Diwāli is one of the grand & important festivals celebrated by the Hindhus, Sīkhs and Jains all over India. The word Diwāli has its origin from the Sanskrit word Dīpāvali which means ‘array of lights’ hence it is popularly known as the “Festival of Lights”, as lamps (Diyās) are lit in the houses as a part of the celebrations, symbolizing victory of brightness over darkness(victory of good over evil).

The date of Diwāli is based on the Hindhu calendar and it is celebrated in different months depending on the version of the calendar being used in each region. Generally, it is celebrated in the month of Āśhwayuja (October or November) and the celebrations last for five days, each day signifying a tradition.

On the occasion, Lakṣhmi Pūjā is performed, people wear new clothes, share sweets and burst crackers with great amusement however the style of the celebrations varies regionally.

The Hindhu mythology finds different reasons behind its festivities,

• According to the Skandha Purāṇa, goddess Śhakthi observed 21 days of austerity (Vratha) commencing from Aṣhṭami of Śhukla Pakṣha( waxing period of moon) to get half portion of the body of Lord Śhiva & this Vratha is known as Kedhāra Vratha . Diwāli is the completion day of this Vratha when lord Śhiva accepted Śhakthi as his left half, appearing as Ardhhanārīśhwara. Devotees observe this 21 days Vratha , decorating a kalaśha(pot) with 21 threads on it with 21 types of offerings for 35 days , the final day being the Kedhāra Gaurī Vratha .
• The celebrations also commemorate the return of Lord Rāma with his wife Sīthā & brother Lakṣhmaṇa to his kingdom of Ayodhhya after his victory over the demon king Rāvaṇa. The belief is that oil lamps were lit along their path in the darkness. In the Northern regions, final day of the Vikrama calendar marks the festival and the following day will be the North Indian New Year, called Annakūta.
• The occasion also relates to the killing of Narakāsura (demon) by Lord Kriṣhṇa’s wife Sathyabhāma during the Lord Kriṣhṇa’s avathāra. South Indians do not observe Diwāli as New Year as they follow a different calendar. According to Bramhavaivartha Purāṇa, the festival is also associated with the Dhaithya king Bali who is allowed to return to earth only once a year.

Celebrations:

The five day celebrations in North India are very elaborate,

• Dhhana thrayodaśhi or Dhhan theras: “Dhhan”(wealth) “Thrayodaśhi”( 13 th day) , as the name suggests it falls on the 13 th day of the first half of the lunar month which is an auspicious day for shopping.
• Naraka Chathurdaśhi: Naraka means “of a new era of Light & Knowledge” while Chaturdaśhi means 14 th day. In the south, this day is considered for major celebration.
• Diwāli: This is the actual third day celebration when the moon completely wanes setting darkness in the sky.
• Varṣha Prathipadha or Pāḍwā: This marks the commencement of the New Year.
• Bhāīdhūj: On this fifth day of celebration, brothers and sisters get together to express their love, affection for each other.

Diwāli in Sīkhism:

Sīkhs celebrate Diwāli at the Golden temple, Amruthsar to commemorate the laying of foundation stone for the Golden temple in 1577 which is also known as Bandhi Chhoḍ Dhivas. It also relates to the release of the Sīkh Guru Hargobindh who had been imprisoned by the emperor Jahāngīr .As the Guru returned to Amruthsar on Diwāli, his followers celebrated the day with happiness and glee.

On Diwāli, Sikhs illuminate Gurudhwāras with oil lamps & candles. Sīkh pilgrims also take a dip in the sacred tank before praying in the temple.

Diwāli in Jainism:

According to the Jain mythology, Lord Mahāvīra attained Nirvāṇa on this day. Also, Gaṇadhar Gautham Swāmi attained complete knowledge on this day making the occasion special for the Jains to celebrate.