Diwali is the Festival of Light. Diwali is one of the most celebrated popular festival of Hindus. Thousands of Hindus in India and around the world celebrate Diwali with exchange of gifts, Fireworks and festive meals etc. Five Reasons Why Diwali Is Most Popular Festival Of India:
There are many reasons for why Diwali is most popular festival of India but I will highlight the most important five reasons:
1. The Return Of Lord Rama To Ayodhya:
According to Hindu Epic Ramayana, it was the new moon day of Kartik when Lord Rama along with Site and Laxmaman returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of Vanvaas. The entire people of Ayodhya decorated the entire beautiful city of Ayodhya with lamps and illuminated it like never before. Which triggered major celebrations in the city of Ayodhya and lighting of 14 divas.
2. The Birthday Of Godess Laxmi:
Another reason for Diwali celebration is the birthday of Godess Laxmi. The Godess of Wealth, Prosperity and Fortune. According to Hindu mythology Devas and Asuras wanted to achieve mortality. During this process the daughter of King of Ocean, Godess Laxmi came out of the sea on Kartik Amavasya( new moon). Also Lord Vishnu married godess Laxmi on the same day. So people celebrate this day to remember the auspicious occasion of birth and marriage of Godess Laxmi the Godess of Wealth.
3. Fall Of Narakaasura The Demon King:
Another reason for Diwali celebration is Lord Krishna killed the demon king Narakaasura and rescued 16000, women from his captivity. So many people celebrate Diwali to remember this occasion and as another reminder of victory Good over evil. The deliverance from such terrible Narakaasura was celebrated with much grandeur, a traction which continues even today.
4. Special day For Jains and Sikhs:
Another reason for Diwali celebration is the enlightenment of Vardhamana Mahavira the twenty forth and last Tirtankaras of the Jains and the founder of modern Jainism. According to Jain scriptures, Mahavira attained Nirvana on 527 BC which was the day of Diwali. Since then Jains are celebrating Diwali as the way to remember and follow the steps for the emancipation of the human soul from this mortal world.
For Sikhs Diwali is significant as on Diwali day in 1619 that their sixth religious leader, guru Hargobind ji, who was held by the great Mughal emperor Jahangir in the fort of Gwalior. Was freed from imprisonment. And it was on the same auspicious occasion of Diwali the foundation stone of Golden Temple was laid in 1577.
5. Spiritual Celebration:
Hindu philosophy is based on concept of inner self also called as Atman. Which means something that goes beyond the physical self, which is eternal and infinite. Diwali also symbolizes the light of true knowledge dispelling ignorance and bringing about higher awakening which leads to compassion. Diwali is the spiritual time to turn inward and light the lamps of knowledge, good and truth in our hearts and minds so that we can dispel the forces of darkness and ignorance within us. During Diwali we ask goddess Laxmi to assist us in cultivating and accumulating spiritual wealth, such as compassion, forgiveness and loving kindness.
Conclusion:
There are many reasons for why Diwali is most popular festival this are few important five reasons. Let this Diwali lead us from untruth to truth, and from darkness to light.
