Lighting the Jnandeep

Deepavali is connected with various religious events and deities. On this day, Sri Ram returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Laxman, after defeating Ravan, on Dussehra. Deepavali is also celebrated because Krishn slayed the demon Narakasur, who made lives of his subjects miserable and a living hell, a narak.

Dhanteras marks the first day of the five days of the Deepavali festival and is associated with the worship of deities Lakshmi and Kubera for gaining prosperity and abundance. Maharishi Dhanvantari, the founder of Ayurveda, is also propitiated, and his blessings are sought for good health and well-being. Narak Chaturdashi is the second day on which rituals are held to liberate our beloved ones, both here and in the afterlife, from their misery and to give them solace. On the third day, family deities are worshipped.

The fourth day, New Year's Day, is celebrated by artisans, tradesmen and other craftsmen as Vishwakarm puja day. The Deepavali festival ends with Bhaubeej, or Bhai Dooj, in honour of the sacred brother-sister relationship. On this day, Krishn celebrated his victory over Narakasur at the home of his sister Subhadra.


In Indic culture, light has been associated with creation, knowledge, awareness and divinity. Darkness has been linked to ignorance. Lack of clarity of thought and action result in narak, or a hellish life. Krishn slaying Narakasur also represents the victory of knowledge over ignorance.