Why do we celebrate Diwali?

Question

Why do we celebrate Diwali?

Answer 1

Diwali has it roots in ancient Indian civilization, and there is no one reason to celebrate it. Over the years, many origins have culminated to what we see as Diwali today. Some origins, albeit, and accepted more than others and are more popular, but this does not make the less accepted views less important in any way.

In fact, there are 6 established origins for Diwali.

The site that I have given as my source explains it the best:

Answer 2

'Diwali', also called Deepavali or festival of ligths, is the abstraction of the Sanskrit word Deepavali - 'Deep' means diya (small pots made from clay) or light and 'Avali', means a row - meaning a row of diyas or array of lamps. Thus placing small diyas, candles & lamps inside and around the home marks the festival of lights.

Diwali or more aptly Deepavali festival is enthusiastically celebrated for five continuous days, in which the festivity begins two days prior and ends two days after Diwali, and each day has its significance with a number of myths, legends and beliefs. The magnificent jubilation of Diwali celebrations is marked by multi-colored Rangoli designs, special pooja ceremonies, lines of lamps, floral decorations fireworks, exchange of sweets and gifts that lends grandeur to the occasion. Every home - lowly or mighty - the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich - shines with the glow of twinkling diyas or candles to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Answer 3

diwali is celebrated in the happiness of homecoming of lord rama and his wife sita, after 14 years of "banwas" , so on this day people pray to goddess laxmi for the wellbeing of their families and a good economic condition.

Answer 4

Bengalis do Kali Puja.

It is the day the Goddess Shakti was reined in by Lord Shiva. When she started killing Mahisasur, she was drinking the blood so that other Asuras would not spring up from each drop that fell to the ground- that was the boon Asura got.

Goddess went beresk. She kept on wanting more blood even after Asuras were vanquished. So, all Gods asked Shiva  to stop her. This he did by lying on the ground on the darkest night of the year- Kartik Amavasya. She trod on him and came to senses.

So he stopped her.

Other is the Northern culture: Rama returned from Vanvas to Ayodhya. Ayodhya was lit up with oil lamps to welcome him. So Diwali is celebrated.

Another story is from Puranas. The emergence of Goddess Lakshmi- So it is Maha Lakshmi Puja.

Narakasura Badh is celebrated in South India - so Diwali.

This is all in short.  

Answer 5

Huge question dude. Doesn't matter, I will try to answer at my best.

The History of Diwali dates back to more than hundreds of centuries. This is undeniably one of the best known and widely celebrated Hindu festivals. It marks the celebration of victory of the good over evil. The celebrations take place during the months of October - November which is regarded as the 'Ashvin' month of the Hindu calendar. This year Diwali will be celebrated on the 28th October. It is interesting to note that Diwali is also celebrated by Buddhists of Nepal.

The festival is celebrated for five days across India. The first day is known as Dhanteras or Diwali Trayodasi, followed by Narak Chaudas held on the second day. Narak Chaudas is also known as Chota Diwali. The first day or Dhanteras initiates the Diwali celebrations. It is believed that there was a fight between the Gods and Demons for the water of immortality known as 'Amrit'. They were churning the ocean of milk and Lord Dhanvantrari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared before them. The appearance of the lord in between the battle for ‘Amrit’ proved beneficial for mankind. Thus the first day of Diwali is dedicated to him.

Above two paragraphs are taken from this site: http://www.diwaligifts2indians.com/2008/...

So, it is good to read from that itself. One more site I know for Diwali i.e. http://www.infibeam.com/Diwali_Gifts/

Hope these 2 sites will help you to resolve your question. Thanks.