Diwali is one of the major Hindu festivals known for its brightness, crackers, and lots of sweets. On the night of Diwali, the whole country brilliantly sparks that the illumination is even visible from space.

But what it is that makes this day so special? How Diwali came into existence? What can be the possible legend behind it? Well, we are going to answer all these questions further. Let’s keep reading-

The Tale Behind the Diwali Celebration

1). Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, and Hanuman

There are many legends related to Diwali and why it is celebrated. However, the major one denotes the story of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, and Hanuman, the main characters that are found in Ramayana. The legend doesn’t complete without King Ravana, who was the ruler of Sri Lanka and the owner of vast knowledge, the great Pundit.

Lord Rama was once ordered to spend 14 years in the jungle known as “Vanvaas.” Rama respected his father’s orders, and without asking a single question, he went into exile. His wife Sita and brother Laxman also went along as they were not ready to leave Rama alone in the forest for such a long time.

Ravana got to know about Sita, and he was caught by her beauty. The King wanted Sita against her will, and so he abducted Sita. Rama, with his utmost devotee Hanuman and army, fought with Ravana and killed him. He then returned to Ayodhya with his wife and brother. People of Ayodhya on their homecoming were filled with joy and happiness. To welcome them, they lit Diyas everywhere, made sweets, burst crackers, and welcomed Lord Rama with all their hearts.

Since that day, to celebrate the return of Rama, Diwali is celebrated in such a grand way.

2). The Pandavas

Mahabharata is another epic of ancient India, just like Ramayana. It depicts the life story of Pandavas Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva and their 100 Kaurav brothers. It is well-known that how once Pandavas were defeated by their brothers in the game of dice. Though Kauravas won unethically, Pandavas had to accept their defeat and go on exile for 13 years, as Kauravas asked.

After 13 years, when they returned from exile, the people of Hastinapura celebrated the day grandly. It was the day of Kartik Amavasya, and the same day is now known as Diwali.

3). The Story of Ocean Churning

Another legend is associated with the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. The Goddess came into existence during the Samudra Manthan. As per the Hindu scriptures, long long ago, the Devas and Demons both had to die just like humans; they were all mortal beings. However, these entities wanted to live forever and never die. So they went on to churning the ocean to seek for the Amrit, the magic potion that would keep them alive forever.

During the Manthan, Goddess Laxmi also rose, who is the daughter of the King of the milky ocean. On that night, Lord Vishnu got married to Goddess Laxmi, and to celebrate the happiness, lamps were illuminated all over the place. So the celebration of Diwali is also considered the celebration of the marriage of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. This was also the night of the new moon in the Kartik month!

4). The Defeat of King Bali

In Hindu Purana, there is a mention of King Bali and Lord Vishnu. King Bali, who wanted his Kingdom in all three Lokas, occupied Heaven, Earth, and Paatal. In Heaven, Devas were not ready to be ruled by Bali, and hence they reached to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu then took a form of a dwarf to defeat King Bali with the mind rather than power.
As King Bali was known for his big heart, Vishnu, in his Dwarf avatar, asked him for some space.

Bali agreed with Lord Vishnu on which Vishnu took a giant form and occupied all the space on Earth and heaven. When there was no space left, King Bali offered him his head, and when Vishnu step on Bali’s head, he sent Bali in the Paatallok. This way, Lord Vishnu liberated the Devas from the rule of King Bali. This day was then celebrated to worship Lord Vishnu by lighting the Diyas.

There are many other legends too that all happen on the day of Diwali. However, these are the major ones, and the most significant one is Rama’s return to Ayodhya. This year Diwali will be celebrated on 14th November.