The various legends surrounding Diwali – be it the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi in human form, the return of Ram from Lanka, Krishna overpowering Narakaasur, or the return of the Pandavas – all point towards the victory of good over evil. In the current scenario of things, one can expect less than the usual celebratory firecrackers, and more or less a quiet Diwali, just like Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Pooja and Eid have been quiet this year. What better time to pray for the victory of good over evil? For those of you missing the fireworks, do light a diya, symbolising the victory of light over darkness, and do keep the faith. Happy Diwali!
Diwali is the Indian festival of lights, usually lasting five days and celebrated during the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”. The festival is widely associated with Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity, with many other regional traditions connecting the holiday to Sita and Rama, Vishnu, Krishna, Yama, Yami, Durga, Kali, Hanuman, Ganesha, Kubera, Dhanvantari, or Vishvakarman. Furthermore, it is, in some regions, a celebration of the day Lord Rama returned to his kingdom Ayodhya after defeating the Lankan-king Ravana.