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From Lord Ram’s Return To Ashoka Adopting Buddism, Diwali And Its Many Legends

by Ankita Mazumdar
From Lord Ram’s Return To Ashoka Adopting Buddism, Diwali And Its Many Legends

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most auspicious and important festivals celebrated all across India. It is also celebrated grandly, outside of India, so much so that New York has declared a holiday on Diwali! It is the festival of love, joy, prayers, lights, family, food, faith, and more. The deep of Deepawali, set across various households in India and abroad burns brightly showcasing the triumph of light over darkness. Come let us light deeps and learn about the various legends associated with Diwali.  

How Many Diwali And Its Legends Are You Aware Of?

During the Diwali season, the sunrays softly hit you and the wind becomes a little chilly while all of your neighborhood is decked up in vibrant lights. It is a warm feeling to witness all this. There is no doubt that Diwali is celebrated on a much larger scale in India. India is a huge country with multiple religions, hence the original story of Diwali is not a particular one. Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists have different stories.

Also Read: 6 Diwali Markets In India Where You Can Go For Festive Shopping!

The Diwali Legend For Hindus

Hinduism dates back to being one of the oldest religions in the world. It started spreading orally which suggests that there are multiple versions of the origin of Diwali, due to geographical locations and the pass down of information through just words. All in all, everything comes back to focusing on the fact that there is victory of good over evil and there is triumph of light over darkness.

In Hinduism, these epic tales are about victories by Lord Vishnu, who protects the order of things and is the god of Preservation of the Universe. He has his incarnations fighting battles and winning epic victories. Ultimately it means, they are walking on the path of preservation and restoring the crucial balance between good and evil.

Also Read: 6 Places To Watch Dazzling Diwali Fireworks In Dubai

Hindus Further Follow It Accordingly As

  • In northern India, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate Lord Rama’s return to the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh with Sita and Lakshman. They return after being in exile for 14 years and rescuing Sita from the clutches of Ravana.  That is why every house is decked up with lights and diyas.
  • In southern India, Diwali is celebrated due to the victory claimed by Lord Krishna against Narakasura, a demon king. This demon had captured and imprisoned 16000 women and punished anyone who went against him. Jains worship Lord Mahavira, the last Jain teacher, and they celebrate it on the day he attained nirvana.

  • In eastern India, Goddess Kali is worshipped as she is one of the forms of Goddess Durga and signifies the victory of good over evil. After gaining victory, Kali went on to destroy the earth due to her overflowing rage and Shiva had to bring her back to control. That is why her tongue is out. Buddhists celebrate Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism as the day of Diwali.  After witnessing the massive destruction caused during the Kalinga war in Orrisa, Ashoka became very disturbed. The aftermath scene of the bloody bath made him change his course of life and embrace Buddhism.
  • In western India, Diwali is celebrated as Vishnu’s banishment of King Bali who became a threat to the higher gods and the underworld. Sikhs are devoted to Lord Vishnu. They also celebrate the release of 17th-century guru Hargobind by Jahangir, the Mughal emperor.

Cover Image Credits: Canva

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