ॐअसतोमासद्गमय।
तमसोमाज्योतिर्गमय।
मृत्योर्माअमृतंगमय।
ॐशान्तिःशान्तिःशान्तिः॥
The yearning and aspirations of this Hindu prayer are the invaluable ethe of the human life, emblematically representing the rich repository of festive times ahead. It commemorates with the sense to reflect, revisit and judge our thoughts, actions, and words; ultimately getting rid of darkness and negativity that dwells within.
Sweep dust from every corner. Line up boxes of sweets to carry. Revel in the company of loved ones, dress up in finery, gorge on decadent meals. All the thoughts and actions are backed by an emphasis on sharing with those in need to give freely to members of the community. The air is about to become rich with incense, the vivid smell of crackers, and the aroma of freshly prepared gujiyas and mithais.
Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word, “ deep” which literally means light, and wali, which means the row of lights. This is exactly what is seen at every nook and corner during Diwali, rows of light seen in the celebration of this festival. It is celebrated on the Amavasya Tithi of Kartik month from the Hindu calendar, a no moon night that heralds the dawn of a new year. The five-day festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.
Arguably India’s most coveted and biggest religious celebration, it ushers in the New Year, and the beginning of the new business calendar year. It is also revered as an occasion of thanksgiving for the blessings received, and prayers for wellbeing in the future. The feeling of gratitude manifests the sense of abundance and a firm belief that whatever is needed shall arrive. The rising of light signifies a new beginning and clarity; if you want money, Laxmi shall come in; if you want health, Shakti shall come in; and if you want knowledge, Saraswati shall come in.
The central narrative in all the mythological stories is the human longing to free themselves from repression and cynic, and hope of living in a world that is inclusive, liberal, and peace-loving. The Exhilarating and enduring symbol of light from the diya signifies a new beginning and clarity, the lesson and value to be maintained throughout life.
With its majestic and mystical perspective of adding the glory of light to the darkest of nights, it dispels darkness and symbolizes hope, turning Amavasya into a glinting night of love and hope.
The lighting of lamps not just to denote but to communicate the vital truth of life. Life has many facets, the row of light reminds us of the various aspects of life that need us to divest our attention and light of knowledge. Every good quality of human is symbolized by light; forbearance, love, strength, generosity. The latent values in every human being are like a lamp, when they are lit and awakened it is Diwali. Flames of hope and faith abide in the ultimate triumph and assurance of perpetual joy that pervades the ambiance, diminishes sorrow, and rekindles hope, ushering in a new dawn of healing and peace.
Consumer sentiment and religious belief reign high during this time, marking it as a traditionally auspicious period of purchase and investment purposes. The day of wealth revels in the spectacle of lit homes, open and inviting goddess of wealth, luck, and prosperity, Goddess Laxmi into homes and lives, who is known to visit the places of its devotees.
After 14 years of exile allotted by his father, Lord Rama returned to his home town Ayodhya with wife Sita, Laxman, and Hanuman where people celebrated his homecoming and celebrated the long-awaited return with illumination. The defeat of oppressive and tyrannical Ravana, who tribulated the empire with the exercise of fear and violence and displaced God by human tyranny in Ravana Raj. He intended to impose his will throughout the empire without the consensus of his subjects; propagating forced surrender, enslaving them, and depriving them of free will. Religion was suppressed and prohibited, offering no value to the sanctity of human life and property
But with the ultimate triumph of good over evil, the people invested Ram with attributes of divinity and humanity. And thus, Ram Rajya thrived with harmony and compassion, based on principles of inclusivity and diversity. A new model society was established where relationships were given due diligence and characterized by love, compassion, generosity, and abundance.
To honor and rejoice in the unique human gifts in service to mankind by Lord Rama, the no moon day, Amavasya was transformed into a glinting night of hope and love. The entire town was turned into a kaleidoscope of myriad hues with the dazzling illuminance and scintillating gleam of rows of diyas.
The soft light of the diya, the humble earthen lamp continues to be a ray of divine hope, hoping to warm the hearts of many and bring them closer to the light of wisdom, an attribute worth celebrating.