Diwali, also called Deepavali, implies the Festival of Lights. The Sanskrit word "Deepavali" means- Deepa or diyas meaning small earthen lamps and Avali meaning a row. So, during the Festival of Lights, several deep or diya are burned throughout the night in a row to ward off darkness and evil and welcome Laxmimata, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. Diwali shares significance in Hinduism. Listed below are some of the major significances of Diwali in Hinduism.For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals. Diwali's significance in Hinduism is that it marks the beginning of the year in some Hindu calendars.Diwali is the last day of the financial year according to traditional Hindu business.
So, on this day Hindu businessmen perform Chopda Pujan on the new books of accounts. Then, the Hindu New Year is welcomed with joy and mirth.
Another significance in Hinduism is that, Diwali commemorates the killing of Narakasura, an evil demon, by Lord Krishna. This event happened in the Dwapara Yuga when good (Krishna) killed evil and the death of Narakasura is celebrated with colorful lights.
The Skanda Purana states another significant Diwali fact in Hinduism related to Diwali. The Goddess Shakti observed 21 days of austerity from ashtami of shukla paksha (eighth day of the waxing period of moon). This vrata was kept to get half of the body of Lord Shiva. Deepavali marks the completion day of this austerity when Lord Shiva accepted Shakti into the left half of the form and appeared as Ardhanarishvara. Diwali is celebrated by the devotees as kedhara gauri vrata.
Another significant Hindu Diwali custom is the celebration of the return of Lord Rama, King of Ayodhya, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya. It is a Hindu Diwali belief that the people lit oil lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness.
There are many other regional Diwali beliefs in Hinduism in the different parts of India. The commonest ones are already stated above. For more information on the Indian Festival of Lights, Diwali, simply keep browsing the pages in our site www.diwaliutsav.com.
