Posted by Deepawali, is one festival which is celebrated across India by one and all irrespective of the religion they follow. As per mythology Lord Rama reached back Ayodhya (His Kingdom) on this day after completion of his 14 years exile and vanquishing Ravana in a bitter battle at Lanka. This day happened to be a New moon day (No moon) and each end every house was well lit up with the help of earthen lamps to welcome the prince (Rama). Even now all houses are lighted up using earthen lamps as also modern lights to commemorate the home coming and people burst crackers too to express happiness.
Life Lessons…
Lord Rama (born and brought up in the comforts of a place) along with his wife Sita and brother Laxman spent 14 years in exile in jungles, in total discomfort. But he did not give up and successfully completed the promise given to his Father, the King of Ayodhya. During the course of his exile he also successfully fought a war against Ravana and eliminated him, in spite of the later having a superior Army.
Two very important lessons are there in this story. Firstly, the lighting up of Ayodhya on return of Lord Rama, symbolises the saying that there is light at the end of the tunnel. In spite of all odds if one stays focused on the aim and does not gives up, he will succeed.
The second lesson is that the good in you will carry you through. It’s the focus, calmness and the discipline of Rama which helped him defeat the large army of Ravana (the victory of Good over evil).
Today also there is a Ravana residing in the mind of every human being with whom we fight a daily battle but unfortunately in most cases Ravana is surviving and dictating life decisions. The Ravana continues to not just survive but in most cases dominate too because of the mental weakness of the individuals. Be strong, dominate the evil and eliminate it. Let the goodness prevail in the world, let people at large feel safe and comfortable. The inner strength will come from education and practicing discipline.
Air Pollution….
Generally mustard or ground nut oil is used in the earthen lamp to burn. The burning of this oil kills not only purifies the atmosphere by killing the germs but also helps in cleansing the human aura. But unfortunately, the earthen lamps are now being replaced by electric light and candles which do not have the same effect. Use of earthen lamps will not just save electricity but also keep the atmosphere clean.
The bursting of crackers has lately overtaken the traditional ways of celebrating Deepawali. Too much bursting of crackers not just causes noise pollution but also badly ruins the air which may cause diseases. The bursting of crackers may not be totally stopped but has to be controlled. The Supreme Court of India had to finally step in and pass directions for controlling use of crackers.
Conclusion….
Deepawali has to be celebrated as victory of Good over evil. Aim should be to spread happiness, to cleanse not just the houses but the minds to make the world a better place to live. Let’s vow to make a sincere effort to cleanse our society of ills and negativity. Light the heart and the mind.
Happy Diwali to you as well Krish and well said my friend that Festivals doesn’t mean to cleaning the house or decorating them, it does mean to clean and purify the heart as well. On Eid, people go crazy with everything except cleaning their heart and connected with broken and ignored relationships. You always do a great job and come with great conclusions.
Thank you Bushra..
Good to hear from you as always.
God bless you
You too
A short and concise article on Diwali. Loved it. There is another thing about Diwali festival that I love: Family Get-together!
This may not be an ancient tradition but very much existing in many social circles for decades now. In our bigger family we have a Diwali Get together and it is compulsory for all members including infants to attend the same. This has helped us be in touch with members who are not of the same age group in the family.
Thank you..
You are right..Diwali meant family getting together at least once ..
God bless you
It is always saddening to learn of the loss of depths in meaning that is the root from where tradition springs. In my opinion, even lesser forms of loss of intention is abundant, for example, In America, during a certain decade, there were some, (this may sound crazy) Heavy Metal music artists that collaborated in a creation of surprisingly orchestrated genius with lyrics of a metaphysical undertone reposed therein. Folks would keep a lighter lit in softly swaying hands as if to convey, “I hold a candle for you, for what you are saying, the energy we, in hundreds or thousands strong, feel as one because of this music, for some understanding you bear, for your talent. A concert hall was never burned down from lighters. Now, youth hold cell phone lights to be seen by the bands. It is lacking in feeling and many know not why they do this, they simply partake if they like a song. Likewise, many do not know that a number of things celebrated here are born of Pagan beliefs that were hijacked by those of Christian faith.They have morphed into what they are today, for those generations of people are no longer here.
Deepawali is now an interest of mine because of you. Thank you. I shall learn more regarding it. When I can purchase an earthen lamp, I will fill it with mustard or ground nut oil. Do you have a suggestion as to which should be used? I too often convey more than is necessary (as found in long comments) to show empathy, but, I thought you may find this slice of an American by-gone era somewhat, well, something.
Thank you Dawn fir giving your time and the beautiful comment..we all learn from each other…I like the way you always put across your views and explain things…you are right the traditions and beliefs are dying down..people do things without actually understanding the actual meaning behind it..
You may use mustard oil..that has got more health properties..in India earlier mustard oil was used as the main cooking medium as also for lighting lamp as also for body massage as it is healthy and also believed to cleanse the body aura..
Thank you.
God bless you..
Thank you for the lovely comment. Thank you for the suggestion. My poor Dad’s back is hunched over. I often massage with olive oil and help him stretch to prevent it worsening. Perhaps the mustard oil will add more healing properties, much appreciated.