Diwali, or Deepawali is called the festival of lights. But why so? WHy so many Diyas are lit on this day? Why firecrackers are burned? Why is this such a big celebration with lights?

Why is Diwali called the festival of lights?

Every year, as the nights grow longer and the air fills with a gentle chill, homes across India and many parts of the world begin to sparkle with tiny glowing lamps, colorful decorations and the scent of fresh sweets. This magical time of the year is known as Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights. But Diwali is much more than just a beautiful display of lamps and fireworks as it carries a deep meaning that touches both the heart and the spirit. 

At its essence, Diwali is a celebration of light conquering darkness, hope triumphing over despair and goodness prevailing over evil. It is a time when families come together, communities unite and hearts are filled with joy, love and positivity. The lights that illuminate homes and streets during Diwali are not just for decoration as they are symbolic beacons, reminding us of life’s brighter side, the inner strength within each of us and the simple truth that even the smallest light can chase away darkness.

Why is Diwali considered as the “festival of lights”?

Diwali is lovingly called the “festival of lights” because it beautifully captures the spirit of illumination both outside and within. The word “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, which means “a row of lamps.” Traditionally, people light small earthen lamps or diyas, to brighten their homes, temples and streets, turning even the darkest night into a scene of warmth and radiance. This lighting of lamps symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. 

According to ancient stories, Diwali marks the joyous return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, when the people of his kingdom celebrated by lighting thousands of lamps to welcome him home. Beyond its mythological roots, these lights remind people that hope and goodness can shine through even the darkest times.

However, Diwali’s lights are not only meant to decorate homes as they carry deep meaning in daily life. Lighting a diya is seen as an act of inviting positivity, peace, and prosperity into one’s space, while pushing away negativity and despair. The glow of the lamps represents inner clarity and the human spirit’s ability to rise above challenges. It’s also said that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, visits homes that are well-lit and clean, blessing families with abundance and happiness. 

On a broader level, the festival’s lights symbolize unity and joy, as people from different communities come together to celebrate. In a world often clouded by uncertainty, Diwali stands as a gentle reminder that even a single flame of kindness, faith or wisdom has the power to brighten the world around us.

 

Why is the occasion of Diwali considered as the stage setting for the King’s return?

The occasion of Diwali holds a special place in Indian culture because it beautifully marks the return of Lord Rama, the righteous king of Ayodhya, after fourteen long years of exile. According to the ancient epic Ramayana, Lord Rama’s journey was filled with trials, battles and sacrifices, culminating in his victory over the demon king Ravana, who symbolized arrogance and evil. When Lord Rama finally returned to his homeland with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, the people of Ayodhya were overjoyed. 

They decorated every street, rooftop and courtyard with rows of oil lamps or diyas, to light up the night and guide their beloved king home. The entire kingdom shimmered like a golden sea of lights, signifying not only the physical return of their ruler but also the restoration of truth, justice and peace. In that sense, Diwali became more than just a celebration as it was the grand stage upon which good triumphed over evil and darkness gave way to light.

This homecoming of Lord Rama is what makes Diwali so symbolic and enduring across generations. The festival represents a collective sigh of relief, a renewed sense of hope and the joy of reunion after hardship. The lighting of lamps is more than an act of festivity; it reflects the people’s deep devotion and gratitude for the return of righteousness and order in their lives. Just as the citizens of Ayodhya prepared their city for Lord Rama’s arrival, people today clean and decorate their homes to welcome positive energy and blessings.

 

What is the significance of lighting the lamps within?

Lighting lamps during Diwali goes far beyond decoration or tradition as it carries a deeper spiritual and emotional significance. The soft glow of a lamp represents the triumph of light over darkness, not just in the outer world but also within ourselves. Every flame we light is a gentle reminder to remove the shadows of anger, jealousy, fear and ignorance that sometimes cloud our minds. 

Just as one lamp can brighten an entire room, a single act of kindness, honesty or compassion can illuminate our inner world. In many ways, lighting a lamp symbolizes awakening the light of wisdom and self-awareness that lies within each of us. It’s a quiet, beautiful way to honor the idea that true radiance begins from inside the heart and only then does it spread outward to the world.

Beyond its spiritual symbolism, lighting lamps also creates a sense of peace, connection and gratitude. When families come together to light diyas, it’s not merely a ritual as it’s a moment of unity and reflection. Watching those tiny flames flicker softly reminds us of life’s fragility and at the same time, its strength. The lamp’s steady flame teaches us balance as it stands firm against the wind yet glows warmly, just as we should face challenges calmly while keeping our inner light alive. 

 

How is Diwali symbolic of the tapestry of other lights?

Diwali, in many ways, mirrors the intricate tapestry of lights that make up our lives as each flame represents a different emotion, value or connection. When we light diyas during Diwali, we are not just brightening our surroundings as we are illuminating the diverse experiences that come together to form the human journey. Every flicker of light tells its own story of love that warms like a steady flame, of faith that burns bright even in the darkest times and of hope that refuses to fade no matter how uncertain life becomes. 

Just like a tapestry is woven from countless threads of different colors, Diwali’s brilliance comes from the union of many lights as spiritual, emotional and communal that together create a beautiful harmony of brightness and meaning.

Moreover, Diwali’s tapestry of lights goes beyond individual lamps as it extends into the collective spirit of people. The festival brings together countless homes, streets and hearts that shine in unison, reflecting unity amid diversity. Each light contributes to the larger glow, reminding us that every small act of kindness, joy or togetherness adds to the radiance of the world. 

From the humble earthen diya to the sparkling fairy lights adorning city skylines, every glimmer symbolizes how our lives are interconnected, how each person’s inner light enriches the collective brightness of humanity. In this way, Diwali doesn’t just symbolize illumination in a physical sense as it represents the shared light of compassion, understanding and humanity that binds us all together.

 

How to keep the flame of dharma and karma alive within us?

In the fast-moving world we live in today, it’s easy to lose sight of our moral compass. We often get caught up in competition, personal ambition and everyday chaos, forgetting the deeper values that give life meaning. Keeping the flame of dharma and karma alive within us means constantly reminding ourselves of what is right and why we do what we do. Dharma is not just about religious duty as it’s about living with honesty, compassion and responsibility in whatever role we play, be it as a student, a parent or a professional. 

Karma, on the other hand, reminds us that our actions have consequences, both seen and unseen. To nurture these values, we must practice mindfulness in our daily lives being aware of how our thoughts, words and deeds affect others. Even small acts, like helping someone in need, being kind when it’s easier to be indifferent or choosing fairness over convenience, keep this flame burning bright.

But keeping dharma and karma alive is not a one-time effort as it’s a lifelong practice that requires patience and self-reflection. Life will always test us with situations where doing the right thing may seem difficult or unrewarding but that is exactly when our inner light must shine stronger. Taking time to reflect each day whether through meditation, prayer or simple silence helps us realign with our true purpose. 

Surrounding ourselves with positive influences, reading uplifting thoughts or learning from people who live ethically can also keep our spirit grounded. Ultimately, the flame of dharma and karma stays alive when we live with awareness, compassion and integrity, even when no one is watching. It is about being a source of light in a world that often forgets its own brightness.

In the end, keeping the flame of dharma and karma alive within us is not about perfection as it’s about persistence. It’s about choosing goodness every single day, even in the smallest of ways, and believing that our actions, however simple, can create ripples of positive change. When we live with a sense of duty guided by compassion and perform our deeds selflessly, we not only bring harmony to our own lives but also contribute to a more balanced world. 

The true light of Diwali or any light within us burns brightest when we let our principles guide our path. As long as we continue to act with sincerity, kindness and awareness, the sacred flame of dharma and karma will never fade as it will keep illuminating our hearts and the world around us.

 

Written by: Nikita, Article and Content Writer, Editor, Strategist at Rudraksha Hub

If there is anything you want to edit in this, connect with us at wa.me/918542929702 or info@rudrakshahub.com and we shall be happy to help you..!!

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