5 Myths and Legends of Diwali

Indian culture is often referred to as ‘rich’ and our festivals are in no small measure, responsible for it! There are many festivals in India, some celebrated across the country, and some with regional significance. But even a national festival has several local variations, and Diwali is no different!

Diwali is probably the most grandly celebrated festival in India, with everyone looking forward to it months in advance. It is generally celebrated as a five day festival in this order: Day 1 – Dhanteras, Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi, Day 3 – Diwali, Day 4 – Diwali Padwa, Day 5 – Bhai Dooj. The origin of the festival has several myths and legends associated with it and some households have story or ‘katha’ sessions, where the elders in the family regale the younger ones with stories. Since everyone is caught up in the festive spirit, why don’t we have our own katha session right here? Here are five of the most common legends associated with Diwali.

1. The Origin of Dhanteras

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The legend of Dhanteras begins with the Samudra Manthan, the well known story about the churning of the milk ocean. The Devas were forced to join the Asuras in churning the ocean of milk, using Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki, the king of serpents, as the churning rope.

During the process, a variety of things came to the surface – an extremely dangerous poison that was swallowed by Shiva and treasure in the forms of precious gems, which were split between the Devas and Asuras. On Dhanteras day, the Lord Dhanvantari, the physician god emerged. He was holding a jar of Amrit, the nectar of immortality. This event is celebrated today by buying a new utensil or appliance for the kitchen, with some even going for silver or gold.

2. The Story of Naraka Chaturdashi

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Naraka Chaturdashi is very popular in Maharashtra and the southern states of India, and is almost as grand as Diwali! The demon Naraka was misusing his powers to abduct women and cause general destruction in the universe. Lord Krishna decided to save the world and along with his wife, he slayed the demon, releasing his captives. He smeared the demon’s blood on his forehead and returned home, where he was treated to an oil bath. This day is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, and it is the custom to have an oil bath early in the morning before the festivities begin.

3. The Celebration of the Return of Lord Ram

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This is probably the most popular legend associated with Diwali, one that even little kids are familiar with! The Ramayana describes how Lord Ram, his brother Lakshman and his wife Sita were exiled to the forest for fourteen years, during which they defeated the demon king Ravana and rescued Sita. On the eve of the day they were expected to return, it was a new moon night, and there was darkness all around. The people of the kingdom decorated the entire city with lamps, so that the illumination would help their dear king find his way home. This tradition is observed even today, with everyone lighting up their homes and bursting crackers in the spirit of celebration.

4. The Legend behind Govardhan Puja

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Govardhan Puja is also called Annakut and is celebrated with great fanfare in the northern states of India. The people of Gokul had a tradition of worshipping Lord Indra, the God of Rains, at the end of the monsoon season. But when they were stopped by Lord Krishna, Lord Indra was angered and he sent down torrents of rain to submerge the city. Krishna assured his people that he would keep them safe, and he did so by lifting the huge Govardhan mountain over everyone. Today, small hillocks of cow dung are made to symbolize how everyone was protected by Lord Krishna.

5. The Story of Bhai Dooj

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The focus of a Bhai Dooj celebration is a sister placing a red dot or tilak on her brother’s forehead. The legend goes that when Krishna returned after slaying the demon Naraka, he was welcomed by his younger sister, Subhadra with fresh flowers and a red tilak on his forehead. Since then all sisters do the same for their brothers, in exchange for a loving gift.

Now that you know some interesting legends about Diwali, you’re all set to host a katha session at your place this year! uIndia wishes you and your family a very Happy Diwali; stay safe and have a blast!