Ever Wondered How Old Diwali Is? Its Origin Likely Dates Back Over 2,500 Years

Diwali Origin:  Diwali is also popularly known as the festival of lights, which lights up millions of homes with the diya lighting ritual. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 20th. Do you know that devotees believe that this grand festival dates back over 2,500 years? The much-loved festival is not a new-age tradition but one of humankind's longest-running festivals, with its roots in ancient Indian civilisation. Many archaeological reports also suggest that Diwali-like festivals were present during ancient times.

The festival is mainly about lighting diyas signifies the victory of good over darkness, negativity and evil energies. The ancient scriptures also mention lamp-lighting festivals, as per the Britannica. However, because numerous stories are linked to the Diwali celebration, it is hard to guess when the first Diwali was celebrated.

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The ancient roots of the festival are evident in its multiple origin stories. One of the most popular beliefs is Lord Rama's homecoming to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. It was in honour of the occasion that people lit lamps in his remembrance. However, in other parts of the nation, people celebrate different myths like Lord Krishna's triumph over the demon Narakasura, to the tale of Goddess Lakshmi's coming out of the churning of the ocean of milk (ksheer sagar).

Therefore, devotees believe that the festival of Diwali, most likely, has been celebrated for more than 2,500 years. Diwali is known as the festival of diya lighting, which also includes five-day-long festivities like Dhanteras, Kali Chaudas, Choti Diwali and Govardhan Puja. The festival is celebrated all over India and also in some parts of South and Southeast Asia, according to the National Museum of Asian Arts.

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The tradition of Diwali has survived invasions, colonisation, and modernisation, and surprisingly, the core practices of the festival have never changed. It is still one of the biggest festivals in India. People still come together to light diyas, exchange sweets, and do prayers just like their ancestors did generations ago.

However, the celebration now also has a modern touch to it, like online greetings through Video statuses, Diwali parties and more, which also made Diwali the festival of reunion and humanity’s one of the longest-running festivals in the world. This also highlights the power of cultural heritage.