Shocking Facts About Diwali You Probably Didn't Know

Add as a preferred source on Google

The festival of lights, popularly known as Diwali, is celebrated across the Indian subcontinent and across religious lines. The festival is welcomed with immense fascination and excitement with people resorting to various ways to mark the occasion. While everyone is definitely aware of the festival and its significance, there are a few facts you probably didn't know. In this article, we look to do just that- we reveal startling facts about Diwali you probably didn't know. As such, it is important for us to know the important facts behind celebration of the festival, isn't it?

So let us go ahead and explore some incredible facts about Diwali you probably didn't know. These are things about Diwali you need to know, especially if you are upbeat about celebrating the festival. Read on...

The Significance
Diwali has varied significance in different parts of the country depending on the school of thought and myths. Thus, different people celebrate the festival differently, making it even more exciting and fascinating.

The Relevance To Ramayana And Mahabharata
Once again, different people see the celebration of the festival differently, especially with respect to the sacred Hindu texts of Ramayana and Mahabharata. While the believers of Lord Ram look at it as the return of Lord Rama, others see it as the return of the Pandavas from 12 years of Vanvas and one year of Agyatavas.

The Worship of Goddess Kali

While Diwali is mostly seen as the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, in the eastern parts of India, Goddess Kali is worshipped. People worship the powerful Goddess Kali in order to stave off and conquer life's various adversities. It is seen as the victory of Good over evil.

A New Year
In some parts of the country,the festival of Diwali is seen as the dawn of a new year. Besides the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, the God who eliminates obstacles, is also worshipped. Lord Ganesha is worshipped to mark of the beginning of a new Hindu year.

Significance In Jainism
Diwali has a towering significance even in the religion of Jainism. Lord Mahavira attained Moksha on the day of Kartika Chaturdashi, an important day in the six days of Diwali. Lord Mahavira attained enlightenment on 15th October, 527 B.C, on the day of Kartika Chaturdashi.

Significance for The Sikhs
Bandi Chhor Divas, an important day for the Sikhs,is celebrated during the time of Diwali. It was on this day that Guru Har Gobind Singh freed himself and the Hindu Kings from captivity. King Jehangir had imprisoned them at Fort Gwalior and it was during the time of Diwali that Guru Har Gobind Singh made his escape.