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Diwali: a time of celebration and a time for reflection
By Rabindra Rooplall
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of celebration and a time for reflection. Diwali is a celebratory ritual for Hindus worldwide, and the lighting of diyas, fairy lights, lanterns and fireworks plays an essential part of the event.
It also coincides with the heart-warming practice of exchanging sweetmeats with neighbours, friends and extended family. This kind act is to strengthen bonds with neighbours, friends and relatives. It brings the community together. It also inculcates in participants the sense of joy associated with giving. And by doing it in times of joy, such as Diwali, it strengthens our inclination to give others in times of need. It brings together people of all religion to enjoy
the celebration.
The Hindu philosophy places great emphasis on cultivating strong bonds with one’s community, through a host of traditions.
Diwali is not just about illuminating houses and paths. Persons must ignite the divine light within and let its radiate outward, so that it touches all those we come across.
The exact day of the festival is decided by the position of the moon. According to the Hindu calendar, Amavasya or ‘no moon day’ is considered as the perfect day to celebrate Diwali. This dark night comes after every fortnight and in the month of Kartik, it marks this festival of lights and diyas. According to the English calendar, the festival generally comes in the month of November or December.
Diwali is celebrated for many reasons; but the most commonly known reason is to celebrate the day Sri Rama, Sitaji, and Lakshman returned from their exile of 14 years in the forest – symbolizing a win of goodness over evil. By Hindu calendar, it also marks the start of the New Year calendar. In fact, Diwali is considered so auspicious that it is celebrated with families and friends over five days.
Many Hindus would have already cleaned their place of abode which according to tradition welcomes the goddess of wealth which is also associated with the festival.
Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion with over a billion followers worldwide. Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival.
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