Legends Behind “Diwali”

Posted on August 26, 2008 in Latest News

Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals of India. It is also known as “Dipawali” which means festival of the lights. Diwali is celebrated with great splendor and pomp by all Hindus staying in India and around the world. But the most interesting part of it is there is no one theory behind the reason as to why it is celebrated.

For every Hindu it is the festival of lights where they decorate their homes with ‘diyas’ and enjoy playing with fire crackers at night with family and friends. But in spite of the way how it is celebrated in the same manner in all parts of India, each community believes in different legends behind the purpose of this festival.

People in Northern India celebrate “diwali” to commemorate the home-coming of Lord Rama after fourteen years of exile. However, in South India diwali is celebrated to honor Lord Krishna’s killing of the demon, Narakasura.

There is another different legend attached to Lord Krishna. Govardhan Pooja which is performed one day after Diwali is celebrated to pay a tribute to Lord Krishna who had conquered lord Indra (the Hindu god of rain) by giving shelter to an entire village from thunder and lightning under a mountain which he had picked on his little finger.

Laxmi (the Hindu Goddess of wealth) Pooja is also celebrated by some during diwali after the last day of the harvest. The Pooja is done to please the Hindu goddess so that she stays for the whole year inside the home and brings peace and prosperity.

Whatever the reasons, diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the world.

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