Deepawali, celebrated on Kartik Amavasya, marks a profound festival of light and wisdom. This year, Diwali falls on October 31, 2024 (according to the Gregorian calendar), on Kartik Amavasya Tithi in the year 2081 of the Vikram Samvat, 1946 of the Shaka Samvat, and 5126 of the Kali Samvat according to the Hindu calendar. Known as Deepavali, or the “row of lights,” it is a festival that resonates across the timeless epochs of Bharatvarsha, embodying the victory of Dharma, knowledge, and truth.
संस्कृत श्लोक:
असतो मा सद्गमय, तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय, मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय।
(Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28)
अर्थात् – हे प्रभु, असत्य से सत्य की ओर, अंधकार से प्रकाश की ओर और मृत्यु से अमरता की ओर ले चलो। दीपावली का महोत्सव इसी प्रार्थना की स्मृति है, जहाँ प्रत्येक दीपक हमें सत्य, धर्म और ज्योति के मार्ग पर चलने की प्रेरणा देता है।
Vedic Roots and Cosmic Significance
In the Vedic era, light was revered as Jyoti, symbolising knowledge, purity, and divine presence. Deepawali’s lamps carry forward this ancient symbolism, signifying the victory of Dharma over Adharma and the journey from darkness (ignorance) to light (enlightenment). On Kartik Amavasya, the darkest night of the year, diyas (oil lamps) are lit to dispel darkness both in the environment and within oneself, creating a powerful cosmic connection to the eternal light within.
Significance Across Yugas and Hindu Eras
In Sanatana Dharma’s vast timeline, Diwali holds a significant place across the Yugas—from Satyuga to Kaliyuga. In Satyuga, the festival is believed to have first represented the divine descent of light and dharma. In Treta Yuga, Deepawali celebrates Bhagwan Rama’s return to Ayodhya, representing the soul’s journey toward righteousness and fulfillment. In Dwapara Yuga, it is associated with the Pandavas’ return, signifying resilience and duty to Dharma. In the current Kaliyuga, the lighting of lamps on Diwali symbolizes the inner struggle to uphold Sanatana Dharma amidst challenges, emphasizing resilience and renewal.
Symbolism of Light in the Vedic Era
Light (Jyoti) in the Vedas is a metaphor for knowledge, spiritual clarity, and truth, representing the journey from darkness to divine understanding. In texts like the Rig Veda and Atharva Veda, hymns honour Agni (fire) as a messenger of purity, wisdom, and the eternal connection to the divine. The concept of Deepawali resonates with this Vedic idea, where the lighting of diyas symbolizes illuminating the inner self.
*Agricultural Significance*: In ancient times, Deepawali also marked the end of the Kharif (monsoon) harvest season and celebrated the bounty and prosperity it brought to families. Communities would gather to thank nature and divine energies, especially Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and abundance, which nurtured a strong spiritual and cultural bond among the people.
Association with Yajnas (Fire Sacrifices)
Vedic yajnas, or fire rituals, were conducted to honor deities and invite blessings of prosperity and wisdom. The lamps and offerings on Deepawali carry forward the essence of these Vedic yajnas, symbolizing the invocation of divine energies, a practice continued in households across Bharatvarsha to this day.
Deepawali’s lamps carry forward this ancient symbolism, signifying the victory of Dharma over Adharma and the journey from darkness (ignorance) to light (enlightenment). On Kartik Amavasya, the darkest night of the year, diyas (oil lamps) are lit to dispel darkness both in the environment and within oneself, creating a powerful cosmic connection to the eternal light within.
Spiritual Significance in Sanatana Dharma
Deepawali’s deeper spiritual symbolism lies in the renewal of the soul and the journey toward self-realization. Kartik Amavasya is a time for reflection, introspection, and sadhana (spiritual practice). Lighting diyas is a reminder of the Atman (soul) that seeks to unite with Brahman (Supreme Consciousness). The festival encourages individuals to cleanse their minds, banish negativity, and walk on the path of Dharma, embodying Sanatana Dharma’s teachings on Moksha (liberation).
Legends of Light in the Epics and Puranas
Deepawali is steeped in legends from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as Puranic stories, each narrating the triumph of light and righteousness. In the Ramayana, Deepawali celebrates Bhagwan Rama’s return to Ayodhya, where the citizens welcomed him with lit lamps, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. In the Mahabharata, it marks the return of the Pandavas after exile, symbolizing resilience and commitment to principles. Across the Puranas, the festival honors deities and invokes prosperity, reinforcing the cosmic relationship between humanity and the divine.
Rituals as Pathways to Inner Illumination
Deepawali’s customs, such as Lakshmi Puja and the lighting of diyas, serve as gateways to inner purity and spiritual awakening. Diyas represent the light within, and by lighting them, we invite divine qualities into our lives. The act of cleaning and decorating homes symbolises the removal of impurities from the heart, while sharing sweets and performing charitable acts reinforce the festival’s call for generosity and empathy.
Deepawali’s Significance Across Dharma Traditions
Deepawali, celebrated on Kartik Amavasya, resonates deeply with not only Hindus but also followers of Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, each embracing it as a celebration of enlightenment, liberation, and the triumph of virtue.
Hindu Perspective: The Light of Dharma
For Hindus, Deepawali represents the spiritual triumph of light over darkness, as illuminated in texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. This festival symbolizes the victory of Dharma, the return of Bhawgan Ram to Ayodhya, and the soul’s journey from ignorance to self-realization. Diyas (lamps) embody the eternal light of the Atman (soul), uniting individuals in a shared path toward inner purity and divine connection.
Jain Tradition:* Mahavira’s Nirvana
In Jainism, Diwali commemorates the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, who attained liberation (moksha) on Kartik Amavasya in 527 BCE. Jains light lamps to honor his enlightenment, which symbolizes the dispelling of karmic darkness and the embrace of Ahimsa (non-violence), compassion, and truth.
Sikh Observance*: Bandi Chhor Divas
For Sikhs, Diwali is Bandi Chhor Divas, or the “Day of Liberation,” marking the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 political prisoners from Gwalior Fort in 1619. Celebrated with devotion, it emphasizes justice, resilience, and freedom, with thousands of lamps illuminating the Golden Temple, symbolizing the values of courage, equality, and collective spirit.
Buddhist* Reverence in Nepal and Beyond
In Nepal, Buddhists celebrate Diwali as Tihar, honoring life, family bonds, and the natural world. While Diwali itself is not traditionally observed in Buddhist communities outside Nepal, Tihar includes lighting lamps and symbols of reverence, echoing Buddhist values of compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness.
A Celebration of Unity and Inclusivity
Deepawali transcends regional, social, and linguistic boundaries, uniting Bharatvarsha from the Himalayas to the southern seas. The festival embodies Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), with families, communities, and individuals coming together to celebrate. Rich and poor, without prejudice to caste or status, engage in the lighting of diyas, sharing of sweets, and community gatherings, fostering gratitude, love, and harmony.
From the icy Himalayas to tropical Kerala, and from the bustling cities to rural villages, Deepawali embodies Bharat’s unity in diversity. The festival strengthens social bonds, deepens spiritual connections, and preserves the timeless cultural heritage of Bharatvarsha, shared across generations.
As Deepawali spreads light, it also spreads love, kindness, and a sense of shared heritage. Across generations and lands, this festival inspires a collective remembrance of the divine values of Dharma, the resilience of spirit, and the enduring unity within Bharatvarsha. Beyond India, Deepawali is a beacon of hope, celebrated by diaspora communities worldwide, carrying the light of Sanatana Dharma and Bharat’s cultural legacy across borders.
In the diverse observances of Deepawali, from Jain and Sikh to Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the festival stands as a unifying symbol of Bharat’s rich heritage, a timeless reminder that the light of truth, compassion, and righteousness is universal and eternal.
Resilience and Legacy Through Historical Challenges
Deepawali has endured through centuries, symbolising resilience and unity even in challenging times. During foreign invasions and periods of cultural suppression, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists alike held onto Diwali as a symbol of hope and faith. The festival became an affirmation of identity and values, a quiet resistance, and a reminder of Dharma’s light, kept alive through every era.
Deepawali During Islamic Invasions:
During centuries of invasions and Islamic rule, Hindu traditions faced suppression. Temples were demolished, rituals were restricted, and many cultural practices had to go underground. However, festivals like Diwali became a means for Hindus to covertly gather, affirming their faith and resilience. Lighting lamps during Diwali took on even more symbolic power, becoming a quiet rebellion and a reminder of their commitment to Sanatana values.
Colonial Period
Under British rule, Deepawali’s spirit remained resilient, even as Indian society was subjected to cultural and religious scrutiny. The festival became a mode of resistance, where Hindus could express unity and cultural pride. Figures in the independence movement, including Mahatma Gandhi, acknowledged Diwali’s role in fostering unity. The festival was thus both a celebration of faith and a defiance against attempts to dilute or erase Hindu traditions.
Deepawali’s Legacy in Modern Bharatvarsha and Beyond*
The spirit of Deepawali extends beyond India’s geographic boundaries. In nations with significant Indian communities, such as Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Mauritius, and the Caribbean, Deepawali is celebrated with immense joy and fervor. For these communities, Deepawali is not only a connection to their Indian heritage but also a message of peace, cultural integration, and goodwill in their adopted homelands. The festival has become a bridge, allowing Indian values to blend with global perspectives, fostering an appreciation for Bharatiya spirituality and tradition worldwide.
In today’s world, Diwali remains a powerful emblem of identity and heritage for Bharat and the global Indian community. For those abroad, Deepawali is a connection to ancestral roots and an opportunity to pass on Sanatana Dharma’s timeless teachings to future generations. It serves as a call to live by values of wisdom, compassion, and resilience, a reminder of Bharatvarsha’s enduring legacy.
Kartik Amavasya Deepavali on October 31, 2024, is more than a festival; it is Jyoti Prajwalanam — the lighting of inner and outer lamps that unites Bharatvarsha in devotion, shared values, and collective strength*. As diyas light up the night on Kartik Amavasya, they illuminate not only homes and cities but also the eternal truths of Sanatana Dharma, reflecting the resilience, harmony, and unity of Bharat’s people.Deepawali is the timeless light that kindles faith, love, and Dharma within and beyond India, inspiring a shared journey from darkness to light, year after year.
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