10 Surprising Myths About Diwali You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of India's most celebrated festivals. It's a time of joy, lights, sweets, and family gatherings. But beyond the festivities, Diwali has deep roots in mythology and culture, with many interesting stories passed down through generations.

Let's dive into 10 fascinating myths about Diwali that add a little extra sparkle to this beautiful festival!

10 Fascinating Myths About Diwali

1. The Myth of Lord Rama's Return

Perhaps the most popular tale associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. According to Hindu mythology, after defeating the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, returned home. The people of Ayodhya celebrated by lighting oil lamps (diyas) to welcome their beloved prince, marking the triumph of good over evil.

2. Goddess Lakshmi's Wedding

Diwali is also considered the day when Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, chose Lord Vishnu as her husband. People believe that on this night, Lakshmi roams the Earth, blessing homes with prosperity and wealth. That's why it's a common tradition to clean homes and light lamps, hoping to attract her blessings.

3. The Story of Narakasura's Defeat

In some parts of India, Diwali celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, a wicked king who had imprisoned 16,000 women. Krishna, along with his wife Satyabhama, defeated Narakasura and freed the women, symbolizing the end of tyranny and the start of a new dawn.

4. King Bali and the Return of Vishnu

Another myth, celebrated mainly in southern India, centers around King Bali, a benevolent demon king who was so powerful that even the gods felt threatened by him. Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar (dwarf form), tricked Bali into giving away his kingdom. However, Vishnu granted him a boon, allowing him to return to Earth once a year, which is believed to be on Diwali.

5. The Birth of Dhanvantari

Diwali also marks the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine and health. According to mythology, Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) carrying a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality). This is why Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, is celebrated by buying new utensils or gold, symbolizing health and wealth.

6. The Myth of Yama and Nachiketa

On Yama Dvitiya, or Bhai Dooj, a day celebrated at the end of Diwali, it's believed that Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna. She prayed for his well-being and, in return, Yama gave her a boon that any brother who visits his sister on this day would live long and prosper. This tradition is now celebrated as a bond between brothers and sisters.

7. The Tale of Mahabali and Lamps

In Kerala, Diwali is linked to the legend of King Mahabali. While Mahabali is primarily celebrated during Onam, Diwali is also connected to his legend. It's believed that on Diwali, the sky is lit with lamps to guide Mahabali back to Earth, as a way for his people to honor his memory and reign.

8. Diwali and the Pandavas' Return

In some versions of the Mahabharata, Diwali marks the return of the Pandavas after their 13 years of exile. According to this myth, the people of Hastinapur celebrated the return of the Pandavas by lighting oil lamps, similar to the way the citizens of Ayodhya celebrated Lord Rama's return.

9. The Myth of Lakshmi Pujan

It's said that on Diwali night, Goddess Lakshmi roams the Earth, bestowing blessings on those who worship her with devotion. According to tradition, she enters only homes that are clean and well-lit, which is why people go to great lengths to clean and decorate their homes with lights and rangoli.

10. The Gambling Myth

An unusual but fascinating myth states that Goddess Parvati played dice with Lord Shiva on the night of Diwali. Parvati declared that whoever gambles on Diwali night would gain prosperity throughout the year. This myth is believed to be the origin of the tradition of playing cards during Diwali, symbolizing a bit of good luck for the coming year.