Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya, which falls on the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin. This is usually around October or November every year. Diwali symbolizes the vanquishing of ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. The name originated as a combination of two words – deep and avali; deep = light and avali= a row i.e., a row of lights. This means the festival of lights. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a different tradition.

The Origin of Diwali

The roots of Diwali go back to ancient India. There are various legends informing the origin of Diwali. Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshipped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, it has a significance. Lord Mahavira attained the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen-year long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana

Each day of Diwali has its own tale, legend and myth to tell. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi signifies the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the second day, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the tyrant Bali, and banished him to hell. Bali was allowed to return to earth once a year, to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance, and spread the radiance of love and wisdom. On the third day—Kartika Shudda Padyami, Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj) and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

The Significance of Lights & Firecrackers

The illumination of homes is a symbol of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity. According to one belief, the sound of fire-crackers is an indication of the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful state. Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes produced by the crackers kill a lot of insects and mosquitoes, found in plenty after the rains.

Gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva, and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year. Diwali is associated with wealth and prosperity in many ways, and the festival of ‘Dhanteras‘ (‘dhan’ = wealth; ‘teras’ = 13th) is celebrated two days before the festival of lights.

There are ten mythical and historical reasons that are possibly behind Diwali. One suggests that it marks the return of Ram to Ayodhya, another says it is the return of the Pandavas that is celebrated. The incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the story of King Mahabali, Lord Vishu and Narakasura,  Lord Shiva and Maa Kali, The coronation of King Vikramaditya, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the attainment of nirvana by Vardhamana Mahavira and the story of Sikh Guru Amar Das are all considered reasons for the festival.