Diwali History & Significance

📚 Traditions8 min readOctober 15, 2024

Discover the ancient origins, mythological stories, and spiritual significance of the Festival of Lights.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most ancient and significant celebrations in Indian culture. Spanning five days, it marks the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

What Does "Diwali" Mean?

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Etymology

Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word "Deepavali":

  • Deepa = Light/Lamp
  • Avali = Row/Series
  • Meaning: "Row of Lights"

Ancient Origins & Legends

1. Lord Rama's Return to Ayodhya

The most popular legend comes from the Ramayana. After 14 years of exile and defeating demon king Ravana, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana. The citizens of Ayodhya lit thousands of clay lamps (diyas) to welcome their beloved king, creating the first Diwali celebration.

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Symbolism

This story represents the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and the triumph of righteousness.

2. Goddess Lakshmi's Birth

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi (deity of wealth and prosperity) emerged from the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan) on the new moon day of Kartik month. This is why Lakshmi Puja is the main ritual of Diwali.

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3. Lord Krishna Defeats Narakasura

Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, who had imprisoned 16,000 daughters of gods and saints. Their release is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, the day before main Diwali.

The 5 Days of Diwali

Day 1: Dhanteras

Buy gold, silver, utensils. Worship Lord Dhanvantari. Most auspicious day for purchases!

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi

Oil bath before sunrise, light lamps. Celebrate Krishna's victory over Narakasura.

Day 3: Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali)

THE main day! Lakshmi Puja in evening, light diyas, fireworks, family gatherings!

Day 4: Govardhan Puja

Worship Govardhan mountain, prepare 56 dishes (Chhappan Bhog).

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

Sisters apply tilak on brothers' foreheads, pray for their well-being.

Spiritual Significance

Light Over Darkness

Diyas symbolize the victory of knowledge and wisdom over ignorance.

Good Over Evil

Celebrates multiple victories of good over evil forces in Hindu mythology.

Prosperity & Wealth

Worship of Lakshmi invites wealth, fortune, and success for the coming year.

New Beginnings

Marks the start of new year for many Indian communities and businesses.

Modern Celebrations

Today, Diwali is celebrated worldwide by millions of people, transcending religious boundaries and becoming a symbol of hope, joy, and the triumph of good over evil.

Traditional Items for Diwali Celebrations

MIRADH Icicle Diwali Lights Outdoor, 10ft 96 LED with 16 Drops Icicle Lights, Plug in Lights with 8 Modes Waterproof for Decoartion Light for Diwali, Christmas, Birthday, Ganesh Puja (Warm White)
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MIRADH Icicle Diwali Lights Outdoor, 10ft 96 LED with 16 Drops Icicle Lights, Plug in Lights with 8 Modes Waterproof for Decoartion Light for Diwali, Christmas, Birthday, Ganesh Puja (Warm White)

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Desidiya® Water Sensor Diya Shape Diwali Night Lights Flameless & Smokeless LED Lights Warm Ambient Night Light for Diwali Festivals Decoration, New Year Home Decor/Mandir Decoration, Pack of 6
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Desidiya® Water Sensor Diya Shape Diwali Night Lights Flameless & Smokeless LED Lights Warm Ambient Night Light for Diwali Festivals Decoration, New Year Home Decor/Mandir Decoration, Pack of 6

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Gesto 80 Diya Curtain Lights – Multicolor Fairy Lights with 8 Modes Controller | AC Powered Diya Lights for Home,Balcony,Mandir,Pooja Room,Diwali Decoration,Festival Decor & Hanging Lights (10 x 3 Ft)
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Gesto 80 Diya Curtain Lights – Multicolor Fairy Lights with 8 Modes Controller | AC Powered Diya Lights for Home,Balcony,Mandir,Pooja Room,Diwali Decoration,Festival Decor & Hanging Lights (10 x 3 Ft)

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Gesto Copper Serial String Lights,14 LED Diwali Diya,10 Feet Warm White Fairy Lights for Home,Mandir,Pooja Room,Deepawali & Diwali Decoration,Christmas,Festival,Indoor & Outdoor Decorative Lights
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Gesto Copper Serial String Lights,14 LED Diwali Diya,10 Feet Warm White Fairy Lights for Home,Mandir,Pooja Room,Deepawali & Diwali Decoration,Christmas,Festival,Indoor & Outdoor Decorative Lights

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Gesto Diwali Diya Neon Sign Strip lights - LED Neon Strip Rope Lights for Home Decor | IP65 Waterproof Neon Signs For Diwali Decoration,Deepawali,Mandir Decoration,Pooja Room Light, Indoor Outdoor | Electric AC Plug (Warm White)
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Gesto Diwali Diya Neon Sign Strip lights - LED Neon Strip Rope Lights for Home Decor | IP65 Waterproof Neon Signs For Diwali Decoration,Deepawali,Mandir Decoration,Pooja Room Light, Indoor Outdoor | Electric AC Plug (Warm White)

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VEROFIVE LED Floating Water Sensor Diyas – Waterproof Decorative Lights for Diwali, Home, Office, Pooja, Rangoli, Wedding & Party Decor | Reusable Floating Lamps for Festive Decoration (Pack of 12)
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VEROFIVE LED Floating Water Sensor Diyas – Waterproof Decorative Lights for Diwali, Home, Office, Pooja, Rangoli, Wedding & Party Decor | Reusable Floating Lamps for Festive Decoration (Pack of 12)

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