Diwali is the festival of lights. It is celebrated world over by people lighting up their houses with diyas and candles. The biggest message that this festival conveys is the triumph of victory over evil forces. The very reasons for which this festival is celebrated have made this significant point.
The Legends Preceding Diwali Celebrations
The legend that preceded the celebration of Diwali puts an emphasis on the downfall of that which is evil and oppressive in the hands of good and virtuous. It is the day when King Ram returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita from his clutches. People celebrated his return by lighting up their houses and eventually the entire city by diyas. Rejoicing followed it. Diwali sends this message straight across that no matter how much the oppressor does wrong he will eventually be pulled down by forces that are good. Another legend that precedes the celebration of Diwali is the end of the menace of Narakasura by Sri Krishna. Narakasura was a demon who made the lives of the common man miserable. People urged Sri Krishna to end his oppression who went ahead to kill this demon thus freeing the people from his harassment. The day on which Narakasura was defeated came to be celebrated by people as Diwali and is continued to be celebrated.
Significance of Light
Deepawali is a word in Sanskrit that means light decorated with a series. Thus it also signifies an end of darkness and consequent illumination. It also signifies quest of people who ask for prosperity to come to their home. The fireworks done during the night time is supposed to scare the bad evils from the lives of people. Another significance of illuminating the whole surrounding is to drive away the darkness which is a symbol of ignorance and bring in light which is a symbol of knowledge. Light signifies destruction of negative forces like violence, wickedness, lust, envy , anger, greed, fear, oppression, suffering and injustice. Light has always been a metaphor of whatever is good in the world. It is through the means of light that this world can be viewed with all its charm and beauty. Therefore, the darkness is to be driven out and light has to be incorporated in our lives as well as our soul. The word Deepawali was modified to Diwali as time passed and due to ignorance of the masses about Sanskrit language.
Diwali and the Call for Wealth and Prosperity
On the day of Diwali the deity of wealth known by the name of Lakshmi is worshipped by the devotees to call prosperity and wealth to their lives. New clothes are worn by the people. Sweets are made and shared among people. People visit each other and fire crackers are burst during the night time. This day has significance in the lives of businessman as well. They clean their business premises and light diyas to induce wealth to come to their doorstep. It is the start of the new financial year for them and they open new books of account on this day.