Diwali: The festival of light

 President Barack Obama sent greetings on the eve of Diwali, as in last year, to all those who celebrate it. He said that in last year he marked the occasion lighting lamp and that the lamp symbolized victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. His message,though short, touched the essence of the Diwali celebration.

Diwali is celebrated not only in India but outside in many countries like Fiji, Trinidad & Tobago and by the Indian diaspora all over the world.  In fact Deepavali crosses the religious limits and can be celebrated by all people. The Deepam or light that removes darkness and ignorance imbibes the essence of all religions.

In the Hindu epic, Ramayana,  after Sree Rama kills Ravena and retrieves Sita and is about to start journey back home to Ayodhya, Lakshmana, seeing the resplendent Lanka all around, asks Rama whether we need to go back to Ayodhya at all. He says, let Bharata rule there. Sri Rama’s reply to the Lakshmana’s doubt contained a lasting truth and Dharma.

Even if Lanka is made of gold I have no interest in it. One’s own mother and own country are more sublime and desirable than anything else.

(The Sanskrit stanza of it is famous and is profusely quoted)

Then Rama and others return to Ayodhya and when they reach the streets of Ayodhya people  were  waiting for them ,with their homes lit with innumerable lamps to welcome them. The saint poet who wrote Ramayana did not specifically say so but Lakshmana must have then understood the value of one’s own home and country.

People celebrate Diwali to commemorate the event of Rama’s return to Ayodhya. There are other stories also connecting Diwali. In our modern times its history can be traced back as a harvest festival just like Onam is celebrated in Kerala. Ironically Diwali is celebrated in Kerala in a subdued manner unlike other parts of India whereas Onam is celebrated no where else in India other than Kerala.

 Images from Internet