Certainly, here’s a more detailed explanation of the
significance of each of these reasons for celebrating Diwali:
1. **Rama’s Return to Ayodhya after Defeating Ravana:** –
Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile
and victory over the demon king Ravana. It symbolizes the triumph of
righteousness and the return of a just and beloved ruler.
2. **Krishna’s Victory over Demon Narakasura:** – Lord
Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, who had held 16,000 girls in captivity,
symbolizes the defeat of tyranny and the liberation of the oppressed,
signifying good conquering evil.
3. **The Pandavas’
Return to Hastinapur after Exile:** – The Pandava brothers, who were unjustly
exiled, returned to their kingdom on Diwali, marking the restoration of justice
and the rightful rulers to their land.
4. **The Birth of Goddess Lakshmi during the Churning of theCosmic Ocean:** – Diwali is the day when Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth
and prosperity, was born from the churning of the cosmic ocean. It signifies
the union of material and spiritual wealth.
5. **Vishnu’s Rescue of Lakshmi from King Bali’s Prison:** –
Lord Vishnu’s Vaman-avatar rescued Lakshmi from the captivity of King Bali.
This event represents the release of wealth and blessings to the world through
divine intervention.
6. **Bandi Chhor
Diwas (Guru Hargobind’s Release):** – In Sikhism, Diwali marks Guru Hargobind’s
release, along with 52 other Hindu kings, from Mughal captivity. It symbolizes
religious freedom and tolerance.
7. **Mahavira Nirvana
Diwas in Jainism:** – Diwali is observed in Jainism to commemorate the
anniversary of Mahavira’s attainment of moksha (liberation), emphasizing the
importance of spiritual enlightenment and liberation from worldly attachments.
8. **Maharshi
Dayananda’s Attainment of Nirvana:** – On the new moon day of Kartik, Maharshi
Dayananda, the founder of Arya Samaj, attained Nirvana, highlighting the
spiritual significance of this day.
9. **Maharaja
Vikramaditya’s Coronation:** – King Vikramaditya’s coronation on Diwali
symbolizes an ideal ruler known for his qualities of generosity, courage, and
patronage of scholars.
10. **Kali Puja (Kamalatmika Jayanti):** – In certain
regions and sects of Shaktism, Diwali celebrates the incarnation of
Kamalatmika, the last manifestation of goddess Mahakali. It emphasizes the
worship of the divine feminine power.
11. **End of the Harvest Season:** – Diwali’s origins as a
harvest festival mark the conclusion of the agricultural season, expressing
gratitude for a successful harvest and the abundance it brings.
12. **Diwali as New Year:** – In some regions, Diwali
is considered the start of a new year. This symbolizes fresh beginnings, renewed
hopes, and the opportunity for a better future in the coming year, particularly
in regions like Gujarat and some northern Hindu communities