The Historical and Mythological Origins of Diwali

Diwali is an ancient funfair celebrated in India and everywhere across the world. A five-day festival celebrating the triumph of light against darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance draws a crowd. So, diwali means the row of lights that is "Deepavali" in the Sanskrit language. At this festival, homes are lit with oil lamps (diyas), candles, and electric lights, making it look warm and positive. Although Diwali is a day charged with celebration, the celebration also has a definitive historical and mythic association, and the stories are differentiated between Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

Hinduism Mythological Origins:

There are many stories, associated with Diwali in Hindu mythology, depending on regional traditions and the belief. The most famous story is that of Lord Rama in Ramayana.

The Return of Lord Rama:

Another central legend to Diwali is the return of Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, from 14 years of exile. King Dasharatha sent Rama into exile along with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana. During that exile, the demon king Ravana abducted Sita, resulting in an epic battle in Lanka. The army of monkeys assisted the monkey Rama, who defeated Ravana and saved Sita and Laxman, saving Rama’s life. On the accession and victory, Rama returned to Ayodhya, where his people then welcomed him by burning rows of lamps, signifying the triumph of good over evil. Next is on the day of Diwali, where this event is commemorated.

Goddess Lakshmi's Blessings:

Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Goddess Kali, the dispeller of evil and darkness, are also worshipped in other important mythological aspects of Diwali. According to belief, on the day of Diwali, it is believed that Lakshmi emerged from the ocean when the gods and demons churned the ocean (Samudra Manthan).

Krishna and Narakasura:

Diwali in India: Some people celebrate it as the day Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura in the southern states of the country. Krishna and his consort Satyabhama had liberated the women locked up by Narakasura, a terror of the heavens and the earth. Naraka Chaturdashi is one of the days of the Diwali festival and is celebrated as the day of Narakasura’s defeat.

Jainism and Diwali:

Diwali, too, has great importance in Jainism. Diwali is important to Jains as it is the day their 24th Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira attained nirvana (spiritual liberation) in 527 BCE. This day, Mahavira, after an entire life of seeking and penance, attained enlightenment and went into the physical body. For Jains, Diwali is a day of reflection, purification, and reminding ourselves of Mahavira’s teachings of nonviolence and truth.

Sikhism and Diwali:

Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated as Diwali in Sikhism. It is the release of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, from imprisonment by Jahangir, Mughal emperor. In 1620, Guru Hargobind and 52 other princes were imprisoned for political reasons. The Guru was free upon his release and negotiated the freedom of the princes also. The Sikhs welcomed him back by lighting lamps at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and still do so today.

Diwali

Historical Evolution:

The Diwali mythological stories constitute its bedrock itself. Yet, the celebration has changed in the process with the changing environment and society. Its origins are likely prehistoric as myths of the origin of the festival exist in ancient Indian texts.

Agricultural Origins:

Diwali was perhaps an agrarian festival commemorating the harvest and the onset of the New Year in parts of India but, according to some historians, is instead a celebration of a victory. Symbolically, lamps made the lighting marking the end of the monsoon season and the beginning to safely return home and experience prosperity during the next year.

Regional Variations:

The celebrations of Diwali differ across India and bordering countries. People of West Bengal worship Goddess Kali rather than Lakshmi. The day of the killing of Narakasura is celebrated with much fervour in the southern states. At the same time, northern states assert that Rama had won. At the regional level, however, these remain overshadowed by a common theme of triumph and renewal.

Commercialization of Diwali:

Diwali also has, over the centuries, come to symbolize the commencement of a new financial year for such businesses, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra. It marks the time for new clothes, household items, and gold to buy, and shops and marketplaces are bustling with activity. Nowadays, Diwali has grown beyond its religious and cultural roots, as it is either a time of lavish celebrations, gifting, and feasting at the expense of the poor due to the throngs of malls and shops, usually from the 7th to the 14th of October.

The Symbolism & the Modern-Day Diwali:

There is the symbolism of light in the essence of Diwali. Besides use as decoration, diyas, candles, and fireworks are used to symbolize the inner light and protection from spiritual darkness. Diwali is a time for self-reflection, introspection, and relationships. Families reconnect, spend time with one another, give gifts, and commemmorate what bonds them to one another: love and friendship.

While the world celebrates Diwali with Indian communities around, this year Diwali is no longer just celebrated in India. There is an annual festival that connects the old and the new, the sacred and the secular. The fact that Diwali has different stories and has traditions does not create any difference in the fact that it continues to be a reminder that no matter how long the darkness, the light will never fall.

Conclusion: 

Diwali is one of the historical and mythological origins of India. Rama, Lakshmi, Krishna, Mahavira, and Guru Hargobind all tell timeless themes of being righteous, being spiritually free, being part of a human community. As the festival continues to evolve, its core message remains ever-relevant: symbol or incipient throne of the world triumphant over darkness and ignorance.