Diwali

[Guest guest]

There are many stories behind why Diwali is celebrated. The South

Indians say that this is the day that Krishna killed Narakasura, and

celebrate Diwali on Chaturdasi ( the last day of the waning moon).

This Chaturdasi is called Naraka Chaturdasi.

 

The North Indians celebrate Diwali as the day Rama returned to

Ayodhya after killing Ravana. I think the North Indians celebrate

this on Amavasya ( new moon) day.

 

Still others say that this was the day, that Mahalakshmi emerged out

while churning the milky ocean, and Vishnu married Her on this day.

 

Still others say that, this was the day Vamana ( an avatar of Vishnu)

pushed King Bali to hell. ( Please note that Onam is the day King

Bali came to earth to see how his kith and kin are doing).

 

There are a myriad more stories that could be told as to why Diwali

is celebrated. What is important here is not the story behind it, but

the significance of Diwali.

 

Most of the Indian festivals are celebrated during the day, and very

few festivals are celebrated during the night Diwali is one of the

few night festivals. There is a reason it is celebrated in the night.

It is mostly celebrated on the last day of the waning moon or on the

new moon day, when it is absolutely dark. This pitch darkness

signifies our ignorance. We light many lamps to ward of this

darkness. This light signifies the light of knowledge.

 

On this day we pray to the Lord to destroy the devils ( bad qualities

and temperaments that lie in our hearts) and and to light the beacon

of knowledge in us.

 

Let us all light the beacon of knowledge and march ahead.

 

Hari Aum !!!