Diwali- Spreading The Lights Of Happiness

Diwali (or Deepawali) is the Hindu festival of lights that is celebrated by Indians all over the world. It is a festival that illuminates the Earth as well as the Skies and brings joy in abundance. It is a Festival that unifies every religion, every home, and every heart and promotes the much-needed peace, harmony, and brotherhood in society.

The festival of Deepavali has a profound spiritual meaning, it essentially means the Awareness of the Inner Light, which has the power to outshine darkness and clear all obstacles in life. It helps in fostering a sense of brotherhood as it encourages people to come together and celebrate the festival regardless of their background.

Diwali's essence lies in the shloka, 'Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya' which means "Lead me from darkness to light". Similarly, we have to light the lamp of happiness, the lamp of prosperity, and the lamp of knowledge to dispel sorrow, poverty as well as disease.

Diwali is always celebrated in October or November. This year(2021) it starts on November 2nd and goes for five days. The main celebrations happen on the darkest night of the festival. That's on November 4th.

One festival, many tales 

Various mythological legends have been attributed to the origin of Diwali.

• Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya: One of the primary stories revolving around Diwali in Hindu mythology is that the day marks the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita Devi, and his brother Lakshmana, to his homeland Ayodhya after 14 years spent in exile. To light the path for Rama, who had defeated the demon king Ravana, villagers use festive lights and other decorations. 
• Return of the Panch Pandavas: As per a legend from the epic Mahabharata, it was Karthik Amavasya when the Pancha Pandavas returned from their 12 years of exile. It is said the people who loved the Pandavas celebrated the day by lighting thousands of earthen lamps and distributing sweets.
• Krishna defeats the demon Narakasura: Southern India celebrates it as the day that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, who ruled Pragjyotishapura, which is considered to be near present-day Assam. To free the people of his kingdom, who lived in absolute fear, Krishna slew the demon and declared that the day be marked with festivities.
• Lord Vishnu rescued Goddess Lakshmi: In western India, the festival marks the day that Lord Vishnu, the Preserver (one of the main gods of the Hindu trinity) had rescued Lakshmi from the prison of King Bali and had sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world.
• Coronation of King Vikramaditya: History says the greatest Hindu King Vikramaditya was coronated on the day of Diwali, which also makes the festival historic and not merely mythological.
• Sikhism and Diwali: On the same day as Diwali, Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas. It marks the day when Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh guru, freed himself from the Gwalior Fort where he was imprisoned. He arrived at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on this day. The Golden Temple is decorated with special lighting and hosts fireworks as well as other festivities to mark this special day.

The lights of Diwali are symbolic of the triumph of good over evil, of Lord Rama over Ravana, of Lord Krishna over Narakasura. In different parts of the country, the effigies of both demon kings are burned in celebration.

Diwali around the world

Diwali celebrations are not just confined to India but span across the globe and are observed by Hindus and non-Hindus alike. In addition to India, the festival is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, Pakistan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Trinidad, and Tobago. The city of Leicester in the UK is said to host the world's biggest Diwali celebrations outside of India. The first public Diwali Lights in Leicester were displayed in 1983, switched on by the oldest resident in the Asian community. The celebrations now reflect a new age, a stronger community, and a greater ambition for a festival with an international reputation.

The Ongoing Situation

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the festivities will be muted. In many states in India, firecrackers have been banned keeping in mind the public's health. However, the day can still be made special with all the beautiful details that go about in making our surroundings look festive.

It is time to pause and think about all the people who might need our help to have a prosperous Diwali. Let's celebrate the festival in the true sense by spreading joy and light up the world of others.

Candles to enjoy life; Decorations to light life; Presents to share success; Fire Crackers to burn evils; Sweets to sweeten success; And worship to thank god! Wish you a joyous and prosperous Diwali!

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