ORIGINS OF DIVALI
Divali is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and across the world on Amaavasya, that is, the fifteenth night of the dark fortnight of the month of Kaartik (October/November). The word "Divali" is a variation of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali" - Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row. This festival has been referred to as Divali, Diwali, Dipavali and Deepavali among other variations. Generally, however, it is considered the Festival of Lights. Traditionally, it is marked by the lighting of deyas which are made from clay and filled with oil or ghee. Devotees also clean their homes and surroundings, wear new clothing and give charity to the needy.
Several legends surround the origins of this festival. Some of the more widely accepted accounts are outlined below.
THE STORY OF RAMA AND SITA
One of the most common stories about Divali is the return of Lord Rama (Lord Ram) and his wife Sita to Ayodhya after their fourteen year exile. This is related in the Ramayana (i.e. the Story of Rama). It tells the tale of how Lord Rama, with the aid of the monkey warrior, Hanuman, vanquished the evil king Ravana of Lanka and rescued his wife Sita who had been captured.
After this victory, the entire city of Ayodhya was decorated with garlands and flowers in celebration for the arrival of Lord Ram’s return. The surroundings were very clean and beautifully scented. Throughout Ayodhya devotees were fasting, anxiously waiting for the arrival of Lord Ram. Ram returned to Ayodhya with Sita and was greeted with joy and celebrations and the people lighted rows of clay lamps welcome him. This signified the triumph of good over evil and the coming of God-consciousness into the life of the devotee. The day he destroyed Ravana was called Dussehra, and the day on which he returned to Ayodhya was called Divali.
It is believed that Divali falls on the 20th day after Dussehra which is on Amavasya (new moon), during the fortnight of Kartic, some time in October or November.
THE DEFEAT OF NARAKAASURA BY LORD KRISHNA
Another story behind the evolution of Divali is that Lord Krishna slew the evil king Narakaasura on Divali day. Narakaasura used to kidnap beautiful young women and imprison them. It is said that this misfortune fell on some 16,000 celestial princesses. Eventually, their cries for rescue were heard by Lord Vishnu, who came in the form of Krishna and destroyed the evil king. A slightly different version of this story states that Lord Krishna destroyed Narakaasura with the aid of his consort Satyabhaama.
THE STORY OF KING MAHABALI AND THE DWARF
Some texts suggest that King Mahabali (or King Bali) is remembered during the festival of Divali (Maharaj and Maharaj; Bonne Adventure Hindu Temple). He is considered either a demon king or a benevolent ruler depending on which version of this legend one reads. All agree however that he was a very ambitious ruler who controlled heaven and earth and he never refused a request. Some of the Gods pleaded with Vishnu to check King Mahabali's power. Vishnu came to earth in the form of a dwarf (Vamana) dressed as a priest.
The dwarf approached King Mahabali and asked if he would you give him the space that he could cover with three strides. King Mahabali agreed to the dwarf's request, and at this point the dwarf changed into Vishnu and his three strides covered the Earth, the Skies and the whole Universe! King Mahabali was sent to the underworld. Lord Vishnu however, granted him one wish because of his magnanimous nature. Thus, Mahabali is allowed to visit the earth for one day a year (Divali) and his subjects light deyas and join in joyful celebration. Interestingly, this legend is also cited as the origin of the Onam Festival that is celebrated in the second half of August by the people of Kerala, South India (Thundy).
THE GODDESS LAKSHMI
The Goddess Lakshmi is one of the central figures of Hindu mythology associated with the festival of Divali. Legend states that Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk after the churning by the devas (gods) and the daanavas (demons). This event is a source of great joy because Lakshmi is considered to be the embodiment of loveliness, grace and prosperity. Another event associating Lakshmi with Divali is highlighted in the The Puranas (a series of Hindu religious text steeped in allegory). According to these texts, Divali represents the day Lord Vishnu (the Preserver) married Goddess Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth and prosperity). The marriage of Lord Vishnu to Goddess Lakshmi denotes the connection between preservation and wealth.
Whatever the story, Divali is a very special occasion for Hindus throughout the world. The many ceremonies signify one's journey and the qualities that should be fostered for self-enlightenment. One is reminded to wake up from the slumber of ignorance and to pursue knowledge. As light dispels darkness, so should knowledge dispel ignorance. Through learning, man is expected to advance to the stage of enlightenment in which he realizes that God is the Light of lights, and that God brings warmth, love and illumination to all beings and therefore there can be no light greater than God.
The aim of Divali celebrations is to get man moving on the spiritual path and ultimately attain illumination by becoming one with God. As they light the lamps in their houses, those celebrating Divali are reminded to light the lamps of wisdom, goodness and God-consciousness in themselves. It is through this, that they can attain the “Light of Lights” - God.