The Sparkling Festival of Light

Deepawali is the sparkling festival of Nation. Deepawali word comes from Sanskrit language which literally means a row of lights. This festival is celebrated not only in whole country of Bharat, but also celebrated around the world with great piety and enthusiasm. This national festival falls in the time of the kharif (Harvest) crop. It is the time when rich rice cultivation gives its fruits. Our country being an agro-economic people, the significance of rich harvest gives a new meaning to the celebrations. It historically symbolizes the victory of good over evil and celebrates light and life on personal levels and all citizens of country. People rejoice that time and feast with family, relatives, societies and friends. Every home is cleaned and de corated with bright earthen lamps in every corner and delicious meals are prepared and also shared with all. Old accounts are closed and arguments are settled. Every region of Bharat has its own reason to observe the occasion. All of these however, matters little to the festival itself. Deepawali is undoubtedly a national festival of our country, the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by people regardless of faith. With fireworks, sweets, gifts, apparels, prayers and other such beautiful traditions, it is one mind-boggling occasion that cuts across all boundaries - economic, cultural, racial and otherwise. It is one festival that every citizen looks forward. On a more personal level, however, Deepawali is a time to turn inward and light the lamps of knowledge and truth in our hearts and minds so that we can dispel the forces of darkness and ignorance within us and allow our innate brilliance and goodness to shine forth. The goddess of wealth is the principle deity associated with this festival. During Deepawali we ask her for assistance in cultivating and accumulating spiritual wealth, such as compassion, forgiveness, and loving-kindness. Deepawali is a time to reflect on and evaluate our thoughts, words, and actions over the past year. It is a time to acknowledge and better understand our prejudices, negative behaviors, and bad habits so that we may begin the process of transforming ourselves. It is a time to discover how we can be more loving, kind, respectful, and skillful towards ourselves and others. And since all wealth, be it material or spiritual, should be shared with others who are less fortunate, Deepawali is also a time to reflect on the various ways we can assist others and shine our light out into the world. Just as the flame of a lamp always points upward, Deepawali is most importantly a time to celebrate and appreciate life and to look forward to the coming year with a renewed sense of purpose and passion. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, Deepawali is a reminder and an opportunity to “Be the change you want to see in the world!” The festival of Deepawali has been celebrated for ages and grows in attraction by the year. Everyone enjoys the goodies, the shine, glamour, and the endless enthusiasm for living that suddenly grips people around this time. But there is much more to Deepawali than feasting and merrymaking. Deepawali is a holy tradition, not to be put in the shade by the lights. Deepawali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Celebrated joyously all over the country, it is a festival of wealth and prosperity. Deepawali is essentially a festival for householders. The preparations, the rituals, the entire celebration focuses on the home and family, spanning out to cover the community as a natural extension. Deepawali is a festival synonymous with celebrations in India and among Indians all over the world, is an occasion for jubilation and togetherness. This is an occasion for young and the old, men and women, rich and poor - for everyone. Irrespective of their religious and economic background, the festival is celebrated throughout the country to ward off the darkness and welcome the light into their lives. At a metaphysical level, Deepawali is a festival signifying the victory of good over evil; the latter is destroyed and reduced to ashes by fireworks is the belief of the people. Deepawali is also celebrated 76 countries from outside of Bharat mainly in Guyana, Fiji, Malaysia, Nepal, Mauritius, Myanmar, Singapore, Srilanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Britain, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Africa, Australia etc. Places as far as Southern America have record of celebrating Deepawali. The President of America Mr. Barak Obama was host in the Deepawali festival at the White House of America in 2009. Mr. Barak Obama delivered his message: “I want to wish a Happy Deepawali to all those who are celebrating the festival of lights here in the United States and around the world. The diya is a chance to remember, even in the midst of darkness, that light will ultimately prevail. Knowledge will defeat ignorance, and compassion will triumph over despair. Deepawali is also a reminder that we must each do our part to achieve that victory, by dedicating ourselves to service to others. If we affirm our commitments to one another and strive to lift each other up, then together, we will continue moving closer to that brighter future we all seek. America is a great and diverse nation, strengthened by the contributions of all our people. I was proud to host the first Deepawali celebration at the White House back in 2009. Since then, we’ve continued to mark this holiday to honor the rich traditions that define the American family. And I know Michelle and I will never forget the wonderful time we had celebrating Deepawali in Mumbai with food, dancing, and the company of friends. So, to all the families gathering together this Deewali to reflect on all the blessings of the past year, I wish you a joyous celebration and Saal Mubarak.” Spiritual Practice behind Deepawali: Light a single candle and spend a few minutes softly gazing at the flame. Breathe deeply. Close your eyes and picture the flame that is burning brightly in your heart. Continue to breathe deeply. Meditate on your innate brilliance, goodness, and wholeness. Let your heart open wide and embrace your inner light. People Recite the Vedic Chant: “Asato Ma Sad Gamaya, Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamay, Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya” Means lead us from untruth to truth from darkness to light from death to immortality Personal Explorations: 1. Make a list of the personal qualities that dull your inner light such as greed, anger, and laziness. Commit yourself to getting rid of one of these qualities starting in the here and now. 2. Make a list of qualities that nurture your inner light such as compassion, kindness, and generosity. Commit yourself to further cultivating one of these qualities starting in the here. 3. Identify some simple yet transformative ways in which you can share your inner light/spiritual wealth with others. For example, saying “Hello. How are you?” to all those you encounter and really listen to their answer, smiling at people you encounter while sitting on the train or standing in line at the post office or grocery store, and quietly blessing others as they pass by you on the street. Commit yourself to implementing one of these gestures starting in the here and now.

Pankaj Sinha, Dimapur