Spiritual Insight • Hindu Tradition
"Explore the ancient origins of Diwali — no single person started it, but discover the legends and traditions that shaped this timeless festival."
Diwali was not 'started' by any single person — it evolved organically over thousands of years, rooted in multiple ancient legends. The earliest mentions of Diwali-like celebrations appear in the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana (500-300 BCE). However, the festival as we know today took shape through several key historical moments, particularly the celebrations described in the Ramayana when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya.
No single person started Diwali — it emerged from ancient Hindu traditions over millennia. The earliest references appear in the Puranas (500-300 BCE). The Ramayana established the tradition of lighting diyas when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya. Over centuries, Diwali absorbed other celebrations — Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, Naraka Chaturdashi, and various regional harvest festivals — evolving into the unified 5-day festival celebrated today across India and beyond.
Yes. The Skanda Purana and Padma Purana describe Deepavali — lighting lamps, cleaning homes, and wearing new clothes.
Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya established the tradition of lighting diyas and celebrating, but the festival existed in some form before that.
Diwali is at least 2,500 years old — possibly older. Some scholars trace its origins to harvest festivals of the Indus Valley Civilization (2500 BCE).
Roots in Vedic and Puranic traditions (500-300 BCE) • Ramayana established the tradition of lighting diyas
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