Happy Diwali!

Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists, although for each faith it marks different historical events and stories, but nonetheless the festival represents the same symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

The festival is celebrated with great bliss and joy over a period of five consecutive days. The five-day festivities include Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Each day has its own significance and traditions.

SL IND Diwali 2022: Shot + Edited by Ajit Kumar

In ancient India, Diwali was mainly celebrated by farmers as a harvest festival, as they would harvest their crops between October and November. The farmers faced a huge threat from insects who destroyed the crops, so they started lighting diyas, oil lamps, in order to attract the insects and kill them. This proved to be quite effective as their crops remained safe and the harvests were secured.

The festival of Diwali also holds great importance in Hindu tradition. On this day, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Maa Sita and his brother Laxmana after spending 14 years in exile and defeating the evil King Ravana. It is said that the people of Ayodhya organized a grand ceremony on the occasion of their triumphant return. The whole kingdom was lit up with bright lamps, diyas and fireworks. Lord Rama was welcomed in grand fashion and this is how the festival of Diwali came into existence.