WISHING ALL MY PATIENTS A VERY HAPPY DIWALI....
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated primarily by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists around the world. It holds different meanings across religions and regions, but at its heart, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Here are the main reasons why Diwali is celebrated:
1. Return of Lord Rama (Hinduism): In Hindu mythology, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps along the streets and in their homes to welcome them back, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This is why lighting lamps, or diyas, is central to Diwali celebrations.
2. Goddess Lakshmi’s Blessings: Diwali is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. It is believed that Lakshmi visits homes on Diwali night to bless them, so people clean, decorate, and light up their houses to welcome her.
3. Lord Krishna’s Victory over Narakasura: In some parts of India, Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, who terrorized the world and caused great suffering. His defeat is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, the day before the main Diwali celebration.
4. Mahavira’s Nirvana (Jainism): For Jains, Diwali marks the day that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara and founder of Jainism, attained moksha (liberation) in 527 BCE. Jains celebrate this day as a reminder of spiritual awakening and liberation.
5. Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikhism): For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, the day Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, was released from imprisonment by the Mughal emperor Jahangir, along with 52 other princes. Sikhs celebrate his return to Amritsar as a victory of freedom over oppression.
6. Harvest Festival: In some regions, Diwali marks the end of the harvest season and is a time for people to give thanks for the year’s abundance. It also represents the beginning of a new financial year in many parts of India.
Diwali festivities include lighting diyas and candles, setting off fireworks, decorating homes with rangoli (colored powder designs), sharing sweets, exchanging gifts, and gathering with family and friends. The central theme of the festival—lighting lamps and illuminating darkness—symbolizes hope, unity, and the continual triumph of good forces.
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