IS DIWALI CELEBRATED ALL OVER INDIA?
There is no proper evidence about when, where, why Diwali celebrations first started. But the festival is mentioned in many old Hindu literatures which gives us an idea about how old the festival is. It has many different stories behind its celebrations. In North, it is commended to mark the arrival of king Ram back to his kingdom and the defeat of king Ravana which signifies the success of inner light over spiritual hollowness. In Far East, it is believed that the lights of Diwali guide the souls of departed loved ones to heaven. In East, the defeat of Mahihsasura a demon buffalo by Goddess Durga is celebrated. In West, people celebrated the festival to honor demon King Bali who was killed by Lord Vishu for greater good. Although being a demon his kingdom was packed with happiness and prosperity, even today people wait for his return. In South, the defeat of Narkasura by Lord Krishna is celebrated. Other than these religious reasons Diwali is celebrated as a harvest festival. India from the very start was an Agrarian Country hence it is supposed that this is the reason why Diwali is celebrated all over India.