Diwali symbolizes the ushering in removing the shroud of darkness and ushering in light with the promise of light, joy and peace. Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu year. The celebration of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India when it was an important harvesting season. As the religion developed, various mythological stories and explanations were attributed to this festival to give it religious validation. There are different legends associated with Diwali, which vary from region to region in India. Legends of Diwali

The legend of Rama-Perhaps the most popular legend according to which Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the auspicious day on which Lord Rama returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon King of Lanka, Ravana.The cities of Ayodhya and Mithila, the kingdom of which Sita was princess were lit up with rows of lamps to welcome home the divine king Rama and his queen Sita after 14 years of exile.

The legend of Narakasura- This legend talks about the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura who was terrorizing the three worlds-earth, heavens and the underworld with his powers. As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon king's blood and it is believed that when he returned on the day of Narakachaturdashi after his triumph, he was given an oil bath to wash away the demon’s blood. Taking an oil bath before sunrise has become a traditional ritual today during Diwali especially in Maharashtra and in the South.

The legend of Bali- When Bali, the King of the nether world was becoming a threat to the Gods, Lord Vishnu came down in the form of a diminutive Brahmin, Vamana and begged Bali to give him only as much land as he could cover in three steps. Bali known for his philanthropy granted the wish. But suddenly Vamana transformed himself into the all-powerful Lord Vishnu. With his first step he covered the entire heaven, with the second step the earth and then asked Bali where he should keep his third step. When Bali offered his head, Lord Vishnu Put his foot on it and pushed him down to the underworld. However Vishnu, pleased with Bali’s generosity gave him a boon to return to earth once a year and his arrival signifies the spread of love and wisdom.

The Legend of Kali- In West Bengal, Diwali is celebrated as Kali-Puja. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a manifestation of Goddess Durga or Shakthi, the omnipotent who killed the wicked Raktavija.

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