6 Reasons Why Hindus Celebrate Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. The biggest celebration in India as well as in other parts of the world, Deepavali literally means rows of lamps. That is why during this festival, we get to see homes and cities being lit with rows of lights.

Deepavali has many legends associated to it. Here we give you six reasons why Hindus celebrate Diwali:

1)      Lord Rama’s Coronation

It is believed that Lord Vishnu (the prime God of Hindus), emerged in the form of Rama, the prince of Ayodhya. When he was exiled for 14 years into the forest, his beloved wife was kidnapped by the evil King Ravan. Rama then killed Ravan in an epic war and returned to Ayodhya after 14 years. On his return, the people of Ayodhya lit up diyas made of ghee to symbolise their happiness. 

2)      The Emergence of Goddess Lakshmi

Diwali is also celebrated to as on this very day, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi, was incarnated from ksheersaagar (a sea of milk). It is a common belief by the Hindus that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi will come visit their houses and decorate them.

3)      Defeat of Demon Narkasur

Legend has that demon Narkasur was a mighty and potent demon who could only be killed by a woman. After creating much troubles in heaven and earth as well as snatching away Mother Goddess Aditi’s (a relative to Satyabhama – the wife of Lord Krishna) earrings, Gods pleaded Satyabhama to kill Narkasur. Satyabhama won the battle and from that day onwards, people light up diyas as a symbol of the winning over evil.