The splendor of Diwali festivals in India goes far beyond the customary rituals of cleaning, decorating homes, acquiring new clothes, and preparing delicious delicacies. The essence of Diwali is rooted in the captivating myths that surround it. These myths, beliefs, and teachings have been passed down through generations, imbuing the Festival of Lights with profound significance.
While children often eagerly look forward to Diwali for the excitement of bursting crackers and witnessing fireworks, it is also our responsibility to acquaint them with the rich mythological narratives that underlie this timeless celebration.
In this article, we will explore three engaging and enjoyable mythological accounts associated with Diwali, each carrying valuable lessons and teachings that can be shared with children.
1. Ram's Return from Exile
Once upon a time, in the vast and magnificent land of India, there lived a wise and noble prince named Ram. He was the beloved son of King Dasarath, the ruler of Ayodhya, a powerful kingdom. The people of Ayodhya admired Ram for his kindness and sense of righteousness.
King Dasarath, too, recognized Ram's capability and wanted to declare him as the next heir to the throne. However, there was a twist in this tale. King Dasarath's second wife, Keikayi, had her own plans. She favored her own son, Bharata, and persuaded the king to send Ram into exile for 14 years on the day of his coronation.
Although it broke King Dasarath's heart, he felt compelled to keep his promise to Keikayi, who had once saved his life during a battle. The news of Ram's exile saddened the entire kingdom of Ayodhya.
So, with a heavy heart, Prince Ram, along with his beloved wife Sita and his loyal younger brother Lakshman, left for the forest. Their journey in the forest was filled with both joy and challenges. However, one of the most significant events was the abduction of Sita by the wicked demon king, Ravana, who ruled the island of Lanka.
In their relentless quest to rescue Sita, Ram, Lakshman, and a devoted monkey god, Hanuman, led a brave army of monkeys. They marched all the way to Lanka and engaged in a fierce battle with Ravana's forces. Eventually, they defeated the wicked Ravana and rescued the Goddess Sita. This victory symbolized the triumph of truth over falsehood and good over evil.
After completing their 14 years of exile, Ram, Sita, and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya. The people of Ayodhya were overjoyed to welcome their beloved prince back home. Every household in the kingdom was adorned with rows of diyas, or lamps, to celebrate the return of their Prince and to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.
And so, children, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate this grand homecoming of Prince Ram and to remind us all that, just like the diyas that light up the night, goodness and truth will always conquer darkness and falsehood.
2. Krishna’s Victory Over Narakasur
Let me take you on another enchanting journey, dear children. This story, associated with the festival of Diwali, can be found in the sacred text known as Bhagavata Purana. It revolves around the divine avatar of Lord Vishnu, none other than Lord Krishna himself.
Now, I'm sure you've heard of Lord Krishna before. He's known for his profound wisdom in the Bhagavad Gita, his playful stories, and his strong support for Draupadi and Arjuna in the epic Mahabharata. In the Bhagavata Purana, there's a tale that speaks of Bhumi Devi, Mother Earth, who had a son named Narakasura. This Narakasura, the King of Asuras, was quite powerful but sadly, also quite arrogant. Driven by his insatiable greed, he began conquering neighboring kingdoms, eventually kidnapping thousands of beautiful women and causing widespread havoc and suffering.
When these transgressions became unbearable, Lord Krishna decided it was time to step in. He engaged in a mighty battle with Narakasura, and after a fierce struggle, Krishna emerged victorious. He not only defeated Narakasura but also liberated the captive women, restoring peace and harmony to the land.
This victory of Lord Krishna, much like Lord Rama's, symbolizes the eternal triumph of light over darkness, of righteousness over evil. And so, during Diwali, we celebrate this divine victory, reminding ourselves that goodness and truth will always prevail over darkness and greed.
3. The Legend of Kali
Once upon a time, in the beautiful state of Bengal, there was a special celebration called Diwali. But what made Diwali in Bengal unique was that it was all about a powerful goddess named Kali.
You see, in Bengal, during Diwali, Goddess Kali was the star of the show. She was the main deity that everyone worshipped on this auspicious occasion. Now, let me tell you why she was so special.
It was believed that Goddess Kali emerged with a divine purpose. Her mission was to free heaven and earth from the cruel oppression of some very nasty demons. She was fierce and unstoppable. With her incredible power, she defeated one demon after another. But here's the thing - she was so powerful and so fierce that even the other gods and demi-gods were a bit scared of her!
Now, here's where the story takes an interesting turn. You know Lord Shiva, right? He's known for his calm and serene nature. Well, he happened to be Kali's consort, which means he was her husband. When Kali was on her unstoppable rampage, she didn't even notice that she had accidentally stepped on Lord Shiva!
In that very moment, something incredible happened. Kali realized her mistake and felt deeply sorry for what she had done. She immediately stopped her destructive actions and calmed down. This special day, the day when Kali realized her error and repented for it, became known as Diwali in Bengal.
Goddess Kali, in this story, represents the ultimate power, who emerged victorious over the destructive and evil forces. Diwali in Bengal serves as a beautiful reminder that goodness and righteousness will always triumph over darkness and malice.
As we celebrate this festival with enthusiasm and joy, let us cherish the timeless tales that captivate young minds, imparting lessons of good triumphing over evil and the importance of righteousness. May the stories of Diwali continue to kindle the imagination of our little ones, illuminating their lives with the light of knowledge and the warmth of traditions, bringing peace and prosperity to all.
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