Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights. It is celebrated by Hindus throughout India and the world. Every year on the new moon night on the Hindu month of Kartika, Hindus celebrate Diwali with feasting, gifts and decorations. But why is Diwali celebrated in Hinduism?
In Hinduism, Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness. For Hindus, it symbolises the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu scripture, Diwali celebrations go back to the time of the Hindu epic, The Ramayana. According to this story, Diwali marks the return of Lord Ram from exile after he defeated the demon king Ravan. Hindus believe that the victory of Lord Ram on this day brought light and hope back into the world.
On the night of Diwali, Hindus light earthen lamps or “diyas” at their homes, shops and temples as a sign of homage to Lord Ram. Diyas symbolise love and hope and are lit to remove the darkness and to bring in the divine light. Hindus also exchange sweets and gifts with friends and family as a sign of respect and gratitude.
Diwali is also a time for religious worship and rituals. Hindus perform various puja ceremonies or rituals in honour of the gods. These activities involve the offering of prayers, lighting candles and incense sticks and exchanging gifts. Hindus also conduct pujas for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. By performing these rituals, Hindus are said to receive good fortune, health, prosperity and success in all aspects of life.
Apart from the religious significance of Diwali, there is also a social aspect to the festival. During Diwali, Hindus come together to celebrate in unity. People from all walks of life celebrate together in the spirit of brotherhood and togetherness. Diwali is also a time for family reunions, where distant relatives come together for a joyous celebration and exchange of gifts.
In summary, Diwali is celebrated in Hinduism to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, the victory of good over evil, and the return of Lord Ram to his kingdom. Diwali is also a time for religious worship, family reunions, and social gatherings and feasting. Diwali is a festival of celebration and joy, which brings people of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds together in the spirit of unity and togetherness.
History of Diwali in Hinduism
Diwali or Deepavali has been celebrated in Hinduism for thousands of years. The festival is celebrated according to the Hindu lunar calendar and this is why the date of Diwali changes each year. The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word “deepavali” which means “a row of lamps”. This is because Hindus light lamps or diyas on the night of Diwali.
The celebration of Diwali in Hinduism is mentioned in various scriptures such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas. According to these scriptures, Diwali marks the return of Lord Ram and the victory of good over evil. Diwali is also mentioned in the ancient Hindu text, the Upanishads.
Diwali has been an important festival since the Vedic period and is celebrated in many ways in Hinduism. Some of these traditions include the burning of crackers, singing and dancing, exchange of sweets and gifts, lighting of lamps and fireworks, and a feast in honour of the gods.
Diwali has also been an important holiday in India for centuries. Many Hindu kings and rulers celebrated Diwali with great pomp and show. They used to pay tribute to the gods and goddesses by offering large firework displays and prayers. Diwali was also celebrated to mark the victory of kings over their enemies.
Symbolism of Diwali in Hinduism
In Hinduism, Diwali has deep religious and spiritual significance. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Hindus believe that by performing pujas and rituals during Diwali, they can receive blessings from the gods and goddesses.
The festivities associated with Diwali also have symbolic meaning. For example, the lighting of lamps signifies the removal of darkness from the soul. The exchange of sweets and gifts show gratitude and love towards one another. The burning of crackers is symbolic of the victory of light over darkness.
Diwali is also celebrated to mark the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is a time of new beginnings and festivities. Hindus also offer prayers to their ancestors during Diwali and believe in starting the New Year with positive intentions.
In Hinduism, Diwali is celebrated with great reverence and enthusiasm. It is a time to celebrate life and its joys, to foster love and peace, and to create lasting memories.
Rituals of Diwali in Hinduism
For Hindus, Diwali is an important festival that involves several rituals. These rituals are believed to bring good health and fortune in all aspects of life. Some of the common rituals of Diwali include praying to the gods, lighting of lamps and fireworks, exchange of sweets and gifts, and decorating homes with rangoli designs.
The main ritual of Diwali involves the lighting of lamps or diyas. Hindus believe that lighting lamps and decorating homes with them is an auspicious sign of welcoming the divine light into our lives. Hindus also pray to the gods and goddesses during Diwali and offer food, fruits, incense and flowers to them.
The exchange of sweets and gifts is an important part of Diwali celebrations. Hindus exchange sweets and gifts with family, friends and neighbours to express their love and respect. Diwali is also a time for feasting and merry-making. People cook a variety of dishes and desserts during the festival and share it with their loved ones.
Diwali is also a time for reflection and introspection. Hindus spend time in meditation and prayer, seeking blessings from the gods and goddesses. Diwali also marks a time of renewal and new beginnings. Hindus look back on the past year and strive to make improvements in the coming year.
Significance and Impact of Diwali in Hinduism
Diwali is an important festival that has a significant impact on Hindu society. The festivities and rituals associated with Diwali bring people of all faiths and cultures together in the spirit of unity and brotherhood. Diwali also signifies the importance of family and tradition by bringing distant relatives and loved ones together in the celebration.
Diwali also has an important economic significance. During Diwali, people purchase new goods such as clothes, jewellery and home decorations. This stimulates the economy by creating more business and job opportunities. Diwali is also a time when charities and philanthropic organizations come together to help those who are in need.
Diwali has also become an important cultural event in many Hindu communities around the world. People come together to celebrate the festival with feasts, music, and dance. They perform various pujas and rituals to mark the start of the New Year. This brings joy and happiness into the lives of people, who celebrate Diwali with enthusiasm and devotion.
Conclusion of Diwali in Hinduism
Diwali is an important Hindu festival which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. The celebration of Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is a time for feasting and merriment, family reunions, and a renewed commitment to improving one’s life. Diwali also has an important economic, cultural, and social significance which makes it an important festival in Hinduism.
