Why is Diwali Called the Festival of Lights?

Introduction to Diwali

This year, Diwali was celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety on October 30/31. It is also known by its Sanskrit term, Deepavali, which means “Row of Lights”. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is widely celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, especially Newar Buddhists. While the exact date varies each year, Diwali usually falls in early autumn, following the summer harvest, and coincides with the new moon Amāvasyā.

Origins and Historical Context

Historical Mention and Cultural Importance:

King Harsha, in the 7th century, mentioned Diwali in his Sanskrit play Nagananda, where he referred to it as Dīpapratipadutsava. In this context, lamps were lit as a custom, and newly engaged brides and grooms received gifts. Similarly, Rajasekhara mentioned the tradition of whitewashing homes and decorating them with oil lamps, lights, and markets in his 9th century Kavyamimamsa. Many Sanskrit inscriptions across Bharat India mention Diwali alongside other terms like Diputsava, Dipavali, Divali, and Divalige.

During the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire era, Islamic historians noted Diwali and other Hindu festivals. While some Mughal emperors like Akbar welcomed and participated in the festivities, others like Aurangzeb banned such celebrations. The story of Narakasura is also an important part of the collective memory of Diwali, which we explore next.

The Legend of Narakasura

The legend of Narakasura is an important part of the Diwali narrative, giving meaning to the festival:

Narakasura, whose kingdom was Pragjyotisha and who was also mentioned in both Mahabharata and Ramayana, became a powerful ruler. He stole the earrings of the goddess Aditi, usurped some of her territories, and even kidnapped 16,000 women. The Devas approached Lord Vishnu, who promised to help them during his incarnation as Lord Krishna. Krishna, along with his wife Satyabhama, fought and killed Narakasura. According to legend, when Narakasura realized the gravity of his actions, he sought a boon for his death to be celebrated with joy and gaiety, leading to the custom of Deepavali Snanam or Narak Chaturthi Snanam in the South.

Significance of Lighting Lamps

Historical Practices indicate that the ancient custom was to light clay lamps filled with castor oil with wicks. However, over time, the celebration has shifted towards lighting up oily lamps and using eco-friendly oils, along with fireworks. While fireworks were a part of the celebration, it is crucial to remember that this was not the original custom and that it has contributed to the pollution of the environment. We should now take a pledge to celebrate Diwali in a more sustainable manner, focusing on lighting up tokens of light without polluting the environment.

Conclusion

Diwali is not just a festival of lights but also a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. As we commemorate Narakasura and his ultimate demise, we can continue to honor the traditional customs of lighting lamps without contributing to atmospheric pollution. Let us celebrate our traditions wisely and responsibly in the years to come.