Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals of India having significance in Hinduism, Sikhism as well as in Jainism. Joyous celebration of Diwali is to commemorate the legend lord Rama’s return to become the king of Ajodhya after fourteen years. This festival is observed by traditional fireworks, earthening lamps and diyas inside as well outside the house in a way of paying obeisance to god for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valor and fame.
In Hinduism, as light symbolizes knowledge, Diwali, in a way symbolizes the victory of knowledge over ignorance, light over darkness, hope over despair and spreads positivity among people. It mostly comes in the month of November and the winter night is lightened with fireworks and Diyas flavored with delicious cuisines across the country. On this day we also perform family puja of Maa Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and fertility. Diwali festival not only lightens the night , it illuminates the heart and mind with divine feeling of love and happiness as all the family members and near dear ones enjoy the festivities. In many parts of of India the festival typically falls after dussehra with making the whole month season of celebrations.
In Jainism Diwali has a special importance as their history and scriptures narrates lord Mahavir attained nirvana on this day at Pavapur. Jain way of celebration is far from extravagance which makes it stand out from the rest. Nirvana is the attainment of inner light or realization of the absolute truth . The festival spiritually signifies the ultimate self enlightenment.
Sikh community believes on the auspicious day of Diwali, Guru Hargovind JI was released from Gwalior and observe it as the day of release of detainees. Sikh people observe this day with simplicity. They cherish the freedom of Guru Hargovind JI and mark the day for unbinding themselves from this materialistic world and indulge themselves in spiritual thoughts and divine experience.
Considering the above facts Diwali is the season where the whole nation celebrates with lights, sweets, new cloths and even our Bollywood adds to the enjoyment by releasing new films. Every government and private organizations declare it as a holiday knowing the importance of the day. It inculcates a sense of secular harmony in the whole nation adding to the unity and integrity of the nation as people of almost all community, regions celebrate Diwali with love and happiness.
On this day we remember our mythological lord Ram and our new generation gets to know more about our culture and religion. So Diwali is called festival of lights for it let us experience a feeling of positivity in family, among friends, relatives developing a sense of harmony in our diverse culture, community, language, region and caste which in turn reflects in our hearts and minds illuminating hope and happiness deep within. In many instances many bad feelings , misunderstandings or other family issues are resolved during these festive season as in these days we forget all the disputes and miscommunication and come together to celebrate .