Diwali: The many myths and legends behind the festival of lights

1. The return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya: One of the most prominent stories associated with Diwali is from the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to the legend, Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, was sent into exile for 14 years by his father, King Dasharatha. Rama accepted his fate graciously and, accompanied by his wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshmana, ventured into the forests. During their exile, Sita was abducted by the demon king Ravana, the ruler of Lanka. This led to a fierce and gruelling battle, with Lord Rama ultimately defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita. After the 14-year exile and his victory over Ravana, Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana.

To celebrate their beloved prince’s return and the triumph of good over evil, the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps, or diyas, throughout the city, transforming it into a glowing sea of light. The symbolic meaning behind this story runs deep. Lord Rama’s journey is seen as a metaphor for the human soul’s journey toward purity and truth. The lighting of lamps, a tradition that continues to this day, represents the inner light within us all — a light that can guide us through darkness and difficulties. Diwali celebrates not just the physical return of Lord Rama but also the victory of justice, love, and courage, reminding us that darkness is always temporary.

2. The victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura: In some parts of India, Diwali is celebrated as a commemoration of Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, the tyrannical king of Pragjyotishpur. Narakasura had wreaked havoc, kidnapping and enslaving thousands of young women and terrorising kingdoms with his power. With the help of Satyabhama, his wife, Lord Krishna fought Narakasura, defeating him and freeing the prisoners.

The tale of Narakasura’s defeat underscores Diwali as a celebration of liberation. Diwali’s lights are symbolic here too: they signify freedom from tyranny, cruelty, and suffering. The story also touches upon the idea of divine justice and the belief that wrongdoers will eventually face consequences for their actions. Lighting diyas becomes an act of hope, a gesture that reinforces our faith in good triumphing over evil.

3. The story of Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity: Diwali is also deeply connected to the worship of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. The story goes that on Diwali night, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the cosmic ocean, bringing fortune and prosperity to the world. This event is known as the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean of milk, a collaboration between gods and demons to retrieve hidden treasures from the depths of the ocean.

Lakshmi Puja, or the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, is central to Diwali celebrations. Houses are cleaned, decorated, and lit up to invite Lakshmi, as it is believed she blesses those who maintain cleanliness and orderliness in their homes. This legend highlights the importance of prosperity, not just in the material sense but as a state of balance and harmony. Diwali encourages us to reflect on our own “inner wealth” — qualities like kindness and gratitude that enrich our lives. The festival reminds us to welcome prosperity into our lives while also honouring the virtues that help us cultivate true abundance.

Also read: Diwali décor on a budget: Creative DIY ideas to brighten your space

4. The story of King Bali and Vamana: In some southern states, Diwali is linked to the tale of King Bali, a generous but proud ruler. According to the legend, King Bali was known for his generosity and dedication to his people. However, his growing power became a matter of concern for the gods. To check his power, Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana, a young dwarf, and approached Bali, asking for as much land as he could cover in three strides. Bali, known for his magnanimity, agreed.

In a miraculous turn, Vamana grew to an enormous size, covering the entire earth and heavens with two strides. For the third, Bali offered his head, and in doing so, he was sent to the underworld. Impressed by his humility and generosity, Vishnu granted Bali the boon to return to earth once a year to be with his people, a day celebrated in some regions during Diwali. King Bali’s story illustrates humility, sacrifice, and the importance of giving. Diwali, in this context, celebrates a noble king’s humility and serves as a reminder of the power of generosity and selflessness. It’s a lesson in not letting pride overtake our virtues and appreciating the blessings of humility.

5. Pandavas’ return from exile: The story of the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata, adds yet another layer of meaning to Diwali in parts of India. According to the epic, the Pandavas were exiled for 13 years after losing a game of dice against their cousins, the Kauravas. When the exile ended, they returned to their homeland on the day of Kartik Amavasya, the new moon night during which Diwali is celebrated.

To welcome the Pandavas back, people decked up the kingdom with lamps and decorations. This story, like that of Lord Rama’s return, represents homecoming, reunion, and new beginnings. Lighting lamps symbolises the joy of overcoming hardships and finding one’s way back after a period of darkness, a sentiment that resonates with everyone who has faced struggles and emerged stronger.

6. The legend of Goddess Kali’s victory over evil: In the eastern states of India, particularly West Bengal and Assam, Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja, dedicated to Goddess Kali. Known for her fierce and fearless nature, Kali is revered as a powerful force who vanquishes demons and protects her devotees. According to legend, Kali was born from the forehead of Goddess Durga to destroy the demon Raktabija, whose blood produced more demons each time it was shed. Kali’s relentless victory over evil became a celebration of the divine feminine power that fights for righteousness and protects the innocent.

Goddess Kali’s presence during Diwali adds a unique dimension to the festival’s theme of light. In the context of Kali Puja, light represents the courage to confront one’s inner darkness. Kali’s story shows that there are times when confronting negativity with boldness and strength is necessary for transformation. Lighting diyas becomes a way of invoking her powerful energy, a call to face our fears with resilience and a fierce commitment to protecting what is just.

7. The Sikh tradition of Bandi Chhor divas: Diwali in Sikhism is known as Bandi Chhor Divas, or the “Day of Liberation.” According to Sikh tradition, the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, was imprisoned by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, along with 52 other kings. When the emperor agreed to release Guru Hargobind, the Guru refused to leave unless the other kings were also freed. This act of selflessness and compassion earned him great respect, and on Diwali, he returned to Amritsar, where he was welcomed with festivities and celebrations.

For Sikhs, Bandi Chhor Divas is a celebration of freedom, selflessness, and justice. The lamps lit on this day are symbolic of liberation and the values of equality. This story resonates with people of all backgrounds as a testimony to the importance of standing up for others and the power of unity in the face of adversity.

8. Jain festival of new beginnings: For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of nirvana by Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. According to Jain tradition, Lord Mahavira achieved enlightenment on the night of Diwali, and in honour of this event, Jain temples are illuminated with lights, and devotees offer prayers.

The story of Mahavira’s enlightenment adds a spiritual layer to Diwali; it marks the ultimate journey toward self-realisation, with the light of knowledge dispelling ignorance and the triumph of spiritual enlightenment over worldly attachments. For Jains, Diwali is an occasion to seek wisdom, inner peace, and liberation.

The legends and stories surrounding may come from various regions and beliefs, but they all reflect common themes: the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and love over fear. Through its myths and traditions, Diwali invites us to celebrate the light within us and around us — through diyas, rangoli, prayers, or gatherings.