.jpg)
Discover the stories, traditions, and spiritual significance of Diwali, a celebration of light over darkness, hope over despair, and good over evil.
For my international readers, Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of India's most important festivals. Its name comes from Sanskrit words meaning a row of lights.
Walk through an Indian street on Diwali evening, and you will understand the excitement. Homes glow with little lamps, colourful rangolis brighten doorsteps, children enjoy fireworks, and markets are full of activity and festive sweets.
It is the excitement of new clothes, the smell of homemade sweets, decorating the house with diyas or waiting impatiently to burst crackers.
Families are dressed in their finest clothes, exchange gifts, and visit friends and relatives. The festive mood is everywhere.
This is Diwali, one of India's most celebrated festivals.
But why do millions celebrate Diwali every year? Is it simply about lighting lamps, buying new clothes, eating sweets, and bursting crackers?
Its meaning goes much deeper.
Diwali celebrates hope, goodness, renewal, and the eternal belief that light will eventually overcome darkness.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali celebrates something bigger: light over darkness, good overcoming evil, knowledge overcoming ignorance, and hope overcoming despair.
Also known as Deepavali, literally means a row of lamps. It is celebrated in October or November, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
Row of clay lamps (diyas)
Different parts of India have their own stories, but it always comes back to hope, renewal, and togetherness. The best-known story comes from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
After fourteen years of exile, Lord Rama returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, having defeated Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.
The people of Ayodhya welcomed their beloved king by lighting rows of oil lamps. This tradition is remembered through Diwali celebrations even today.
Another important association is with Goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth, prosperity and good fortune. Families worship her during Diwali, hoping for happiness and prosperity in the coming year.
In parts of India, Diwali also celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura, symbolising the defeat of evil and oppression.
For Jains, the festival commemorates Lord Mahavira's attainment of liberation. For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, which remembers the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib.
These traditions give Diwali its special place in Indian culture.
How do Indians celebrate Diwali?
Preparations often begin days before the actual festival.
Homes are cleaned, painted, and decorated. Doorways are adorned with flowers, colourful rangoli patterns and small clay lamps called diyas.
Women in many households prepare traditional sweets and savouries.
On the main evening, families light these lamps, perform prayers, worship Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha, exchange sweets and gifts, and visit friends and relatives.
In many cities, streets, shops, temples and buildings are illuminated. Fireworks brighten the night sky, although more people are now recognising the need for environmentally responsible celebrations.
For children, Diwali means excitement, new clothes, sweets and celebrations.For adults, it is a time to meet family and friends.
For many families, it also marks a fresh beginning.
But what does Diwali really teach us?
This is where I believe Diwali becomes relevant to everyone, irrespective of where they live or what religion they follow.
“We talk about darkness outside, but what about the darkness within us?”
Anger, jealousy, greed, hatred, arrogance, and selfishness can affect our relationships and our happiness.
A small lamp cannot light the entire world, but it can brighten a dark corner. Similarly, a minor act of kindness, a sincere apology, or a helping hand can make an enormous difference to someone's life.
For me, this is the most beautiful message of Diwali.
It reminds us that we cannot always control what happens around us, but we can choose how we respond. We can replace bitterness with forgiveness, selfishness with generosity, and despair with hope.
A message that belongs to the entire world
You don't have to be Indian or Hindu to enjoy Diwali or understand its message.
The world today has enough conflicts, divisions, intolerance, and uncertainty. What we need more of is understanding, compassion, respect and goodwill.
Perhaps the actual spirit of Diwali is not confined to a particular religion, country or festival. It is reflected in the way we treat others every day.
As we celebrate Diwali, let us remember those who may be lonely, struggling or unable to celebrate. Let us share our happiness, help someone in need, and make someone's life a little brighter.
After all, what is the point of lighting a thousand lamps outside our homes if we cannot bring a little light into somebody else's life?
"The real celebration of Diwali is not just about lighting lamps outside our homes, but about bringing light into our hearts."
To me, this is the true meaning of Diwali.
Wishing everyone around the world a very Happy Diwali. May your homes be filled with happiness, your hearts with peace, and your lives with good health and prosperity.
%20-%20Copy.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment