Diwali, the vibrant festival of lights and love, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is observed in diverse ways across various regions, with homes and streets illuminated by lights, fireworks, and the exchange of sweets and gifts. Beyond the celebrations, Diwali holds deep spiritual and mythological significance, rooted in ancient Indian epics.
The two most revered stories associated with Diwali come from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, two great epics that narrate tales of victory, devotion, and righteousness. These timeless stories reflect the festival’s core themes of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
The Ramayana: The Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya
One of the most celebrated legends of Diwali is from the Ramayana. The story revolves around the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, was exiled due to a promise his father, King Dasharatha, had made to his stepmother, Kaikeyi. During this exile, Rama battled the demon king Ravana, who had kidnapped Sita. After an epic battle in Lanka, Rama defeated Ravana with the help of Hanuman and an army of devoted allies.
Upon Rama's victory and return to Ayodhya, the city was lit up in joy. The people of Ayodhya, overjoyed to see their beloved prince return, lit rows of oil lamps (diyas) to welcome him and his family. This act of lighting lamps symbolized the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and righteousness over injustice.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, means "row of lights." The tradition of lighting lamps on Diwali commemorates this ancient event. In Hindu culture, Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya marks the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (wickedness). As a result, homes are adorned with lights, candles, and diyas to mark this joyous occasion every year.
The Mahabharata: The Pandavas' Return from Exile
One of the revered epics, Mahabharata, is also linked to Diwali. The story tells of the Pandavas' return after their 13 years of exile. The five Pandavas—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—were sent into exile after losing a rigged dice game to their cousins, the Kauravas, led by Duryodhana.
As part of their exile, the Pandavas were required to live incognito during the final year. If they were discovered during this period, they would have to serve another 12 years of exile. However, they successfully completed their exile, including the final year in hiding, without being discovered.
Upon their return to Hastinapura, the people of the kingdom were overjoyed. They celebrated by lighting lamps and holding festivities to welcome their beloved rulers back, marking the end of the Pandavas' trials and the beginning of their journey to reclaim their kingdom and restore righteousness.
This joyous homecoming, symbolizing the triumph of perseverance and justice, is commemorated during Diwali in some parts of India, linking this festival to the Mahabharata.
The Pandavas' return symbolizes the end of hardship and the restoration of justice, much like Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya. Although this tale from the Mahabharata is not as widely associated with Diwali as the Ramayana, many communities in India and Nepal celebrate Diwali as a commemoration of the Pandavas’ homecoming. The festive lighting represents the people’s joy in welcoming their righteous rulers back.
The Ramayana and Mahabharata impart timeless lessons on dharma (righteousness), sacrifice, loyalty, and the ultimate victory of good over evil. These epic stories align perfectly with the spirit of Diwali, a festival that goes beyond lights and celebrations, encouraging us to reflect on our inner light, the triumph of virtue, and the dispelling of darkness within ourselves.
Today, Diwali is celebrated not only across India but around the world. People light lamps, share sweets, perform pujas, and come together with loved ones. The enduring tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata remind us that no matter how difficult or dark the times may be, light and righteousness will always prevail.