Welcome to a magical evening! As twilight falls across India, millions of homes shimmer with rows of lamps. The air buzzes with laughter, snacks crackle, firecrackers sizzle, and prayers rise up to the heavens. But did you know each dazzling festival of the season – Diwali, Kali Puja, Naraka Chaturdashi, and Bali Padyami – is powered by wonderful stories?
Tonight, let’s explore these much-loved festivals by diving into at least seven epic mythological tales, each with its own heroes, demons, gods, and wisdom. Gather round – the stories are about to begin!
The Homecoming of Rama: The Story of Diwali
One of the most famous tales behind Diwali shines through the epic, Ramayana. For years, noble Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and loyal brother Lakshmana wandered the forests in exile. Their journey led them through wild adventures, and finally, a fierce battle in Lanka. Here, Rama defeated the ten-headed demon king Ravana, rescuing Sita. When the trio finally returned to Ayodhya on a dark night, the people lit the entire city with oil lamps (diyas) to guide them home.
Lakshmi’s Emergence: The Goddess of Light and Wealth
Another story sparkles within Diwali: the origin of Goddess Lakshmi. When the world was troubled and both gods and demons sought immortality and riches, they churned the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan). Out of the swirling waters arose Lakshmi, radiant and beautiful, the goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. She chose to bless the righteous gods, bringing light and hope to the universe.
On Diwali night, families pray to Lakshmi, hoping she will visit, bringing abundance and blessings.
Naraka Chaturdashi: The Fall of Narakasura
The night before Diwali, many parts of India celebrate Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi. Here’s how the legend goes:
Narakasura, born of the earth goddess Bhudevi and blessed by Vishnu, grew to become a terrible demon king. He kidnapped thousands of princesses and challenged the very gods! It was foretold that only his mother could end his reign. Lord Krishna, along with his brave wife Satyabhama (who was an avatar of Bhudevi), set out to defeat him. In the climactic battle, Krishna slew Narakasura’s general, Mura, earning the name Murari. When Krishna momentarily fainted, Satyabhama, seizing the moment, shot the final arrow, ending Narakasura’s tyranny and freeing the captive princesses.
Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated by lighting lamps and bursting crackers to mark the end of evil and the triumph of light. In some stories, Goddess Kali herself is said to have destroyed Narakasura – isn’t that powerful?
Kali Puja: The Night of the Fierce Goddess
While much of India celebrates Lakshmi, Bengal reverberates with the thunder of Kali Puja. Kali, the dark, fierce form of Shakti, comes alive in myth to defeat the most terrible demons.
One of her most famous battles was against Raktabija, a demon who could multiply every time a drop of his blood touched the ground. Durga, fierce and magnificent, called Kali from her own forehead. Kali performed a terrifying dance, slaying Raktabija and drinking his blood before it could spawn more evil. The battle ended with peace, but Kali’s dance almost scorched the world! Only the intervention of Lord Shiva, who lay down in her path, calmed her, reminding us that power balanced with compassion is the key to harmony.
Bali Padyami: The Humility of King Bali
After Diwali comes Bali Padyami, observed mostly in southern India and parts of Maharashtra. This is the tale of mighty King Bali, a demon (asura) king famous for his generosity and courage. Bali’s rule was so just and kind that even the gods grew worried! Vishnu, taking the form of a small Brahmin – Vamana (the dwarf avatar) – visited Bali and asked for three paces of land. Bali agreed.
Vamana grew gigantic, covering the earth and sky with his first two strides. With nowhere left, Bali offered his own head for the final step, humbly accepting fate. Impressed by Bali’s devotion and honesty, Vishnu granted him a boon: Bali could return to the earth once a year to visit his people, celebrated as Bali Padyami or Bali Pratipada.
The Fast of King Ranti Deva: The Power of Atonement
Let’s zoom in on a lesser-known but beautiful legend. King Ranti Deva was wise and kind, never knowingly committing a sin. But when Yamraj, the god of death, came to take him to Narak (hell), Ranti Deva was confused.
It turned out that, years ago, a hungry Brahmin had been turned away from his door. To cleanse himself of this unnoticed wrong, the king was advised to fast on Naraka Chaturdashi, feed priests, and ask forgiveness. After doing so, Ranti Deva was rescued from hell, reminding us: that even the smallest deeds matter, and forgiveness is always possible.
The Victory of Good Looks: Yogiraj and the Roop Chaturdashi Fast
Once, a young seeker named Yogiraj, lost in devotion and penance, neglected his body so much that he became ugly and unhealthy. Saddened, he sought guidance from the wise sage Narad. Narad explained that true devotion also means caring for the body gifted by the divine.
On Kartik Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi (Roop Chaturdashi), Yogiraj fasted, bathed before sunrise, and prayed for both spiritual and physical wellbeing. His beauty and health were restored, teaching us that self-care is just as important as spirituality.
Yama and the Ritual of Light: Honoring Life and Memory
Another ancient Diwali ritual is ‘Deepdan’ for Yamraj, the god of death. On Naraka Chaturdashi or the night before Diwali, lamps are placed at the doorstep to honor departed ancestors and ask Yama for protection of family and loved ones. The glow of these lamps symbolizes not only remembrance but hope, warmth, and unity across generations.
Many Stories, One Celebration
There are even more tales intertwined with these festivals. In some parts, Govardhan Puja is celebrated just after Diwali, honoring Krishna who lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from storm and flood sent by Indra, the king of gods. In others, Bhai Dooj marks the bond between siblings.
Throughout India, whether it’s Kali’s wild dance in Bengal, the fireworks of Naraka Chaturdashi in the south, or the lamps for Rama in the north – each story invites us to celebrate the victory of courage, honesty, light, and compassion.
Final Thoughts: Your Own Festival Story
As you celebrate tonight—under the crackle of sparklers and the warmth of lamps—think of the rich tapestry of stories woven into every tradition. Each festival isn’t just firecrackers or sweets, but a living reminder: goodness outlasts evil, hope follows darkness, and everyone – from gods to mortals – can overcome challenges with courage, humility, compassion, or a little extra light.
