Diwali or Deepavali is probably the most popular and celebrated festivals in India. Do you know the reason why we celebrate Diwali? Read to find out.

Narakasura was the son of Maha Vishnu, the God of preservation and Bhoomi Devi (Mother Earth). During his third avatar, Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar Varaha to rescue Bhoomi Devi from the demon Hiranyaksha. When Lord Vishnu rescued Bhoomi Devi and carried her to safety, Naraka was born.

Though the son of divinity, Naraka became an Asura(demon) and was called Narakasura. Extremely powerful, he wreaked havoc everywhere. Devas, asuras, sages and men were all scared of him.

Narakasura wanted to become invincible, so he decided to pray to Lord Brahma, the God of creation.

After years of penance, Lord Brahma appeared in front of Narakasura. “I am extremely pleased with your prayers, Narakasura. Ask me for a boon,” he said.

Narakasura answered, “Please bless me with immortal life, my Lord. I never want to die.”

Lord Brahma replied, “Unfortunately, that is not an option, Narakasura. Ask me for something else.”

Narakasura thought hard. “In that case, my Lord, I wish to die only at the hands of my mother and no one else.”

By asking this, Narakasura assumed he would have a long life since he knew his mother would never want him killed, thereby making him unconquerable.

“So be it,” said Lord Brahma and vanished from there.

After receiving the boon, Narakasura became even more arrogant and ruthless. Seeing Narakasura’s wickedness, the devas rushed to Lord Vishnu for help.

“Unfortunately, due to the boon given by Lord Brahma, I cannot defeat Narakasura,” said Lord Vishnu. “But do not worry, his end is near.”

Eventually, Maha Vishnu came to earth as Krishna who married Sathyabama, the incarnation of Bhoomi Devi.

Meanwhile, at Naraksuras capital Pragjyotisha, his thirst for power never stopped. He now wanted to conquer Indra, the Lord of the devas.

“Indra’s kingdom, Amaravathi, is said to be the most beautiful place there is. I have defeated humans and am already the Lord of earth. If I defeat Indra, I will also rule over the heavens.” thought Narakasura.

He attacked Indra and the devas and took over Amaravathi, and the devas along with Indra fled for their lives.

When Indra escaped from Amaravathi, he went to Krishna who was with his wife, Sathyabama.

“O, Krishna! Please save us!” he cried. “Narakasura has taken over Amaravathi and has committed many atrocities.”

Angered, Krishna decided to go and kill Narakasura once and for all. He took Sathyabama with him, and both of them mounted Garuda and flew to Naraksura’s capital Pragjyotisha.

Narakasura had ensured there were many obstacles to reach his palace- weapons, water, fire and wind – all of which Krishna destroyed using his Sudarshana chakra.

When Narakasura came to know of Krishna’s arrival, he thought, “Krishna is said to be Maha Vishnu’s avatar. But, Brahma’s boon will be my protection.”

Narakasura and his army fought Krishna who was on Garuda along with Sathyabama. Krishna easily defeated Narakasura’s army. Angered, Narakasura shot an arrow at Krishna who promptly dropped down unconscious.

Seeing her beloved husband on the ground, Sathyabama picked up the arrows and attacked Narakasura. When Krishna quickly got up from his ‘faint’, Sathyabama and Narakasura realised that Krishna was pretending.

As he lay dying from Sathyabama’s attack, Narakasura realised that Sathyabama was the incarnation of his mother and felt remorse for his evil deeds.

He told Krishna and Sathyabama, “My whole life, I have brought only darkness to the world. Please bless me, O Krishna, so that people of this world celebrate my death with light and happiness.”

Both Krishna and Sathyabama blessed Narakasura. The day he died called Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated as Deepavali, which is the festival of lights.