Every year several people light diyas and adorn their houses to celebrate Diwali. Dubbed the festival of lights, Diwali is a Hindu festival celebrating the return of Lord Ram after vanquishing the demon king Ravana. On this day, Ram, Sita, and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya following their 14-year-long exile.
The day not only celebrates the return of the King of Ayodhya but also the triumph of good over evil. It is believed that when Ram returned, it was a no-moon night. Expressing elation over their King’s return, people lit oil lamps to lighten up the sky and celebrate the return.
Every year, several households light diyas, adorn their doors with garlands, make colourful rangolis and cook a range of delicacies. On Diwali, goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha are worshipped and offered the ‘prasad’ which is subsequently shared with family and friends. A question that often surfaces is if Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Ram, why are Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha revered? Well, several myths answer the question.
Some believe that when Ram, Sita, and Lakshman returned to their kingdom restoring peace and harmony, prosperity also came with them. Since Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance, we revere her on the day of Diwali. Advertisement Meanwhile, another popular belief is from the book of ‘Kartika-Mahatmya.
’ It narrates the story of a poor Brahmin who sought a priest’s advice on attracting wealth. The priest advised him to worship Maa Lakshmi. A.