The Most Popular Myth about Diwali, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the myth you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:44
During festive occasions like Diwali, numerous myths circulate, shaping how people celebrate and understand this significant event. Evaluating these myths not only clears common misconceptions but also enriches the cultural experience by highlighting diverse narratives. It’s helpful to view which myths resonate most with contemporary audiences, as it reflects current cultural values and knowledge.
By participating in the ranking of Diwali myths, users contribute to a collective understanding of the festival’s lore. This process allows people from various backgrounds to share their perspectives and learn from others. The resulting rankings can offer insights into which stories are most compelling or widely accepted today, fostering a deeper connection with the tradition.
What Is the Most Popular Myth about Diwali?
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142votesThis is a common myth as Diwali is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. The festival has a different meaning and significance for each community.The myth that Diwali is only celebrated by Hindus suggests that the festival is exclusively observed by individuals belonging to the Hindu religion.
- Misconception: Diwali is only celebrated by Hindus
- Origin: Unknown
- Fact: Diwali is celebrated by multiple religious and cultural communities
- 1st Speculation: Diwali is a Hindu festival that primarily commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana
- 2nd Speculation: It is believed that the myth originated due to the predominant Hindu population in India, where Diwali has its roots
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232votesWhile Diwali is primarily celebrated in India, it is also celebrated in countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and Fiji, among others.The myth that Diwali is only celebrated in India suggests that the festival is exclusive to India and not observed in any other country.
- 1: Diwali is a widely celebrated festival primarily in India.
- 2: It is also observed by millions of Hindus across the world.
- 3: Diwali is celebrated in various countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Guyana, and many more.
- 4: In Fiji, Diwali is recognized as a national public holiday.
- 5: The Indian diaspora celebrates Diwali with great enthusiasm in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
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319votesDiwali is actually a five-day festival that begins with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj. Each day has its own significance and rituals.The myth that Diwali is a one-day festival is quite prevalent, however, it is not accurate. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and some other countries. It is observed over a period of several days.
- Duration: Diwali lasts for five days
- Significance: Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil
- Religious observance: It is primarily a Hindu festival, but it is also celebrated by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists
- Dates: The festival usually occurs between October and November, based on the Hindu lunar calendar
- Preparation: Days before Diwali, people clean and decorate their homes, prepare special meals, and buy new clothes
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413votesWhile Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in some regions of India, it is not the same for all. The Hindu New Year starts on different dates in different parts of the country.The myth that Diwali is the Indian New Year suggests that the festival of Diwali marks the beginning of the Indian calendar year. This is a commonly held misconception due to the close proximity of Diwali with the Hindu lunar month of Kartik which often coincides with the Gregorian calendar month of October or November. However, Diwali is not officially recognized as the Indian New Year by any governing body or religious authority.
- Myth Type: False Belief
- Origin: Unknown
- Spread: Common misconception among non-Indian audience.
- Time of Celebration: Usually in October or November
- Religious Significance: Celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil
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510votesWhile lighting lamps and bursting crackers are a part of the festival, Diwali is also about cleaning and decorating homes, preparing special dishes, and offering prayers to deities.The myth that Diwali is only about lighting lamps and bursting crackers suggests that these two activities are the sole focus of the festival, overlooking its deeper cultural and religious significance. This misconception often arises from a lack of awareness about the various traditions and customs associated with Diwali.
- Festival Duration: Diwali typically lasts for five days, during which multiple customs and rituals are observed alongside the lighting of lamps and bursting of crackers.
- Religious Significance: Diwali is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It commemorates various mythological events.
- Worship of Goddess Lakshmi: Diwali involves the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth and prosperity. People pray for her blessings and indulge in rituals to invite good fortune.
- Decorations: Diwali is known for vibrant decorations with rangolis (colorful designs made with powders), flowers, candles, and diyas (clay lamps). People adorn their homes to welcome the festival.
- Exchange of Gifts: One of the traditions during Diwali is the exchange of gifts among family, friends, and relatives. It symbolizes love, affection, and strengthens relationships.
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66votesWhile this is a popular belief, the significance of Diwali varies across different regions and communities. In some places, it is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, while in others, it is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Naraka.The myth that Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil is widely believed and cherished by millions of people around the world. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and righteousness over wickedness. This myth holds special significance during the festival of Diwali, as it is believed to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. It is a time for people to gather with their loved ones, light lamps and fireworks, exchange gifts, and indulge in festive feasts.
- Myth type: Religious and cultural mythology
- Origin: Ancient Indian mythology
- Importance: Core belief associated with Diwali
- Central characters: Lord Rama and Ravana
- Symbolism: Victory of good over evil, light over darkness
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711votesWhile Diwali has religious roots, it has also become a cultural festival that brings people together to celebrate and enjoy with their loved ones.The myth that Diwali is a religious festival suggests that it is primarily a celebration of religious significance.
- Origin: Unknown, believed to be thousands of years old
- Purpose: To celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance
- Religious Significance: Diwali holds religious importance for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists
- Multi-faith Celebration: Diwali is celebrated by people of various religions and cultural backgrounds, not limited to Hindus
- Festival of Lights: Diwali is known for the illumination of houses, public places, and temples with numerous lights
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89votesDiwali is a festival that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Children, in particular, love the festival for the lights, sweets, and crackers.The myth that Diwali is a festival only for adults suggests that the celebration is exclusively meant for grown-ups, excluding children and young people from participating in the festivities. This misconception stems from various factors, including certain cultural practices, social norms, and the misconception that Diwali rituals and activities are only suitable for adults.
- 1: The myth suggests that Diwali celebrations are not accessible or enjoyable for children and young people.
- 2: It assumes that Diwali rituals and activities are complex or inappropriate for younger age groups.
- 3: The myth may lead to exclusion and discourage children and young people from actively participating in Diwali celebrations.
- 4: It fails to acknowledge the significance of Diwali as a family-oriented festival that brings people of all ages together.
- 5: The myth overlooks the importance of passing down cultural traditions and values to younger generations through Diwali celebrations.
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95votesWhile Diwali is a time when people buy new clothes and gifts for their loved ones, it is not just about shopping. It is also a time for reflection, forgiveness, and gratitude.The myth that Diwali is a time for shopping suggests that the main purpose of Diwali celebrations is to indulge in extensive shopping activities.
- Festival of lights: Diwali is primarily known as the festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
- Religious significance: Diwali is a deeply religious festival for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, celebrated to honor various deities and seek their blessings.
- Social gatherings and family bonds: Diwali is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, share meals, and strengthen bonds. It promotes unity and love within communities.
- Rituals and prayers: During Diwali, people perform religious rituals, light oil lamps (diyas), decorate their homes and temples, and offer prayers for prosperity and well-being.
- Cultural traditions and festivities: Diwali is celebrated with cultural performances, traditional music, dance, fireworks displays, and rangoli art. It showcases the rich heritage and traditions of different regions.
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106votesWhile bursting crackers during Diwali can contribute to air and noise pollution, there are many ways in which the festival can be celebrated in an eco-friendly manner.The myth that Diwali is a festival that promotes pollution suggests that the celebrations associated with Diwali contribute significantly to environmental pollution.
- Air Pollution: It is believed that the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali releases harmful pollutants into the air, leading to increased levels of air pollution.
- Noise Pollution: Firecrackers also contribute to noise pollution, causing discomfort and disturbing both humans and animals.
- Waste Generation: The extensive use of firecrackers and the disposal of their remains result in large amounts of waste generation, including burnt paper, plastic, and chemical remnants.
- Environmental Damage: The chemicals used in firecrackers can contaminate soil and water bodies, potentially causing harm to the environment and marine life.
- Health Risks: The pollution caused by Diwali celebrations can lead to respiratory problems, aggravate existing health conditions, and pose risks to individuals with asthma or other respiratory issues.
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular myth
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Cultural variationsDiwali is celebrated in different ways and for different reasons across various regions of India and among Indian diaspora communities worldwide. Therefore, the popularity of a particular myth may vary based on regional and cultural traditions.
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Historical significanceIt's essential to consider the historical context of a myth to understand its significance and popularity. Some myths may be more popular because of the historical events associated with them.
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Religious importanceDiwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, each religion having its unique stories and reasons for celebration. The popularity of a myth can be influenced by its importance to a particular religious group.
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Storytelling elementsSome myths may be more popular because they are engaging and have exciting narratives that attract more people. Stories with strong characters, moral lessons, and intriguing plots may be more popular.
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FamiliarityPeople may be more likely to believe and celebrate myths that are familiar to them or that have been passed down through family traditions or local customs.
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SymbolismThe popularity of a myth could be related to the symbolism it contains, which resonates with individuals or communities, such as the victory of good over evil or the importance of familial bonds.
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Media representationMyths that have been popularized through books, movies, music, or other media may be more widely known and celebrated.
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Social factorsMyths may be more popular within particular social groups or among those with similar beliefs or shared experiences, which may lead to increased discussion about the myth, word-of-mouth promotion, or other factors that contribute to its overall popularity.
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AccessibilityThe ease of access to information about a specific myth, either through oral or written traditions or online resources, may also influence its popularity.
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Personal or emotional connectionSome myths may resonate with individuals on a personal level, leading to its increased popularity among those who find meaning or solace in the story.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular myth about Diwali. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or myth is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1183 views
- 154 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each myth once every 24 hours. The rank of each myth is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular myth about diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India and around the world. It is a five-day-long Hindu festival that usually falls in either October or November every year, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.
During this festival, people decorate their homes and streets with colorful lights, candles, and diyas (small oil lamps), burst firecrackers, and engage in various traditional activities such as puja (worship), rangoli (decorative designs), and distributing sweets and gifts.
However, with the popularity of this festival, several myths and beliefs have emerged over the years. Some of the most popular myths associated with Diwali include the belief that it is the celebration of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, the belief that bursting firecrackers keeps evil spirits away, and the belief that gambling during Diwali brings good luck.
While these myths have been widely circulated and believed in the past, it is important to understand the true significance and meaning behind the festival of Diwali.
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