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Unlock This CourseDiwali (also called Deepavali) means 'row of lamps'. It is one of the best-known Hindu festivals and is held in October or November. The date changes every year because Hindus use a calendar based on the moon. The main celebration falls on the night of the new moon, when the sky is at its darkest, and the festival usually lasts five days.
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Many Hindus, especially in northern India, link Diwali to the story of Rama and Sita (the Ramayana). Here are the events in order.
Rama, prince of Ayodhya, married Sita, who was greatly admired for her goodness. Just before he was due to become king, his father King Dasharatha was forced to banish him to the forest for fourteen years. Rama accepted this to keep his father's promise. Sita and Rama's brother Lakshmana went with him.
In the forest the demon king Ravana kidnapped Sita and took her to his island kingdom of Lanka. Rama searched for her. Hanuman, the faithful monkey hero, found her, and an army of monkeys and bears helped Rama to reach Lanka.
Rama fought Ravana and killed him. Sita was rescued. In the story this is the victory of good over evil.
The fourteen years were over. Rama and Sita returned to Ayodhya, and the people lit rows of lamps to light their way on the dark new-moon night and to welcome them home. Diwali remembers this.
Hindus light diyas and candles in homes, shops and mandirs (temples). Light stands for knowledge, hope and the victory of light over darkness and of good over evil. It also recalls the lamps of Ayodhya.
Families cook special foods, especially sweets, and share them with relatives, neighbours and friends. Gifts and cards are exchanged. Sharing shows love and goodwill.
On the main night many families worship Lakshmi. They welcome her into a clean, lit home, hoping for her blessing of wealth and good fortune. Many business owners worship their new account books for the year ahead.
Rama and Sita are not the only story. In some parts of India, especially the south, Hindus remember Krishna defeating the demon Narakasura. Some link Diwali to Lakshmi, who in a Hindu story rose from the ocean. In some regions Diwali is also the start of the new year. All these stories share the same message: good beats evil.
Hindus do not all think festivals are equally important.
(a) Paper 2, AO1: Outline two ways in which Hindus celebrate Diwali. [4 marks]
(b) Paper 2, AO1 and AO2: Explain why Diwali is important for Hindus. [6 marks]
(c) Paper 2, AO1 and AO2: 'The story of Rama and Sita is the only reason Hindus celebrate Diwali.' Discuss this statement, considering the arguments for and against. In your answer you should include: reference to teachings; other (divergent) points of view; your opinion, using reasoned arguments. [10 marks]
(a) One way is lighting diyas (1) in homes and mandirs, as a sign of light over darkness and to remember the lamps of Ayodhya (1). A second way is Lakshmi puja (1), where families worship the goddess of wealth and good fortune and welcome her into a clean home (1).
(b) Diwali is important because it remembers the return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile (banishment from home) and the defeat of Ravana. This shows Hindus that good defeats evil, which is why they light lamps. It is also important because Lakshmi puja lets believers ask for the blessing of the goddess of wealth and good fortune, and business owners worship their new account books. Sharing sweets and gifts strengthens families and communities, which are central to Hindu life. Finally, many Hindus see the light as knowledge that removes ignorance, so it is a time for a fresh start (Level 2: four developed reasons, with correct terms and the effect on Hindus.)
(c) Plan. For: the lamps, the welcome and the Ramayana events are at the heart of the festival for many northern Hindus, and Rama is a model of dharma for them. Against: Lakshmi puja and account books focus on the goddess and good fortune, and in the south the defeat of Narakasura by Krishna is key; the festival also means family and a new start. Divergent view: some Hindus see Diwali mostly as a cultural or family celebration, not a religious one. Conclusion: Rama and Sita are the most widely known reason, but not the only one, because Hindus have several stories and meanings, so the statement is too strong.
In a 'Discuss' answer, name at least two different stories (Rama and Sita, Krishna and Narakasura, Lakshmi) so you can show a divergent view.