Why do we celebrate Deepavali? There are many reasons — a lamp to light the way, victory over a demon, a welcome for a king and more.
Rama’s return
It was a dark night and the old lady sat waiting for the most important person in her locality to arrive. She hoped and prayed that he would find his way home. Not knowing what she could do to help him find his way, she lit a lamp and placed it by the window. On seeing a faint flickering light, other people in the village, who were as anxious as her, also lit lamps. This person was none other than Rama, who was on his way to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana after defeating Ravana. Legend has it that the night before his coronation, Rama was sent off on a 14-year exile to fulfil a promise given by his father to his stepmother.
Knocked off
On Narak-Chaturdashithe, the powerful demon, Narakasura, was killed by Krishna. Another reason to celebrate.
Pray for prosperity
The gods and demons were fighting for the Amrit (potion of immortality). Vishnu, in the form of a tortoise (Kurma Avataar), helped in churning the ocean. Lakshmi emerged from the ocean carrying the pot of nectar, and once her task was complete she left with Vishnu, whom she chose as her consort. As the legend goes, Lakshmi visits Earth on this day every year and bestows people with riches. That’s why lamps are lit and crackers are burst to help her find her way, and to ward off evil spirits.
Five times happy
The five Pandavas from the Mahabharata: Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva -had lost everything in a game of dice with the Kauravas. They were sent off on a 13-year exile. After facing innumerable hardships, they came back on the eve of Deepavali, and lamps were lit to celebrate their homecoming.
Vikramaditya’s coronation
One of the greatest kings of his time, Vikramaditya’s subjects lit earthen lamps to welcome their new king. And since then, the tradition of lighting diyas has continued.
Religious significance
For Jains, it was at this time that Mahavira attained nirvana in 527 BC.
For Newar Buddhists, it was on this day that Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism, and it is also known as Ashok Vijayadashami. On this day, monasteries and temples are decorated, and Buddha is worshipped.
