Diwali, the festival of lights. It's the most popular festival in Hindu culture. The festival has a rich history associated with it. To understand Diwali, we first need to dive into the reason why Dussera is celebrated.
So, what is the mythological tale behind Diwali, and what is its symbolic significance?
RAMAYANA
The mythological tale is set in the kingdom of Ayodhya where Ram is the king.
Ram's wife Sita was kidnapped by the king of Lanka, Ravana. Ravana took her away in a flying chariot.
Ravana made Lanka out of solid gold hence, Lanka was called the city of Gold.
Ravana had ten heads and twenty arms. According to the tale, when Ravana was immersed in a penance, his head was cut off. Each time his head was cut off, a new head grew in its place to help him complete his penance. Therefore, he ended up with ten heads.
Pretty cool huh? If I were him, I'm sure I'd put all that extra brainpower to terrible use by overthinking.
According to the texts, each head was a representation of the 10 sins,
ego (ahankara)
attachment (moha)
regret (paschyataap)
anger (krodha)
hatred (ghrina)
fear (bhaya)
jealousy (irshya)
greed (lobha)
lust (kama)
insensitivity (jaddata)
Ram had to cross the sea to go free his wife Sita who was in Lanka (present-day Sri Lanka).
They built a 'Ram Setu' (Bridge of Ram). The 'Setu' was built by writing the name of Ram on rocks and throwing them in the sea. Miraculously, the stones floated on water thus forming a bridge.
Mythology says the reason the rocks floated was that the name Ram was written on it.
However, some scientists believe that the rocks used were pumice stone. Pumice stones have the property of naturally floating on water as they are porous.
When they got to Lanka, after continuously battling for 7 days, Ram finally killed Ravana on the 10th day. This day is known as 'Vijayadashmi' (Day of Victory) or Dussehra.
DUSSEHRA
Dussera denotes the triumph of good over evil. Symbolically, it represents the 10 sins of Ravana leaving our soul, burning to ash.
There is a 20-day gap between Dussehra and Diwali. That is the time taken for Ram to reach back to his home Ayodhya from Lanka. The day he kills Ravana is Dussera and the day he reaches Ayodya is Diwali.
WAS RAMAYANA REAL?
Curious theists and lovers of science unite to find out the truth.
Picture credits: NASA
Remains of the 'Ram Setu' have been found via images from NASA. It's also known as 'Adam's Bridge'. It's a geological structure comprising of limestone. However, carbon dating has not yet confirmed whether it is actually Ram Setu or a naturally formed landmass.
According to theorists, the journey from Lanka to Ayodya could have been covered on horseback in 20 days if they changed horses to maintain a constant speed.
Another theory suggests that a foot journey from Lanka to Ayodhya would have been possible in 20 days if Ram and his 'Sena' (Army) walked non stop at a sustained pace.
The 'Pushpak Vimana' (Flying Chariot) is what Ravana used to kidnap Sita. According to various archeologists, substantial evidence has been found that the 'Vimana' was a 'mechanical bird' much like today's helicopters. 'Viman Shastra' is mentioned in the Vedas (scholar texts). Since the text is in the form of poetry, no accurate translation has been done to depict a blueprint of the 'Vimana', yet evidence suggesting the use of pivots and instruments has been found.
WHY WAS DIWALI CELEBRATED?
The people of Ayodhya (Ram's home) were so overwhelmed at the thought of him coming back, they lit 'Diyas' (oil lamps) outside their homes so that Ram could find the way. Hence, the name 'Festival of Lights'.
TRADITIONAL DIWALI:
Diwali is celebrated for a duration of five days.
The days are celebrated according to the Lunar calendar and not Gregorian.
Each day is symbolic and expresses gratitude for a specific entity.
Like appreciation posts on the internet today, our ancestors decided to celebrate 'appreciation days'.
DAY 1: Vasubaras (Govatsa Dwadashi)
Vasubaras is a day of worshiping cows and their calves. It's being grateful for all that they do for us.
Traditionally, no dairy and wheat products are consumed on this day as a token of love and gratefulness.
You could say it's a day when the community practices being vegan for 24 hours.
DAY 2: Dhantrayodashi (Dhanteras)
Dhan (Wealth). It is a day to worship wealth and the Gods of wealth, Laxmi, and Kubera.
All types of wealth are displayed in a decorative fashion adorned with flowers.
Wealth can be in the form of cash, jewelry, or anything of monetary importance.
In Maharashta, 'Dhane' (coriander seeds) are served as 'Naivedya or Prasad' (holy offering) with 'Gul' (jaggery). Hence the name, Dhanatrayodashi.
The intention behind the festivities is to be satisfied with your riches and thus attract more from the universe.
DAY 3: Naraka Chaturdashi
Known as small Diwali, it's a day prior to the actual Diwali celebrations.
On the day, it is believed that the Goddess Kali killed the demon Narkasura with her Trishul (trident).
The killing of Narkasura symbolizes the abolishment of laziness and other evils which create Narak (hell) in our life.
On this day, little kids and enthusiastic adults wake up before the crack of dawn (symbol of killing lethargy) and burst firecrackers (symbol of Narakasura).
DAY 4: Diwali (Deepavali)
The day of the return of Ram to Ayodhya!
Diyas (oil lamps) are lit outside homes.
In accordance with the festivities, people bathe using Utana (a traditional organic cleansing body mask) and rose water with Sandalwood essence.
Much like treating yourself to a relaxing spa day.
People dress up in new, colorful clothes.
Everyone is in a mood of celebration and fun.
In modern times, it's a lovely excuse to reconnect with family and friends, exchange gifts, and feel the joy of being human.
DAY 5: Bhai Dooj (Bhau Beej)
Not to be confused with Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Dooj is a celebration of brothers.
During Raksha Bandhan, the brother gives the sister gifts and during Bhai Dooj the sister gives the gifts.
However, in modern times, the exchange of gifts is mutual.
It is a day celebrating the bond between brother and sister.
In a version of Hindu Mythology, Lord Krishna kills Narkasura and visits his sister Shubhadra. She welcomes him lavishly on this day.
Many people get confused with the various versions of Hindu mythological tales.
The truth is, some of it may be different, as the tales were primarily oral recitations.
But hey, if you can keep up with comic book universe timelines, you can keep up with mythology too.
However, the important part is that it is majorly symbolic. It helps us polish our personalities, and become a better version of ourselves. Seeing other people celebrate this festival makes us realize we're in this together.
Diwali is a beautiful reminder of the bond we share with our favorite humans and our journey to become a better version of ourselves.
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