Diwali – A Legacy of Rich Hindu Traditions and Cultural Heritage

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most cherished and widely celebrated festivals in Hindu culture, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of prosperity, and the dawning of enlightenment. Rooted in the revered Hindu epic, “the Ramayana”, originally written by one of the greatest Hindu sages of all times, Shree Valmiki, consists of 24,000 shlokas (verses), about 480,002 words and seven cantos (kaṇḍas). Its later version was written by Sage Tulsidas titled, “Ramcharitmanas”. Ramayana was written in the Sanskrit Language while Ramcharitmanas was written in a local dialect called, ‘Awadhi’. Diwali marks the return of Lord Ram, his devoted wife, Goddess Sita, and his loyal brother, Lakshman, to their homeland of Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile, ordered by his stepmother and a warrior Queen Kekai, to redeem a boon that she was awarded for saving King Dashrath’s (Ram’s Father and King of Ayodhya) life during a war, as his companion and charioteer. In contrast to the self-interpretations that regard the Ramayana as myth, many believers hold this epic to be a true historical account, preserved not only through traditions passed down from generations but through ancient texts, inscriptions, and carvings in temples that stand as timeless records of this divine narrative. 

The story of Ram is seen as divinely orchestrated, with his birth and life events set in motion by a higher purpose. Ram is revered as an avatar of Vishnu, the Preserver in the Hindu Trinity (Trimurti), which also includes Brahma, the Creator, and Shiva, the Destroyer. Vishnu is believed to have incarnated as Ram with the singular purpose of ending the oppressive reign of Raavan, the demon king of Lanka, whose cruel deeds had caused untold suffering among the people of Earth.

Raavan was not an ordinary demon. Possessed of immense knowledge, mastery of scriptures, and power bestowed through intense devotion to God Shiva, Raavan had amassed strength beyond compare. His devotion to Shiva earned him a powerful boon that granted him near-immortality, stipulating that only in a specific and secret manner could his life be ended. This secret was known only to his brother Vibhishan, who, in an ironic twist of fate, was a devoted follower of Ram. Raavan’s power and arrogance soon grew unchecked, causing suffering and fear in the universe. The wisdom of the divine had foretold, however, that only Ram could bring about the end of Raavan, fulfilling a destiny woven into the fabric of creation itself.

The catalyst for the epic battle between Ram and Raavan was the abduction of Sita. Seeking vengeance against Ram and Lakshman, Raavan used deceit to capture Sita, spiriting her away to his kingdom of Lanka. Although held captive, Sita remained protected by her inherent divine power and the blessings of wise sages, who fortified her with strength and resilience. Raavan, understanding her supernatural abilities, kept his distance, knowing that her wrath could destroy him in an instant. Yet Sita chose restraint, seeing her captivity as part of a larger divine purpose. She trusted that Ram, her husband, would one day fulfill his role as her savior, a symbol for all to witness in the eternal struggle between good and evil.

The battle between Ram and Raavan was monumental. Ram, alongside his steadfast brother Lakshman and a formidable alliance of allies, including the mighty Hanuman and an army of Vanaras (monkey warriors), engaged in a fierce struggle against Raavan and his demonic forces. This confrontation represented not only a physical battle but also a cosmic struggle between righteousness and tyranny. Ram’s courage, wisdom, and divine righteousness ultimately prevailed, and he defeated Raavan, putting an end to his reign of terror. In his final moments, Raavan acknowledged Ram’s divinity, bowing to him, and accepting that his life had led to this moment of salvation. Raavan’s bow before Ram underscored the profound purpose of his existence – to provide a stage for divine justice and salvation, even though via his own downfall.

After Raavan’s defeat, Ram, Sita, and Lakshman prepared to return to Ayodhya. The people of Ayodhya, who had endured a long, patient wait for the return of their beloved king and queen, celebrated this occasion with unmatched joy. To honor their arrival, the citizens illuminated the entire kingdom with ghee lamps, or diyas, filling every corner of Ayodhya with light and dispelling the darkness of absence and sorrow. This moment, the homecoming of Ram and his family, is what Diwali commemorates: a time when light vanquishes darkness and good triumphs over evil.

Today, Diwali’s celebration transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the victory of righteousness. Across India and in Hindu communities worldwide, Diwali is marked by vibrant rituals and joyous traditions. Among the most famous of these traditions is the Ram-Leela, a series of theatrical performances that dramatize the events of the Ramayana. These performances, held in towns and villages across India, unite communities and keep the story of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman alive for each new generation, reinforcing the timeless message of the power of goodness and virtue.

Diwali is not only a celebration of Ram’s return but also a time to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. According to tradition, Lakshmi chose the night of Diwali, the new moon of Amavasya, to wed Lord Vishnu. This union embodies the divine partnership between wealth and preservation, suggesting that true prosperity flows from balance and harmony. On Diwali, devotees prepare to welcome Lakshmi into their homes by performing prayers, cleaning their homes, and lighting lamps, all in the hope that the goddess will bless them with prosperity and fortune for the coming year.

Beyond its religious significance, Diwali is also a time of joyful social celebration. Friends and family gather to create colorful rangolis—elaborate, colorful patterns crafted on floors with powdered colors, flower petals, and rice flour. These vibrant designs serve as a welcoming gesture for guests and as an invitation for divine blessings. Fireworks fill the night sky, a symbolic reminder of the inner light that exists within each soul, dispelling ignorance and bringing clarity and understanding.

No celebration of Diwali is complete without food, which plays a central role in the festivities. Families prepare and share a variety of traditional sweets and delicacies, often made with rich ingredients like ghee, nuts, and aromatic spices. Indian sweets, known as mithai, including laddus, barfis, and jalebis, are lovingly crafted and shared with friends and family. These treats are not only a delight for the taste buds but also serve as offerings in religious ceremonies, symbolizing the sweetness and joy that Diwali brings.

The exchange of gifts is another cherished Diwali tradition, embodying the spirit of generosity, abundance, and love. Festive boxes filled with sweets, dried fruits, and other treats are exchanged among family members, friends, and neighbors, fostering connection and joy. Diwali is a time for families to come together, for friendships to be rekindled, and for communities to celebrate shared values of love, harmony, and unity.

Diwali’s influence extends beyond Hinduism and reaches people of other faiths across India and the World. For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas. For Jains, Diwali celebrates the nirvana (liberation) of Lord Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, marking his attainment as salvation from the cycle of birth and death. In the Buddhist community, particularly in Nepal, Diwali is a time of reverence for Emperor Ashoka, who helped spread the ideologies throughout India.

Each Diwali, the legacy of the Ramayana and the teachings of Lord Ram serve as a reminder of timeless values: resilience, devotion, righteousness, and justice. The festival is a call for people to look within, to cultivate the inner goodness that brings light not only to their own lives but to the world around them. The traditions, food, and gatherings associated with Diwali are more than celebratory acts—they are expressions of these deeper values that strengthen both individual lives and the collective spirit of communities.

In essence, Diwali is much more than a festival of lights; it is a celebration of life, knowledge, and spiritual awakening. The festival invites all to embrace virtues such as compassion, patience, and wisdom, and to release the bonds of ignorance, hatred, and fear. Diwali encourages people to find the divine light within themselves, to allow it to guide their actions, and to shine it outward into the world, fostering a sense of one-consciousness and harmony across all differences.

As the night sky illuminates with magnificence of the diyas and home-made confections with love are shared amongst family, friends and strangers, Diwali reinforces the message that goodness will always prevail over darkness, that love will triumph over fear, and that hope will endure beyond despair. Through the ages, Diwali has served as a unifying force of love, laughter, warmth and charitable spirit, bringing families, neighbors and communities together, transcending differences, and reminding everyone of the shared values at the heart of humanity.

Diwali’s universal message of light over darkness and good over evil continues to inspire people of all backgrounds and beliefs, making it not just a Hindu festival, but a celebration for all. It offers a time for self-reflection, introspection, renewal, and gratitude, encouraging each person to look forward to the new year with a spirit of positivity and purpose. The diyas that light up homes and streets during Diwali are symbols of hope, illuminating the path forward and encouraging everyone to embrace the light within and around them.

In a world that sometimes feels harsh and divided, Diwali stands as a legacy of rich traditions of cultural Hindu heritage to the enduring power of light, love, and unity. It serves as a reminder that, no matter the challenges faced, the inner light of goodness and compassion has the power to dispel darkness, bringing peace and prosperity to all. Through its joyous celebrations, sacred rituals, and warm gatherings, Diwali continues to illuminate hearts and minds, fostering a world where the light of humanity shines ever brighter.”

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