Why 1.2 billion Hindus around the world celebrate Diwali?
Diwali also known as the festival of lights is the biggest festival for Hindu religion.
Celebrating Diwali originates from a very ancient epic tale, “Ramayana” which tells the story of Hindu Lord Rama.
Lord Rama was born as a prince, son of the eldest queen in the kingdom of Ayodhya. He was loved by his father, the king dearly. But the 3rd queen of King was manipulated by her handmaid to call in a wish from the king to send Rama to the wilderness for 14 years so that her own son could rule over the kingdom.
The king had no option but to grant her youngest queen her wish, though he died after a few days out of the pain of getting separated from his beloved son.
Rama, being the obedient son he was immediately left to live in the jungle as a monk, and he was accompanied by his wife Sita and his younger brother Lakshman.
One day, the king of land of demons, Ravana, who was one of the strongest being alive, kidnaps Sita and takes her to Lanka, his kingdom.
The rest of the story follows Lord Rama and her brother, who gathers an ape army to eventually kill Ravana and take her beloved Sita back home.
So Diwali is celebrated as the day when Lord Rama and Sita returned to their home, Ayodhya. They were welcomed by the whole kingdom lighting Diyas for their arrival. Since then it’s a Hindu tradition to light Diyas and remember that day.
Beyond that, Diwali actually signifies —
- Victory of light over darkness
- Victory of truth over lies and
- Victory of good over bad with,
Lord Rama being the embodiment of truth and honesty and Ravana being the embodiment of bad values.
So today, on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I hope that the Rama present within all of us defeats the Ravana present within all of us.
A very happy Diwali from me to you and your family ✨️
