Diwali

The Ancient Origins of Diwali: From First Clay Lamps to Modern Celebrations

Modern Diwali Celebrations

In 2024, Diwali continues to illuminate homes and hearts worldwide, with celebrations reaching from Nepal to every corner of the globe. The festival recently made headlines when Ayodhya set a world record for the most diyas (oil lamps) lit simultaneously, showcasing the enduring power of this ancient tradition.

Diwali

The Dual Nature of Diwali Celebrations

Diwali presents itself in two distinct yet harmonious forms. Within homes, the spiritual aspect manifests through the reverent worship of Lakshmi and Ganesha, deities representing prosperity and wisdom. Outside, the festival transforms neighborhoods into spectacular displays of light, with colorful illuminations and fireworks painting the night sky. This duality perfectly captures both the spiritual and celebratory essence of the festival.

Diwali

Historical Origins: When Did Diwali Begin?

The roots of Diwali stretch deep into antiquity, with ancient Hindu scriptures like the Skanda Purana and Agni Purana providing the earliest written references. According to traditional beliefs, Diwali celebrations began during the Dwapara Yuga, following the Treta Yuga. Historical evidence and religious texts suggest that the tradition of celebrating Diwali spans approximately 5,000 years. The Kartika Mahatmya section of the Skanda Purana contains a particularly significant reference where Lord Krishna describes lamps as embodiments of the sun itself.

Diwali

The First Deepan Festival: Geographic Origins

A fascinating verse from the Skanda Purana – “Madrajye Ye Dipananam Bhuvi Kurvanti Manavah .54” – provides crucial insight into Diwali’s geographical origins. This verse reveals that the earliest lamp-lighting traditions originated in the Madras kingdom, an ancient region corresponding to modern-day Taxila. According to legend, the demon king Bali initiated the tradition of lamp donation and lighting during his reign, establishing a practice that would spread across the subcontinent.

Archaeological Evidence: The World’s First Lamps

The material history of Diwali’s central symbol – the clay lamp – has been uncovered through archaeological discoveries. Excavations in the Indus Valley Civilization, particularly in Mehrgarh, have unearthed clay lamps dating back approximately 5,000 years, as confirmed through carbon dating. Similar discoveries in Sangal, India, have revealed Mauryan-era lamps from 2,500 years ago, providing tangible evidence of this enduring tradition.

The Evolution of Celebrations: From Lamps to Fireworks

The inclusion of fireworks in Diwali celebrations has its own fascinating history. Kautilya’s Arthashastra, written approximately 2,396 years ago, provides one of the earliest references to pyrotechnic substances. In its 14th chapter, it describes ‘Tejanchurna,’ a substance that produced sparks when ignited. Originally developed for military purposes to create diversions and release defensive smoke screens, this technology eventually evolved into the celebratory fireworks we associate with Diwali today.

Diwali

Modern Significance and Continuity

Today’s Diwali celebrations represent a beautiful confluence of ancient traditions and modern expressions. While the core spiritual significance remains unchanged, the festival has evolved to embrace new forms of celebration while maintaining its essential character as a festival of light, hope, and renewal.

Preservation of Heritage

The archaeological and textual evidence of Diwali’s ancient origins highlights the importance of preserving these cultural traditions. From the humble clay lamps of Mehrgarh to today’s spectacular light displays, Diwali continues to adapt while maintaining its core spiritual and cultural significance.

The 5,000-year journey of Diwali from its origins in ancient India to its current status as a globally celebrated festival demonstrates the enduring power of cultural traditions. As we continue to celebrate with both traditional lamps and modern lighting, we participate in a living heritage that connects us to countless generations who have celebrated this festival of light.

Hindi language has been imprinted in Nepal since centuries ago. There are many other elements in the increase of the Hindi language here, but as the Hindi language is becoming stronger, even the common to difficult words in the Nepali language have become easier to use. Sometimes Dashami is also called Dussehra and Deepawali as Diwali.

Yes, Hindi language is a visitor of culture and Nepali language is of Hindi and Sanskrit.

A language that is spoken is also known and understood. Language is not good, bad, big, small. Nelson Mandela said: If you speak to a man in a language he understands, it touches his mind, but if you speak to him in his own language, it touches his heart. Like this saying, aren’t we trying to touch someone’s heart by using other languages?

I am not a language expert. No anti-language, no social activist. But as far as my life is concerned, we should be able to explain the difference between Nepali and Hindi languages, including our generations. It is said that big fish eat small fish. Around 50 million people speak Nepali language and 62 million people speak Hindi. If we cannot understand the origin of the language, the structure and the difference between the language areas, then it cannot be said that the history of Nepali language was spoken in Nepal at some point.

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