Deepawali: More Than Just a Festival of Lights - A Journey into Its Heart and Significance

C S BATHAM

Hello, lovely readers!

As the air turns crisp and the nights grow longer, a sense of magic and anticipation begins to sparkle across the Indian subcontinent and in Indian communities worldwide. It’s the time for Deepawali (or Diwali), the magnificent Festival of Lights. But to call it just a festival of lights is to only see the glittering surface of a profoundly deep ocean of meaning.

So, let's light a diya together and delve into the radiant heart of Deepawali.

What is Deepawali?

The name itself is a clue. Deepawali comes from the Sanskrit words ‘Deepa’ (lamp or diya) and ‘Avali’ (a row). It literally means “a row of lights.” For five days, homes, streets, and skies are set ablaze with the warm glow of countless diyas, twinkling fairy lights, and vibrant fireworks. It’s a sensory feast of beautiful rangoli art on the floor, the sound of laughter, the scent of incense and sweets, and the warmth of togetherness.

The Significance: Why Do We Celebrate?

Deepawali isn't a single-story festival. It's a tapestry woven with multiple threads of mythology, history, and philosophy, each adding to its rich color. Here are the primary significances celebrated across India:

1. The Triumph of Good Over Evil (The Return of Lord Rama):
The most popular legend comes from the epic Ramayana. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to their kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and their victory over the demon king Ravana. The joyous citizens of Ayodhya illuminated the entire kingdom with rows of diyas to welcome their beloved king home, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and righteousness over evil.

2. The Victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura:
In many parts of India, particularly the South, Deepawali commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the tyrannical demon Narakasura. It is a day of liberation, marking the freeing of 16,000 captive princesses and the end of Narakasura's oppressive rule. This is why the day before Deepawali is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, a reminder of the destruction of evil.

3. The Worship of Goddess Lakshmi:
The third day of Deepawali, which is the main day of festivities, coincides with the new moon night (Amavasya). This night is considered the most auspicious to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. Families clean and decorate their homes, leave the doors and windows open, and light diyas to welcome her into their lives, praying for abundance and well-being in the year ahead.

4. A New Beginning for Hindus:
In some regions, particularly Gujarat, Deepawali marks the start of a new financial year. It is a day for new account books, new ventures, and letting go of the old. Merchants and business owners perform Chopda Pujan (worship of account books), seeking the blessings of Lakshmi and Ganesha for a prosperous year.

5. A Universal Festival:
Beyond Hinduism, Deepawali holds significance for other faiths. For Jains, it marks the anniversary of Lord Mahavira's attainment of nirvana (liberation). For Sikhs, it commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji from imprisonment.

The Five Days of Deepawali

The celebration unfolds like a beautiful five-act play:

· Day 1 - Dhanteras: The festival begins with the worship of wealth and prosperity. People buy new utensils, gold, or silver as a sign of good luck.

· Day 2 - Naraka Chaturdashi/Choti Diwali: Marked by early morning oil baths and the destruction of inner and outer evil.

· Day 3 - Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali): The pinnacle of the festival. Homes are aglow with diyas, families gather for Lakshmi Puja, share sweets, and light fireworks.

· Day 4 - Govardhan Puja/Padwa: Celebrates the love between husband and wife, and also Lord Krishna's victory in lifting the Govardhan Hill.

· Day 5 - Bhai Dooj: A day dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan.

The Deeper Message for Our Lives

Beyond the rituals and the mythology, Deepawali carries a powerful, universal message for all of us:

· Inner Light: The diyas we light are a reminder to ignite the lamp of wisdom, kindness, and self-awareness within ourselves. The true victory is over the darkness of our own ignorance, ego, and negativity.

· Cleanliness & Renewal: The tradition of cleaning our homes is a metaphor for cleansing our minds and hearts of old grudges and ill feelings, making space for new, positive energy.

· Togetherness: At its core, Deepawali is about family, friendship, and community. It’s a time to reconnect, forgive, and strengthen the bonds that truly matter.

This Deepawali, as you light your diyas, may you also light up your life with hope, your heart with joy, and your soul with peace.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy, Safe, and Prosperous Deepawali!

With warm wishes,

C S BATHAM

TESSELATION ARTIST