How old is Diwali? And did it always mean the same thing to everyone? The festival we celebrate today has a fascinating history. From Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya and the defeat of Narakasura to Kali Puja, Mahavira's nirvana and Bandi Chhor Divas - different communities celebrate different stories under the same festival. So, how did these traditions come together? And what makes Diwali one of India's most diverse celebrations?
Dipavali commonly known as Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions such as Jainism and Sikhism. It is associated with the spiritual victory or triumph of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin (according to the amanta tradition) and Kārtika – between around mid-October and mid-November. The celebrations generally last five or six days.