Why do we celebrate Deepawali?

Hindu mythology is vast and so Diwali is associated with different reasons for celebrations in different parts of the country.Even though Diwali is mainly considered a Hindu festival, the day marks different events in different communities.Diwali or Deepawali is the festival of lights celebrated across the country. The festival of lights which is celebrated in the month of Kartik usually lasts five days, starting from Dhanteras, followed by Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), Lakshmi Pujan (Badi Diwali), Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.

According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama, his brother Laxmana and wife Sita returned to Ayodhya after a period of 14 years in exile after defeating demon king Ravana.The people of Ayodhya welcomed them with lighting diyas and bursting crackers.

In Dwapara yuga, Lord Krishna, killed demon Narakasura, Narak Chaturdashi is viewed as the day on which Krishna killed Narakasura.

In Mahabharatha , the five Pandava brothers had been tricked into losing a bet in gambling after which their Kaurava cousins banished them for 12 years. The Pandavas returned to Hastinapur on Kartik Amavasya.

In western states such as Gujarat and some northern Hindu communities of India, the festival of Diwali is celebrated as the start of a new year and in the eastern states of india Kali Puja is celebrated.

Bhai Dhooj is celebrated during diwali in the entire northern part of India.