Why Deepavali is a national festival of lights

Narakasura, enjoying the boon of a long-life is said to have turned into a tyrannical king, usurping lands, stealing women and ransacking kingdoms. Finally, Lord Krishna vanquished him. It was Narakasura’s dying wish that his departure be celebrated by all with the lighting of lamps, and the bursting of crackers. 

Another legend attributes the celebration of Deepavali to the return of Rama to Ayodhya at the end of his 14-year banishment from the kingdom. The people of Ayodhya, who are believed to have refrained from celebrating any festival when Rama was away, decked up  their city with lights and burst crackers, to celebrate his return. 

Yet another legend says Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, changes residence, ‘moves’ to an oil lamp and therefore people light new diyas (lamps) in her honour. In fact, some north Indian communities are known to refer to Deepavali as Lakshmi puja. 

People, especially youngsters, often wonder why they should have an oil bath in the wee hours of Deepavali. Traditionally, one is forbidden from having an oil bath at an early hour. However, due to the belief that Lakshmi moves house on this day, it’s considered auspicious to have an oil bath before sunrise.  Whichever legend people may personally believe in, there is no doubt that it is the biggest festivals in the country, cutting across all strata. Even emperors and kings celebrated Deepvali. The Ain-i-Akbari (official chronicle of Akbar’s reign) is said to have a detailed report on how Emperor Akbar celebrated Deepavali by having the palace lit up, and ordering of bursting of crackers. History says Chandragupta Vikramaditya ascended his fabulous, gem-encrusted throne on Deepavali and vowed to uphold dharma. 

Even those who brush off such legends as nothing but ‘ancient stories’ do not fail to be affected by the festive spirit and the joy in the air. It is infectious. Deepavali is also one of the most democratic festivals, and embraces every individual in the family, from the youngest kid to the oldest in the  family, apart from touching every person we come into contact with, in our daily lives. People go out of their way to share gifts and sweet delicacies with non-family members, be it the household help or the man who clears your garbage or the cook or even the postman. Why should you do so? '

The reason is simple. It is do with dharma, or natural justice. A number of people have stood by you over the years and helped you in many ways. Some may have helped you rise to great heights in your career but you may have forgotten to thank them. For some others, life might have been full of hardship, leaving them with feelings of bitterness or anger or fatalism. This where the legend of Rama and others come in. No one, not even avatara purushan (incarnate) is exempt from unjust treatment, trials and tribulations. The festival of lights is a reminder to all of us that life is a great leveller. We buy new clothes for the occasion so that the weaver can benefit, fresh oil is bought so that those trading in it would benefit. We spread the goodness further by preparing sweets and savouries and distributing them to one an all, without any expectation of returns. 

In fact Deepavali is not only a day when we look our best, but also the day when we are at our humane best. The diyas we place in a line, light up the path to our inner goodness and ensure we are bathed in justice and fair play.