History of Diwali

History and Significance of Diwali-

Hindu's-

Diwali is celebrated in the honour of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.Hindus believe Diwali is linked to the celebration of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and wife of the god Vishnu.

Diwali honouring the return of the god Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana from exile of 14 years, as told in the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana.

To some, Diwali marks the return of Pandavas after 12 years of Vanvas and one year of agyatavas in the other ancient Hindu epic Mahabharata.

 

5:58 PM 7/7/2015This five day festival of Diwali begins on the day when Lakshmi was born from the churning of cosmic ocean of milk by the gods and the demons; the night of Diwali is the day Lakshmi chose Vishnu as her husband and married him.

 Along with Lakshmiji , Ganeshaji and Saraswatiji are also worshiped. Ganesha who symbolizes ethical beginnings and fearless remover of obstacles; Saraswati who symbolizes music, literature and learning; and Kubera who symbolizes book keeping, treasury and wealth management.

Hindus in India's eastern region, such as West Bengal, worship the goddess Kali instead of Lakshmi, and call the festival Kali Puja.In India's Braj and north central regions, the god Krishna is worshiped. People mark Mount Govardhan, and celebrate legends about Krishna. In other regions, the feast of Annakoot is celebrated , which is first offered to Krishna, then shared and celebrated by the local community.

In West and certain Northern parts of India, the festival of Diwali marks the start of a new Hindu year.

Sikhism:

 Bandi Chhor Divas :Diwali

 For Sikhs the Bandi Chhor Divas represents the festival of Diwali. This Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated since , when Guru Har Gobind freed himself and Hindu Kings, from Fort Gwalior, from the prison of Islamic ruler Jahangir, and arrived at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Ever since then, Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas. on this day they lighting up the Golden Temple with lights, diyas etc. people also crack the fireworks and enjoy other activites.

Jainism:

Lord Mahavira's Nirvana: Diwali

Diwali has special significance in Jainism. on this day Lord Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankar of this era, attained Nirvana at Pavapuri. According to the Kalpasutra , by Acharya Bhadrabahu, 3rd century BC, many gods were present there, illuminating the darkness.Therefore, Jains celebrate Diwali as a day of remembering Mahavira. Jainins generally avoid to crack the fireworks , because they think their is lots of small insects were killed. Some people also keep fast or upvas on this day.

  To know more about history of Diwali.......................................................click here.