Our beloved Diwali 2024 is just around the corner, and the festivities have already begun, marked by Dussehra and Karwa Chauth. It can easily be considered one of the most widely celebrated festivals by us Indians marked by five days of dazzle, feasts, and family reunions. Each day has its own significance and rich history attached to it, which is drawn from many mythological tales from our holy books and centuries-old cultural practices performed by our ancestors. This article will help you explore the deep historical roots, cultural significance, and diverse celebrations that make Diwali a cherished occasion for millions.
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Diwali 2024: The Glorious History
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, which literally means a line of Deep, represents a glorious past of victory of good over evil. The festival is marked by a celebration of five days and according to the mythology we have been studying for years, each day has an historical significance attached to it. The festival is celebrated around 19 or 21 days after the celebration of Dussehra, the festival representing the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, who kidnapped Ma Sita, along with the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, who gained his powers from a boon by Lord Agni and was terrorizing both Earth and Heaven.
The celebration of Diwali is commenced by the celebration of Dhanteras. According to our age-old beliefs, the festival signifies one of the major events in history, popularly known as the Samundra Manthan. The devas of heaven and the asuras of hell churned the mighty ocean together for Amrit, which is an elixir that had the power to grant immortality, and Lord Dhanwantari appeared with the pot full of Amrit on the day of Dhanteras.
The celebration continues on the second day with Choti Diwali also known as the Naraka Chaturdashi for some of the Indians. According to the legends, the day represents the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura who was blessed by Lord Brahma with the power of dying only at the hands of his mother. He began terrorizing Earth and kidnapping women after which Lord Krishna ended him with his Sudarshan Chakra.
The third day of celebration is marked by Diwali itself, which is famous for representing the return of Lord Rama to his homeland, Ayodhya, after defeating Ravana and living in the forests for 14 years according to the wish of his stepmother. The people of Ayodhya lit up their homes with Deep in order to welcome him. Hence, establishing the age-old culture of lighting up homes on the day of Diwali.
The fourth day of celebration is marked by Govardhan Puja, representing the day Lord Krishna saved the people of Gokul from the wrath of Lord Indra by lifting up the Govardhan mountain, protecting them from the flood and storms that were unleashed by Lord Indira.
The fifth day of celebration is marked by Bhai Dooj, representing the legend according to which Lord Krishna, after defeating Narakasur, visited his sister Subhadra, who welcomed her brother with flowers and sweets as well as a Tilak on the forehead. It also represents another legend according to which Lord Yamraj also visited his sister Yamuna on this day and was welcomed in the same way as Lord Krishna.
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Diwali 2024: How Are The Festivals Celebrated?
Diwali is rightly famous with the title of being the festival of lights. The entire Indian Subcontinent dazzles with shining lights and decorations following the tradition established by the people of Ayodhya when welcoming Lord Ram. The celebrations begin two days before Diwali, with Dhanteras.
Dhanteras represents the Samundra Manthan and the people worship Lord Dhanwantari, the God of Health and Healing, for good health and long lives of their loved ones. We also buy expensive items like gold, silver, or crockery, which, according to the legends and traditions, bring prosperity and wealth to the family.
The next day of celebration is Choti Diwali which is celebrated by us through the worship of Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha for prosperity and happiness, along with the lighting of a Deep on the doorstep of the house, the light of which is said to guide Goddess Laxmi into the house.
The next day is marked by Diwali and is celebrated by people as they light up their homes with diyas and lights as well as worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi. Family reunions and dinners on the occasion of Diwali are often paired with the distribution of sweets, especially Kaju Katli and Soan Papdi.
Diwali is followed by Govardhan Puja, which is celebrated by worshipping the Govardhan hill made with food at home along with the worship of the holy animal, cows. Work equipment is also worshiped by us Indians on this day.
The last day of celebration is marked by Bhai Dooj which celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Brothers visit their sisters just like Lord Krishna and Lord Yamraj, and sisters welcome them with their favorite food, sweets, and flowers and apply Tilak on their foreheads just like Subhadra and Yamuna. The brothers then bless their sisters with a long and happy life.
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Diwali 2024: When Will It Be Celebrated?
The dates on which the celebrations will be held are mentioned below.
- Dhanteras: 29th October 2024
- Choti Diwali: 30th October 2024
- Diwali: 31st October 2024
- Govardhan Puja: 2nd November 2024
- Bhai Dooj: 3rd November 2024
Conclusion
Diwali is not just a celebration but also a time to reflect on the evils that reside deep within ourselves and society. Just as our Lords defeated the evils that were terrorizing society, we also need to destroy the evils like greed and jealousy within us and celebrate our own victory along with the victories of our Gods and Goddesses.