Why do we celebrate Deepavali ?

The festive mood hovering around the corners woke me up earlier than my usual time today.  To my pleasant surprise, my kids too were wide awake.  Done with all the morning routine chores, it was time for preparation of special dishes.  As me, along with my kids were busy in the kitchen, a question came up from my son,

‘Mom, why do we celebrate Deepavali?’ 

I tried to explain them, trying to recollect what I had heard during my childhood.  I realized how easily we forget these simple things of life.  And of course, I did take out my time to know the history of Deepavali and explained it to my kids. At the same time, I felt, many of us know very little about Indian festivals. Hence, my little effort, for those of you, who, like me, have to explain your children.

Celebration of Deepavali has different mythical tales.  ‘Deepa’ in Sanskrit is lamp and ‘Avali’ is rows.  Hence, the name Deepavali, rows of light.  Lights in earthen lamps are lighted to commemorate a new beginning.  It is believed to be celebrated for the popular historical reasons, each of which has its own story:

·            Rama’s homecoming along with Sita and Laxman defeating Ravana after 14 years of vanavas.

·            The Pandavas return to Hastinapura after serving 13 years in exile.

·            Goddess Lakshmi’s birth from the ocean during Samudra Manthan, the churning of ocean.  

·            Lord Vishnu defeating the powerful demon king Bali and rescuing Goddess Lakshmi.  

·            Narakasura, an evil demon king’s death by Lord Krishna.

·            Vikramaditya, the legendary Hindu king famed for his wisdom, bravery and large-heartedness, was crowned to be a king.

·            Enlightenment of Vardhamana Mahavira (the last Tirthankaras and the founder of modern Jainism)  

·            Guru Hargobind Ji, who was held by the Mughal Emperor Jahengir in the Gwalior fort, was freed from imprisonment. 

It all sums up to triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

Wishing you all a very Happy and Safe Deepavali. Have loads and loads of fun and laughter. And please don't forget to go green.