Different regions of India celebrate Diwali for different reasons. According to culture, religion, and lifestyle, there are different meanings to it, although it is widely celebrated as the festival of lights!
In northern India and some parts of southern India and Assam, Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) is viewed as the day Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, killed the evil king, Narakasura.
The northern parts of India celebrate Diwali as the day signifying the victory of good over evil. The evil king Ravana was defeated, and Lord Ram, Sita, and Laxmana returned to Ayodhya after 14 days in exile.
As per popular beliefs, Diwali is also celebrated as the day Goddess Lakshmi married Lord Vishnu. The rebirth happened in Samuthra Manthan, a churning of the cosmic ocean of milk by the gods and demons.
In some north Indian communities, Diwali is considered as the start of a new year.
Popular beliefs state that Diwali could have also been the harvest festival, marking the last harvest of the year before winter began.