Diwali

The most beloved story of Diwali belongs to the Ramayana: after fourteen years of forest exile and his victory over Ravana in Lanka, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on the new moon night of Kartika month with Sita and Lakshmana. The city, submerged in darkness on the moonless night, was transformed as its overjoyed citizens lit countless rows of earthen diyas (a deepa-avali, a "row of lamps") to guide their beloved prince home through the darkness. This human act of illuminating the dark to welcome the divine became the central metaphor of Diwali.

Another celebrated story comes from the Bhagavata Purana: on this same night, Vishnu in his Vamana (dwarf) avatar reclaimed the three worlds from the generous demon king Bali, banishing him to the underworld with his cosmic third step. But before descending, Bali was granted the boon that he could return to earth once a year—it is said that Bali visits his people on Diwali night, and lamps are lit to welcome and light his way.

In Bengal and Assam, the night is Kali Puja—the most fearsome and beloved aspect of the Goddess is worshipped on the darkest night of the year. Kali, who drank the blood of every demon before it touched the ground to prevent new demons sprouting from each drop, represents time itself devouring the finite. To worship Kali is not to celebrate death but to embrace liberation from the fear of it.