The festival of lights is rooted in legends of Diwali. It is the brightest and happiest festival of India. It is celebrated with lit lamps, colorful rangoli, yummy sweets, and happy family reunions. The festival of lights in India is one of the most cherished occasions rooted in Indian culture and festivals.
For Indians residing in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and other nations, Diwali brings back memories of home, culture, and the bedtime stories of grandparents on chilly October evenings. But why is Diwali celebrated in India, and what do lights and sweets represent?
Let us find out about the Diwali stories, which are full of love, courage, and light that shape the way we celebrate today. These mythological stories of Diwali beautifully reflect Diwali significance in Hinduism and are a core part of Hindu mythology and Diwali teachings.
1. Lord Rama’s Return to Ayodhya.
The most popular Diwali story of Lord Rama can be found in the Ramayana. Having defeated the evil king Ravana and away for 14 years, Rama’s return to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana was celebrated. People of Ayodhya lit thousands of diyas to welcome him when he returned. This is the return of Lord Ram on Diwali.
That is why houses are decorated, lamps are lit, and sweets such as chakli and laddoos for Diwali are prepared. These are not just delicious treats but also part of the traditional faral and its story that connects food with faith.
Even if you are not in India, you can still celebrate by indulging in Diwali sweets for gifting abroad through online orders from The Desi Food, delivering to 80+ countries worldwide. It’s the perfect way to buy Diwali sweets online or shop for Indian snacks for Diwali while living overseas.
2. Lord Krishna Defeating Narakasura
Another is the popular story of Narakasura and Krishna. The demon Narakasura had captured a large group of innocent people and had inflicted terrible suffering. Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura, freeing all the people and bringing about peace. This heroic tale remains one of the most powerful religious stories behind Diwali.
In Goa and Maharashtra, this tale is celebrated a day before Diwali, known as Naraka Chaturdashi or choti Diwali in the north. People set off fireworks, have special sweets, and light lamps to mark the victory of good over evil. Many families abroad recreate these traditions by ordering Diwali faral online with Diwali snacks international delivery, staying connected to home while celebrating from afar.
3. Lakshmi’s Emergence from the Ocean
The third one is the Lakshmi Puja in Diwali. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the sea during the churning by the gods and demons, a sacred moment in Hindu mythology and Diwali that continues to inspire Diwali traditions and customs even today.
That is why rangoli, lamps, and flowers are embellished in houses and make them look beautiful, and sweets are offered to the goddess. Indian Diwali food can be ordered online, and even Diwali decorations can be bought online. Many NRIs buy Diwali decoratives online and enjoy international delivery for Indian Diwali food to keep the tradition alive.
4. The Pandavas Return from Exile
One of the greatest but lesser-known stories is in the Mahabharata. The five Pandava brothers had been banished for 13 years. When they came home on Diwali, the people of Hastinapura lit lamps for them, celebrating their bravery and devotion. This story teaches us that light comes after darkness, and that patience and faith always prevail.
Families still make special sweets and foods for Diwali to commemorate this day of love and unity. Those abroad can shop for Diwali hampers online or order mithai for Diwali in USA to stay connected with Indian traditions.
5. King Bali and Vamana Avtar
In South India and Western India, Diwali is also associated with the story of King Bali and the Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu. King Bali was a kind but mighty king. To rescue the gods, Vishnu took the form of a young Brahmin boy (Vamana) and asked Bali for three paces of land. With the three paces, he covered heaven, earth, and the underworld, banishing Bali to the underworld but giving him immortality.
This tale is recalled on Bali Padyami, a Diwali day when individuals practice humility and faithfulness. They still prepare traditional cuisine and offer Diwali snacks to be exported overseas to family and friends. Many families send Diwali gifts to the USA or buy Indian Diwali food in the UK for loved ones.
These beautiful stories of Diwali are not merely ancient stories; they are the reason why we have the traditions and perform Diwali poojas that we do today.
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Lighting diyas honors Rama, Krishna, and Lakshmi
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Exchanging sweets and snacks commemorates victories and reunions
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Adorning houses invites the goddess of wealth
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Gift-giving reunites families despite miles
You can still mark these festivals even if you are outside your home. You can buy Diwali treats online, send Diwali gifts to USA, or buy Diwali gift baskets online for your loved ones at The Desi Food, your festival shopping stop. These are thoughtful Diwali celebration ideas for Indians abroad who wish to stay rooted in culture.
Diwali is not only about sweets and crackers. It's a time to rejoice over stories that teach us to be compassionate, courageous, and the light within us. Whether you relate to Lord Rama's return, Krishna's courage, or the loyalty of the Pandavas, all the tales make your festival special.
And wherever you have your chai in London, make karanji in New York, or light the diya in Sydney, you are part of the same tradition. This Diwali, recall these tales, exchange your favorite sweets, and create new memories with your family. At The Desi Food, you can find the best Diwali snacks for gifting overseas.
Buy Diwali sweets online from our platform, order Indian snacks with global shipping, and send Diwali treats to the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and globally. Whether it’s mithai, faral, or Indian mithai gift boxes abroad, let the lights and tales of Diwali light up your world, wherever you may be.
What are the differences in the celebration of Diwali across India?
In North India, Diwali is believed to be the day of Lord Rama’s return. In South India, Naraka Chaturdashi and Bali Padyami are important events. While each story is different, the feelings of light and togetherness are similar.
What is the relationship between the Pandavas and Diwali?
According to the epic of the Mahabharata, the Pandavas went back home on Diwali day after 13 years of exile.
Who is King Bali, and what is the connection to Diwali?
In the story of King Bali, Lord Vishnu manifested himself in the form of Vamana to curb Bali's immense growing might. This story is celebrated during Diwali as Bali Padyami.
Why is Goddess Lakshmi worshipped during Diwali?
Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan on the day of Diwali and is believed to bring wealth and prosperity to clean homes with light.
