Diwali
History & Mythology
The most beloved story of Diwali belongs to the Ramayana: after fourteen years of forest exile and his victory over Ravana in Lanka, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on the new moon night of Kartika month with Sita and Lakshmana. The city, submerged in darkness on the moonless night, was transformed as its overjoyed citizens lit countless rows of earthen diyas (a deepa-avali, a "row of lamps") to guide their beloved prince home through the darkness. This human act of illuminating the dark to welcome the divine became the central metaphor of Diwali.
Another celebrated story comes from the Bhagavata Purana: on this same night, Vishnu in his Vamana (dwarf) avatar reclaimed the three worlds from the generous demon king Bali, banishing him to the underworld with his cosmic third step. But before descending, Bali was granted the boon that he could return to earth once a year—it is said that Bali visits his people on Diwali night, and lamps are lit to welcome and light his way.
In Bengal and Assam, the night is Kali Puja—the most fearsome and beloved aspect of the Goddess is worshipped on the darkest night of the year. Kali, who drank the blood of every demon before it touched the ground to prevent new demons sprouting from each drop, represents time itself devouring the finite. To worship Kali is not to celebrate death but to embrace liberation from the fear of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Hindu festival dates calculated?
Hindu festival dates are calculated using the Panchang — the Vedic almanac based on Tithi (lunar day), Nakshatra (Moon's asterism), and other astronomical factors. Most festivals fall on specific Tithis in particular lunar months. AstroJanamPatrika calculates these using Swiss Ephemeris, making dates accurate to the minute rather than relying on pre-printed almanacs.
What is Tithi in the Hindu calendar?
Tithi is the lunar day in the Hindu calendar, determined by the angular distance between the Moon and Sun in multiples of 12°. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month — 15 in the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) and 15 in the waning phase (Krishna Paksha). Most Hindu festivals are tied to specific Tithis, which is why their Gregorian calendar dates change each year.
Why do Hindu festival dates change every year?
Hindu festivals follow the lunisolar calendar, not the Gregorian solar calendar. Because the lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, festivals drift earlier each year — and an intercalary month (Adhika Masa) is added roughly every 2–3 years to realign the calendar with the solar year. This is why Diwali, Navratri, and other festivals fall on different Gregorian dates each year.
What is Shubh Muhurta for festival rituals?
Shubh Muhurta is the auspicious time window for performing festival rituals, determined by combining Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Vara, and Choghadiya. AstroJanamPatrika calculates the precise muhurta for each festival based on local sunrise, Tithi end times, and auspicious Nakshatras.
What is Purnima and Amavasya?
Purnima is the full moon day (15th Tithi of Shukla Paksha) when Moon and Sun are 180° apart. Amavasya is the new moon day when they are conjunct. Both are highly significant in the Hindu calendar — Purnima for celebrations and Amavasya for ancestor rituals (Pitru Tarpan). Festivals like Holi, Guru Purnima, and Sharad Purnima all fall on Purnima.