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Why is Diwali celebrated? History and rituals
The hymn combines three festivals: Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (also known as Chhoti Diwali), and Mahalakshmi Pujan. There are many mythological stories and beliefs behind the celebration of Diwali. Accordingly, the celebration methods vary in different parts of the country.
On the night of Diwali, a large number of lamps, candles, and bulbs are lit in homes and shops. Diwali holds a special place among Indian festivals. A special ritual is performed on this day to worship Goddess Lakshmi. During the night, every home worships Goddess Mahalakshmi, the presiding deity of wealth, Ganesha, the destroyer of obstacles, and Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts.
The practice of fireworks on Diwali is likely rooted in the belief that the night of the ancestors begins with the new moon day of Diwali. This practice is also associated with the incident of Lord Shiva and Parvati gambling, in which Lord Shiva was defeated. On Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped not only in homes but also in shops and business establishments.
According to the Indian tradition, every worship, adoration, and prayer involves a coordinated application of all three forms: physical, spiritual, and divine. In keeping with this belief, in this festival too, the physical form of Lakshmi in the form of gold, silver, coins, etc. is worshipped by acknowledging its connection with the divine form of Lakshmi. Decorating homes with garlands of lamps and other activities is done to manifest the splendor of Lakshmi's spiritual form. Thus, in this festival, Lakshmi is worshipped in all three ways.
