Diwali : Where different religions and beliefs come together
Known by everyone as the festival of light where Hindus predominantly come together to celebrate the festival with fireworks, sweets, sacred rituals, rangolis and most importantly diyas.
However there’s more to Diwali than what meets the eye at first glance.
The many legends that are associated with the festival gives it its distinct uniqueness as it brings together religion and people .
Generally, people know Diwali is celebrated because Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshmana after being sent on exile for 14 years and therefore killing the evil demon Ravana.
However, there are not one or two legends but in fact many encompassing different religions and belief systems.
Here Are Some Of The Many Legends And Tales:
Hinduism:
Northern India marks Diwali as the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshmana after killing the demon Ravana and Hindus pay homage to Laxmi (the Goddess of wealth and prosperity).
On the other hand, in south India people celebrate Diwali as the day when Lord Krishna defeated demon Narakasura.
In west India Diwali is known to be when Lord Vishnu sent demon king Bali to go and rule the nether world.
In West Bengal Goddess Kali is said to have killed the frightening demon Raktabija.
Sikhism:
Diwali celebrates the freedom of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind as well as 52 other princes from the prison of emperor Jahangir in 1619.
Jainism:
Diwali celebrates Tirthankar Mahavir’s spiritual awakening and his enlightenment in Pawapuri in India’s Bihar region.
Buddhism:
For Newar Buddhists, Diwali commemorates the day when emperor Ashoka (who ruled the Mauryan empire) decided to follow the teachings of buddhism and became a buddhist after the mass bloodshed of the Kalinga war.
Generally speaking, though there may be many reasons behind Diwali’s illustrious celebrations, one teaching is common, which is that no matter how much you may be surrounded by darkness there is always a flicker of hope and light waiting to be awakened and discovered.
