DEEPAWALI – By Sujatha Vasudevan
Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – November 2023
Introduction:
Hinduism is one of the widespread religions of the world with many meaningful and valuable festivals enriching its traditions. One such festival is Deepawali, meaning a Row of Lamps. The highlight of the
festival is lighting several lamps on a new moon day, occurring usually in the month of November .
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Underlying reason for this celebration:
There are a few legendary stories for celebrating this festival. Some stories refer to the return of Lord Rama with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmanan after his victory over Ravana from 14 years of exile on an new moon day. The people in his city Ayothya lit the lamps to welcome them. Yet another story mentions about the return of Lord Krishna after destroying Narakasur. From these mythological stories one can observe that it is a celebration of good or righteousness over evil. Just as how the light from the lamps remove the darkness in the environment, the inner light lit by the good acts removes the ignorance and evils of the mind By purifying the soul it removes the darkness of the mind which leads to spiritual enlightenment.
Celebration of Deepawali:
Deepawali is celebrated primarily by Hindus living in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Fiji, Malaysia, and Singapore. In fact, over a period of time, this festival has become a global celebration where both Hindus and others living all over the world have started celebrating it. People celebrate by buying new outfits, preparing a variety of sweets and snacks, lighting fire crackers, and getting together as families and friends enjoying the festivities. Dance, music and fireworks are also a part of the celebrations.
Significance of celebrating Deepawali in modern times:
The demons were defeated by Lord Rama and Krishna . So, this victory is being celebrated. Such evil also exist in our minds. Anger, hatred, jealousy and greed are some examples that make a person choose a wrong path in life. The consciousness and an awareness about the aim of the festival removes all the evils in mind.
It is an unifying celebration where people forget and forgive others and take part with a joy and hope for a better living. No doubt that it refreshes or recharges a person especially in these stressful times.
How can this festival lighten up a life?
Looking beyond the celebrations and feasting, a simple thought of sharing our resources, for example donating money or food to help the needy, to reach out and help those less fortunate people celebrate the festival is a noble act that is needed in our lives. One lamp can light several lamps, similarly each person can bring joy to the lives of several needy people. This is the true spirit of Deepawali.
Conclusion:
This year Deepawali falls on Sunday the 12th November. Let the joy spread everywhere and peace prevail in our lives. Happy Deepawali to all of you.
Sujatha Vasudevan
A clinical biochemist by training, Sujatha Vasudevan has been a teacher and lecturer for the past 20 years. She writes both in Tamil and English and has many hobbies. She would like to gain spiritual knowledge by listening to discourses and reading scriptures.
