Illuminating Hearts With Your Inner Light: Diwali as a Beacon of Joy in Modern Times

As the autumnal breezes begin to sweep through the subcontinent, heralding the transition from the monsoon rains to a clearer sky, a palpable sense of excitement builds in everyone's hearts. It's the anticipation of Deepavali, or Diwali as it's popularly known, a festival that brightens the Indian landscape with its luminous joy.

My earliest memories of #Diwali in South India are vibrant and filled with laughter, the kind that resonates through the ages. The festival was synonymous with fun, more so than any other celebration. The preparation was an event in itself, with shopping for fireworks being a highlight. On Diwali's eve, the excitement was palpable; sleep was but a brief interlude before the day of lights.

At the break of dawn, we would wake, the air crisp and expectant. After a moment of prayer – a fleeting, yet profound communion with the divine – we'd sprint outdoors. The thrill of lighting firecrackers and watching them burst into a cascade of colors and sounds was unmatched, continuing till the sun claimed the sky. The evenings mirrored the morning's exuberance, and the next day brought with it the joys of festive foods and sweets. A serendipitous side effect of the fireworks was the disappearance of mosquitoes, which helped to protect us from the rainy season's pests.

As time went on, my love of firecrackers faded, as I became more aware of their environmental impact. Today, I find joy in the simple act of lighting lamps in my home. It is a symbolic celebration of illuminating the heart, kindling the flames of compassion, knowledge, and warmth within.

Diwali has multiple themes in different parts of India, but one common theme is the celebration of the return of Lord Rama and his family to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. In their joy, the people of Ayodhya illuminated their homes with diyas and set off fireworks.

Diwali is also celebrated for other reasons such as the beginning of the new fiscal year in Gujarat, Rajasthan and many northern States, the worship of the goddess Lakshmi, the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna, the attainment of moksha by Mahavira (Jains), and the release of Guru Har Gobind Singh Ji from Mughal imprisonment (Sikhs).

Regardless of the specific reason for celebration, Diwali is a time for families and communities to come together and celebrate the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It is a time to reflect on our inner light and the importance of living a virtuous and meaningful life.

Universal Lessons from Diwali:

1. Good Overcoming Evil: Diwali's victory of good over evil inspires moral integrity.
2. The Quest for Enlightenment: The lighting of diyas serves as a beacon for wisdom, driving away ignorance.
3. Community and Belonging: The festival promotes unity, strengthening bonds within families and communities.
4. New Beginnings: Diwali offers a chance for reconciliation, reflection, and renewal.
5. The Spirit of Generosity: Gift-giving during Diwali fosters generosity and communal harmony.
6. Inner Light: The spiritual dimension of Diwali encourages self-awareness and personal growth.
7. Eco-Conscious Celebration: Modern Diwali promotes environmental stewardship.
8. Economic and Ethical Prosperity: The festival underscores the ethical pursuit of wealth and economic vitality.

Which one resonates with you? What would you like to take on as an action that you could follow through this Diwali?

Let me get back to my story and plans.

This year, Deepavali is a family affair, imbued with a special significance as I introduce my granddaughters Ruby and Aurora to the festival. Their innocence and wonder are reminiscent of my own childhood, a full circle moment that is both poignant and joyful. It's an opportunity to reflect on what Deepavali can teach us – the young and those young at heart in lands familiar and foreign.

As we light the lamps, I plan to share with them stories of our heritage, the triumph of light over darkness, and the importance of nurturing the light within us. It's a moment to impart the wisdom of our ancestors and the lessons Deepavali offers – an understanding of our interconnectedness with nature, the significance of joy, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge.

For me, Diwali is more than a festival; it's a beacon of the enduring human spirit. To my American friends and family, it's a glimpse into an ancient culture's heart, an invitation to witness and partake in the joy of life's simplest yet profound pleasures. In a world that often dwells in shadows, may the festival of lights remind us all to keep the flame of hope, love, and joy alive within us.

How do you celebrate your Diwali? What are some memories and actions that you care to share?