Q1. What does diwali celebrate?
A. Diwali celebrates the victory of Good over Evil and attainment of wealth. There are various anecdotes from ancient Hindu scriptures ‘Puranas’ about it. Out these here are three main legends because of which Diwali is celebrated.
Goddess of Wealth visits to Earth on Diwali
Diwali is the day when Goddess of wealth Mother Shri Lakshmi visits the homes of her devotees at midnight ensuring the well being of her mortal sons for entire year.
Gods Defeated Demons
Diwali is the day when Gods achieved the victory over demons and rested in divine ocean of Ksheersagar with Supreme God Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth. Gods got their heavenly kingdom of Amravati- Swarga back and also got their wealth back from demons.
Shri Ram returned to Ayodhya
This is also the day when Lord Shri Ram returned to his birthplace Ayodhya after killing demon King Ravana. He became the King of Ayodhya as well. Citizens of Ayodhya celebrated this event by burning earthen lamps( Called Deep) in entire city. Although it was no moon night that day , but Ayodhya was list with these ‘Deeps’. Array of these lamps was called Deepawali. Thus this festival became popular as Deepawali.
Referring all these main above mentioned legends Diwali (Deepawali) is a celebration of victory of Good over Evil and Attainment of wealth. And these are just few main reasons in the due course of long History of Hinduism there are many more stories and traditions associated with Diwali which far too many to cover up in single post.
Q2. What do Hindus pray for on Diwali?
A. Hindus pray for wealth from Goddess Lakshmi and protection & well being from Lord Ganesha on Diwali.
