Our religion doesn’t separate us and our cast doesn’t sever us but it is the humanity that binds us. Every culture has its own values and traditions but the main foundation and substructure remains the same. The ideas of togetherness, brotherhood, equality, kindness, courage and self confidence. It is about respecting people and appreciating their strengths while helping ourselves and others out to develop their weakness into effective skills. When we look back upon the time when bases of the religion were being formed, we realize that every value has a significant tale with it. These tales in their small stature have a huge meaning that gives us lessons of life. In every culture festivals play an important role. Festivals are best time to pass down values from one generation to next. It is on this day that elders of the house tell significance of that day to the young members. No two people are the same and festivals play the role of the binding glue among different people to live together.
Diwali is approaching and all the elders and youngsters await the magnificent annual festival. In recent time Diwali has become an occasion of social gathering. Festive procession, songs and plays attract a huge crowd. The Indian mythology has interested not only Indians but people from other parts of the world. There is a rapid increase in the number of people who celebrate this festival. It has attracted people belonging to different cultures. Diwali isn’t just about meeting old friends and greeting family members, wearing new clothes and rushing to parties but it’s, about incorporating the ethics of our rich culture in daily life.
One of the mythological story about why Diwali is celebrated narrates that millions of years ago when Lord Rama walked back to Ayodhaya after wining battle against Ravana, subsequent to 14 years of exile. The citizens wanted to welcome their king with brightness which symbolizes happiness. As it was the dankest night of the year, people decided to ignite Diyas (lamps) to bring back the brightness. Through this particular tale several lessons of life are evoked. The victory of Lord Rama signifies that good always wins over evils and light over dark. Most importantly, it says truth always prevails. The winning of evil can be momentary but the journey of good is perpetual. During Diwali we need to destroy the evil within us and promote the goodness. Every human has both good and evil within him but we need to make all efforts to put down the evil.
This Diwali, instead of spending money on costly outfits and partying use it to eradicate the evils prevailing in the society and bring smiles to the faces of poor children who are not fortunate enough to celebrate Diwali. In a diya, although the wax vapors are burning, they are giving light to the rest. Learn to live for others and the life will be perfect! All the pain and hard work that you will do to work for others will soon pay off as your success. Moreover, the satisfaction of working for others is much greater than a party or a treat. This Diwali when you ignite a Diya let it burn your fears away. Let the light of flame remind you that hope never dies. Let the heat evoked be the fuel give energy required to bring all the dreams and goals to life.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Diwali!