The story of how Diwali evolved into such a widely celebrated festival differs from region to region. In Punjab, Diwali is the day when King Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana to ensure that light emerges victorious over darkness. Upon his homecoming, people welcomed him with an amazing display of firecrackers and by order of the royal families of Ayodhya and Mithila, the kingdom of which Sita was princess, the cities and far- flung boundaries of these kingdoms were lit up with rows of lamps, glittering on dark nights to welcome home the divine king Rama and his queen Sita after 14 years of exile, ending with an across-the-seas war in which the whole of the kingdom of Lanka was destroyed.
Diwali Traditions in Punjab
Diwali is also the anniversary of Guru Hargobindji being released from the prison at Gwalior Fort in 1619 AD. On this day the entire Golden Temple is illuminated with traditional lamps of different colors. The reflection of the temple in the shimmering water of the holy pool is truly mesmerizing, something that you want to hold onto forever in your memory. Fire works display by the traditional professionals recreates the glory of the past.
In villages cattle are adorned and worshiped by farmers as they are the main source of income for the peasants. Since Diwali marks the official start of winter, it is a happy time for the peasants as they get to sow their winter crops and pray to Goddess Lakshmi to give them a good harvest. The day after Diwali is celebrated as Tikka Day. On this day, sisters make an auspicious mark called Tika on their brother’s forehead and pray to the lord to protect him from all harm.
In the Golden Temple of Amritsar, Diwali is celebrated with great éclat. Earthen lamps are lit all round the holy tank and their undulating reflections in the water look extremely fascinating. Sikhs started celebrating Diwali at Amritsar from the time of their Sixth Master, Guru Hargobind. When he rescued fifty-two rajas from imperial detention in the fort of Gwalior and reached Amritsar, the residents there welcomed him by illuminating the whole-city.
Diwali Celebration in Punjab
In Punjab, Diwali Festival is the time for everyone to rejoice, looking forward to a bright future. Enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion, its magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity. Diwali, festival of lights, symbolizes the victory of righteousness and lifting of spiritual darkness. The preparations of Diwali begin well in advance. People start decorating their homes, preparing sweets; thousand of lamps are lit to create a world of fantasy. Each house entrance is made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of "Rangoli" designs to welcome Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
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