Diwali is a festival that is celebrated more extravagantly than any other festival. It is the day that connects us all and we all come together for greeting each other and exchanging gifts. We buy sweets, gift hampers, new clothes, new home decor items, diyas, lights etc. to make the day memorable and follow our old traditions. Diwali offers would let you get everything you need at affordable price range. We all know the legendary story of Lord Rama coming back to home after defeating evil king Ravana on Diwali. Given that there are so many traditions and religions in our country there are many other stories attached to the celebration of Diwali.
Have a look at Different Versions of Legends behind Diwali Celebration
1. Goddess Kali killing Demons
When we talk about West Bengal at that place Goddess Kali is worshipped during Diwali festival. To restore peace in heaven and earth Goddess Durga incarnated in goddess Kali. She killed all the demons that came in her way and after losing control she started killing anything that came in her way. To stop her lord Shiva lay down on her path and after stepping on Lord Shiva she came back to her senses. So, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the containment of Goddess Kali’s rage.
2. Budhi Diwali
The meaning of Budhi Diwali is old Diwali and it is celebrated in Himachal Pradesh. So, the legend goes like this…
When Lord Rama came to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile people celebrated the day by lighting diyas all over the place and distributed sweets everywhere. But many places Himachal Pradesh lies in the core mountainous northern region so, the news of the return of Lord Rama came 1 month later. So, they started the celebration one month after the actual return of the king. Since then Diwali is celebrated one month after other parts have celebrated this day.
3. Sikh Diwali
There are many reasons why Diwali is celebrated among the Sikh community. The first and the foremost is that the third Sikh guru Amar Das institutionalised this day as one when all the members of the community can come together and receive the blessings of Sikh guru. Another one is that Guru Hargobind ji who was held prisoner by Mughal emperor Jahangir was liberated from prison on this day. Also, Golden temple got its foundation stone on this day.
4. Birth of Goddess Laxmi
It is said that Goddess Laxmi was born on the darkest of the night ( new moon of the month of Karthik). Also, when she grew up she married Lord Vishnu on Diwali and there were many lamps lit at that time to commemorate the event.
5. Killing of Narakasur by Lord Krishna
In Tamil Nadu Diwali is celebrated on Naraka Chaturdasi which comes a day before actual Diwali. According to the legend on this day Lord Krishna freed 16000 women who were held prisoner by Narakasura by killing him. Since then the day is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil. Also, the statue of Narakasur made of paper effigies is burnt symbolising burning of evil.
These are just some of the many stories that are associated with the celebration of Diwali. So, wherever you are from just enjoy this Diwali at its best. Wish you all a very Happy Diwali.
