What does the Hindu festival of Diwali celebrate?

The Hindu festival of Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness. This theme is central to the observance, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, involves lighting lamps and candles, decorating homes, and setting off fireworks, all of which reflect this concept of illumination.

The festival is associated with various mythological stories, including the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, which emphasizes the importance of virtue and righteousness. The lighting of diyas (small oil lamps) during Diwali serves as a physical representation of this victory and is a reminder of the ever-present hope and joy that light brings into the human experience.

While other significant aspects of culture and seasons are celebrated in Hinduism, none resonates with the central theme of Diwali as strongly as the idea of light overcoming darkness. This distinct focus differentiates Diwali from festivals that may pertain to the harvest, the birth of specific deities, or the marking of a New Year.