayodhya.

According to the Ramayana, after completing 14 years of exile, Lord Shri Ram returned to Ayodhya taking Mother Sita with him. On that day, lamps were lit in the entire city of Ayodhya and the city was illuminated. Therefore, Diwali is called the "Festival of Lights".

This event makes Diwali a symbol of the victory of good over evil. This joyful festival of the return of Lord Shri Ram is still celebrated wholeheartedly by millions of people.

2. Destruction of Narakasura by Lord Krishna

Another important reason for celebrating Diwali is the destruction of Narakasura.

According to the story, a demon named Narakasura was causing a lot of suffering to people. Lord Krishna killed him and freed people. On the day of this victory, lamps were lit, and hence the festival of Naraka Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas is celebrated.

The message of Diwali from this story is that no matter how great the darkness is, the light of truth and religion defeats it.

3. Birthday of Goddess Lakshmi

The third important aspect of Diwali is the birthday of Goddess Lakshmi.

According to Hindu belief, Goddess Lakshmi was born during the churning of the ocean and is the goddess of wealth. She is worshipped on Diwali to bring prosperity to the home and business.

Even today, Lakshmi Puja is the most important tradition of Diwali. Traders start their new accounts (Chopra Puja) and people welcome Lakshmi by lighting lamps in their homes.

4. Importance of Diwali in Jainism

Diwali has a special place in Jainism.

Lord Mahavir attained Nirvana on this day in 527 BC. Therefore, Jains consider Diwali as a day of spiritual liberation.

They remember Lord Mahavir by lighting lamps and recall his teachings. Therefore, Diwali is not only a festival of joy but also a festival of meditation and self-purification.

5. Diwali Tradition in Sikhism

Diwali also has special significance for the Sikh community.

Guru Hargobindji was released from captivity by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1619. On that day, he also freed 52 Hindu kings. Therefore, Sikhs celebrate Diwali as "Bandichhod Diwas".

The Golden Temple of Amritsar is decorated with thousands of lamps and lights, which is famous all over the world.

6. Business and the beginning of the new year

In Gujarat and western India, Diwali is especially celebrated as the new year.

The day after Diwali, the "Bestu Varsh" i.e. Gujarati New Year begins. Traders start their new accounts and worship the gods and goddesses.

Therefore, Diwali is also very important from a business perspective. At this time, there is a buying atmosphere in the markets and there is a lot of awareness in the economy.

7. Social of Diwali

Diwali is not only full of religious stories, but also full of social messages.

This festival teaches us that we should move from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge. Spending time with family, helping the poor and needy - this is the true spirit of Diwali.

In today's times, the importance of "eco-friendly Diwali" is also increasing. To reduce smoke and pollution, it is necessary to burst fewer crackers and celebrate by protecting nature.

8. Importance of Diwali in modern times

In today's digital age, the ways of celebrating Diwali have changed. People share Diwali photos and videos on social media, shop online and send e-gift cards. Indians living abroad celebrate Diwali virtually.

But the basic spirit of this festival is the same - to give a message of love, unity and light.

There are many reasons to celebrate Diwali in this way - from the return of Shri Ram to the destruction of Narakasura, from the birth of Goddess Lakshmi to the Nirvana of Mahavira, from the liberation of Guru Hargobindji to the New Year. Every tradition, every story makes Diwali unique.