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Diwali 2022: Why is Diwali called the festival of lights? See the importance of each of the 5 days

October 18, 2022
Bharat Times

Happy Diwali 2022: Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated all over India with great zeal and enthusiasm. It usually lasts for five days from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj; Each day has its own importance. But in the broadest sense, Diwali or Deepawali celebrates the victory of good over evil. This year, the much-awaited festival begins on October 22 and ends on October 26.

Read also: When is Diwali 2022? Start and End Days, Shubh Muhurta, Worship Method, History and Significance

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival falls on the 15th day of the month of Kartik, but the dates are different when it comes to the Gregorian calendar. Diwali is also known as ‘Festival of Lights’. As per the traditions, most Indian families light diyas (earthen lamps) in front of the entrance of the house.

Why is Diwali called the festival of lights?

According to religious beliefs, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. Lord Rama, who is the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was exiled from his kingdom for 14 years under the orders of his third Kaikeyi. During the exile, his wife Sita was kidnapped by Ravana, the king of the island of Lanka.

This festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon-king Ravana and his return to Ayodhya. (Representative image: Shutterstock)

Away from his homeland, Lord Rama raised an army to wage a war against the demonic king to save Goddess Sita. After defeating Ravana and completing his period of exile, Lord Rama returned back to his kingdom. Ayodhya was lit with earthen lamps to welcome its king. It also marked the victory of good over evil and since then the anniversary of Rama’s return to Ayodhya has been celebrated as Diwali or Deepawali – the festival of lights.

What is the significance of the five days of Diwali?

  1. The first day which is also known as Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali festival. This day is considered special for buying gold.
  2. The next day is marked as Naraka Chaturdashi, which celebrates the defeat of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna.
  3. The third day is Lakshmi Puja when devotees pray to Goddess Lakshmi for peace and prosperity.
  4. Govardhan Puja marks the fourth day, which commemorates the selfless act of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill on the tip of his little finger to provide shelter to the people amidst heavy rains and floods.
  5. The last day is Bhai Dooj which celebrates the loving bond between brothers and sisters as they exchange gifts and show their gratitude.

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