The great epic of Ramayana contains the most popular legend associated with the meaning behind the festival of Deepavali. It is said that when the epitome of human virtue 'Maryada Purushottam' Sri Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of unfair exile which he accepted only to honour his elders and thereby set an example to human society for all times to come, the citizens of Ayodhya lit rows of earthen diyas to welcome their rightful ruler back. His brother Bharata had ruled Ayodhya for these fourteen years as his agent and had duly installed Rama's Charan padukas on the throne of Ayodhya!
Another legend associated with one of the days of Diwali is related with the day after Dhanteras, popularly known as 'Chhoti Diwali'. 'Chhoti Diwali' is also celebrated as 'Naraka Chaturdasi' when Krishna and Satyabhama killed the demon, Naraka. Despite Lord Indra intervening in the process, Lord Krishna proved his supremacy in putting an end to the demon Naraka on this day. Not only was Lord Krishna the Divine Advisor to Arjuna and the Pandavas in the epic battle of righteousness versus evil represented by the Kauravas, He - as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu the Preserver - is also the vanquisher of Narakasura. This event from Krishna's holy life is commemorated on 'Chhoti Diwali'.
We can see how Lord Krishna and Sri Rama, both considered avatars (incarnations) of Lord Vishnu are inextricably intertwined in the traditions and foundations of the most important festival of all in the Hindu calendar - the Holy Festival of Deepawali. Both the Hindu Gods are amongst the most respected and most popular Gods in Hinduism. They are worshipped in almost every Hindu home and remembered in times of need as well as trial. 'Hey Ram' and 'Radhe Krishna' are two of the most common phrases one can hear in religious Hindu homes.
Children eagerly look forward to Chhoti Diwali when the flow of gifts to and fro from friends and relatives turns into a torrent since only a day is left for Diwali. Diwali sweets and Diwali mithai are enjoyed all day on Chhoti Diwali and kids love a prelude to Diwali by merrily bursting firecrackers in the evening. Children as well as Adults love the Diwali mithai that inevitably forms a central part of the festival's celebration. With the availability of Online Diwali Sweets, one can place an order several days in advance so one doesn't need to rush on the last days before the festival.
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