Diwali — The Festival of Lights
The five-day festival marking the victory of light over darkness — its stories, customs, and meaning.
Diwali (Deepavali — a row of lamps) is celebrated across India and the world. It marks several events at once: Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and the defeat of Ravana; Mata Lakshmi emerging from the cosmic ocean; Lord Krishna's defeat of Narakasura. Across all these stories the thread is the same — light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance.
The five days
- Dhanteras — celebrating Dhanvantari and prosperity. Houses are cleaned and small purchases are made.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) — the defeat of Narakasura. Lamps lit at dusk.
- Lakshmi Puja (Diwali) — the main day. Houses lit with diyas, Mahalakshmi worshipped in the evening.
- Govardhan Puja / Annakut — Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan; an offering of many foods.
- Bhai Dooj — sisters honour their brothers, echoing the bond between Yama and Yamuna.
The deeper meaning
Diwali is not only about external lights. The diya represents the inner flame — atma jyoti — the awareness that endures even when everything outside is dark. Cleaning the home before Diwali mirrors cleaning the heart of clutter and resentment so that shri can enter.
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Khetlaji
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Asanbibi
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