The Diwali Story
Diwali has been celebrated not just in India but throughout the globe from time immemorial. It is one of the most popular Hindu festivals, and people of other religions participate in the celebration. All over the world, it is celebrated with different customs and traditions. Some light diyas, some burn crackers, and others visit relatives and exchange gifts. Even the unique dishes prepared by people in various regions vary widely. The festival is marked with enchanting celebrations and enlightening decorations all over. But what is the purpose behind it? What is the Diwali story? Why do we celebrate Diwali? To know everything about Diwali, keep reading till the end.
Also read : Top 10 Diwali Gifts for Employees in 2024 | Thoughtful Corporate Gift Ideas
Diwali – The Festival of Lights
Many days before Diwali, people decorate their homes with multicoloured lights and diyas. They clean their houses to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Many days before and after the festival, several other occasions, like Dhan Teras, Bhai Dooj, Goverdhan Pooja, etc., allow people to meet and greet each other. People who work or study outside go to their homes and spend time with family. The whole surrounding area is covered in lights as if to replicate heaven. People give food and donations to the needy ones. They try to make everyone happy on this auspicious festival to get the blessings of the Diwali Goddess.
The Diwali Story
In the Treta Yog, or the second age, Lora Rama, who married Sita, was sent to exile. He was accompanied by his wife and brother Lakshman in the forest. Lakshman had cut the nose of a demoness to create a nuisance. This demoness was the sister of the Kind Demon named Ravan of Lanka. Lanka was said to be the wealthiest kingdom of all time, all made of gold, and King Ravana was one of the mightiest demons. To avenge the insult to his daughter, Ravan abducted the wife of Lord Rama-Sita. This served as the reason for the biggest war of that period.
Ram’s army consisted of monkeys and other animals who helped him get Sita back. Many mystical creatures like Lord Hanuman and Prince Angad allied with Ram on his mission.
There are memorable incidents of these two in the Ramayan. Hanuman set Lanka on fire when Ravan tried to burn his tail. Angad’s feet were so heavy that none of the demon clan could move them by an inch. Similarly, when asked to bring medicine to save Lakshman, Hanuman lifted the whole mountain range called Dronagiri as he could not find the Sanjeevani Booti.
Lord Ram was later joined by the brother of Ravan Vibhishan himself, who was on the side of dharma. He tried to persuade Ravan to befriend Ram and give Sita back with respect and dignity. Ravan threw him out of the kingdom instead, forcing him to join Lord Rama.
The animals fought with heroic courage and won over the army of demons. Many battles took place between both armies until Ram killed Ravan, with the help of Vibishan and got Sita back.
Coincidently, with this battle, the exile period of 14 years also ended, and they all returned to Ayodhya. All celebrated the arrival of Ram to his kingdom, and people lighted lamps in his welcome. From that day, it came to be known as Diwali.
Diwali Story is not just the victory and return of Lord Rama but also the victory of good over evil, righteousness over wrong, and dharma over adharma. Ram fought for the right and won, while Ravan fought to defeat Ram. The purpose of your aim must be the right one.
Diwali Story – Learnings
The story of Ram and Ravana teaches us many things that can be applied to life. Ramayan is considered the most significant scripture of Hinduism, and people follow it by heart. Let’s dive into the teachings of Ramayan that one can take note of:
- Family above all
Lord Ram agreed to go into exile, leaving the kingdom just for the sake of his father’s words. He never showed anger towards his stepmother Kaikeyi for asking for such a wish. The brotherhood among Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughn is highly sought in joint families. Ram was the ideal king, and all his relations were perfectly balanced. His love for his wife, brothers, mother and stepmothers, and father are clearly specified in the story.
- Truth & Righteousness
Ram never left his path of dharma. He chose to fight for what was right till the end. His firm belief in winning over Ravan, even with an army of animals, came true because he was on the side of truth and righteousness.
- Teamwork
Ram could only win over Ravan by being a true leader. He was not just concerned about all his teammates but was transparent to all of them. He asked for advice from all, motivated them to do the work, and expressed gratitude towards them. The best lessons for a team leader must be taken from Lord Rama.
- Execution
Hanuman is the perfect example of this learning in the Diwali story. He executed everything that he set his mind for. What he spoke of was always true of his actions. He singlehandedly created a disturbance in Lanka and brought the mountain Ratnagiri to save Lakshman. His life is a perfect example of the learning that we can achieve anything in life if we put our dreams into execution.
- All are equal in the eyes of God.
Lord Ramayan openly embraced all types of creatures. His army was like a society that inhabits all kinds of people. All of them had different qualities and ideologies. The structure of their language never bothered anyone. This is what a civilised society is like. We must rise above the biases based on religion, colour, caste, creed or gender. God himself never asked anyone of his lineage or religion. No single person in the epic that Rama hated or had negative feelings for. He even sent letters to Ravan to end animosity.
Diwali will be celebrated on 31st October 2024, and we wish all our readers a happy and prosperous Diwali. May the goddess of wealth visit you all. Nowadays, people have started ignoring the lessons of Diwali, and they simply take it as a festival. Share this true Diwali story with everyone to return to our culture. Do let us know what you take from the Ramayan lessons. Wait for an exciting story coming your way soon.