Diwali is believed to have first observed during Treta Yuga
when Bhagavan Sri Ram was present on earth. The history of Diwali festival is
unknown and untraceable. Hindus have been observing it since time immemorial.
As per Hindu beliefs, Diwali marks the day when Lord Rama
returned to Ayodhya, along with Mata Sita Lakshman and Hanuman, from a forced
exile after defeating Ravana, the ultimate force of evil, in His time.
In South India, Diwali is wbelieved to be the day when
Lord Krishna annihilated Demon Narakasura and restored Dharma.
In addition to Hindus, Sikhs celebrate Diwali in
commemoration of the release of the Sixth Guru, Hargobind, from captivity by
the Mughal Emperor Jehangir.
Jains recognize Diwali as the day Lord Mahavira, the last of
the Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana, or liberation, after his death in 527 BCE.