5 INTERESTING REASONS HIDDEN BEHIND THE CELEBRATION OF DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL

India is famous for its rich culture, tradition and different festivals. Generally people are interested in celebrations. Deepavali is one among them and it is being celebrated in grand manner all over India. The following are the different reasons for celebrating Deepavali:

According to Skanda Puranam, every year, in the month of Tula (October-November) in the fourteenth and fifteenth of Solar days (before Amavasya), Deepavali is being celebrated. In the early morning Yama deepam is lit to dispel evil things.

Padma Purana says that on the fourteenth of Solar days i.e on Deepavali, Goddess Mahalakshmi resides in Gingelly oil, Ganges resides in Water.  So one who takes oil bath on this occasion will be away from evil.

Narada Samhita insists the Oil bath on this occasion to remove the sins.

Valmiki the ever first poet pointed out in his work Ramayana that after killing the celebrated demonic Ravana, Lord Sri Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana, has returned to Ayodhya on this day.  It was celebrated as Deepavali because the people of Ayodhya decorated the entire city by lighting lamps and colourful designs on the roads.  This ritual is observed till to date.  On that day, the people of Ayodhya did Haarathi to Gods, brahmins, cows, elephants and horses and they worshipped all the eldest ladies of the household.

According to Bhagavata Purana, on this occasion, Lord Krishna by killing his own son Naraka Asura unknowingly, extricated many imprisoned damsels and pleased the bevy of ladies.  The demon Naraka solicited Lord Krishna that my death day is to be celebrated from today itself, with fullest rejoice by the people. 

 

So, we are celebrating this occasion, after having woke up in early hours, taking oil bath, wearing new clothes, praising the Lord of Death with his fourteen names,

“Yamaaya Dharmaraajaaya, Mrutyave chaantakaaya ca,    Vaivasvataaya Kaalaaya Sarvabhootakshayaaya cha,

Audumbaraaya Dadhnaaya Neelaaya Parameshtine,

Vrukodaraaya Chitraaya Chitraguptaaya vai namah,

Then eating sweets and seeking the blessing from elders.