Mumbai: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to send his heartfelt Deepavali greetings: “Greetings on the occasion of Deepavali. May this festival of lights illuminate our lives with harmony, happiness and prosperity,” he posted, adding, “May the spirit of positivity prevail all around us.” In his message, he also called upon citizens to mark the festive season by embracing the “swadeshi” spirit, honouring the efforts of around 140 crore Indians. As homes glow with diyas and the air brims with celebration, the nation once again embraces the luminous promise of Deepavali, a time of renewal, joy and unity.”
Deepavali, also called Diwali by some, is more than a festival of lights; it is a vibrant tapestry of myth, meaning and communal hope. At its heart lies the triumphant return of Lord Rama to his homeland after vanquishing the demon‑king Ravana. In the ancient city of Ayodhya, the epic narrative tells of villagers lighting countless earthen lamps (diyas) to welcome Rama and Sita back, marking the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. The festival thus encapsulates a profound moral: that hope endures, righteousness prevails, and every heart can reflect the radiance of dharma.
Beyond the legend, Deepavali also coincides with the end of the harvest season, the new moon day (Amavasya) of the Hindu month of Kartika, and is dedicated to honouring goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity) and god Ganesha (the remover of obstacles). In doing so, Deepavali invites families to reflect on abundance and gratitude, and communities to renew bonds of affection.
As dusk falls and homes awaken in shimmering splendour, one of the most evocative sights of Deepavali is the glowing row of diyas along every threshold. The clay lamps, flickering in the twilight, are not just decorative; they symbolise an inner awakening of light within each of us. Families begin the evening by cleaning and decorating their homes, adorning doorways with kolams or rangoli, and fastening strings of lights around balconies and rooftops. The careful placement of lamps honours Lakshmi’s visit, inviting her blessings of prosperity and peace.
Simultaneously, new clothes are donned — silks, colourful kurtas, sarees, as people embrace the fresh start that the festival promises. The children run about in bright attire, elders smile in festive finery, and the fragrance of marigolds and incense lingers in the air. Sweets and savouries take centre‑stage: laddoos, barfis, jalebis, gujjiyas, and more fill platters and hearts alike. The exchange of these delicacies among neighbours and friends reinforces the spirit of sharing and goodwill.
Corporates and workplaces often partake in this festive ebb and flow by distributing gifts, offering sweets and hosting get‑togethers. Gifts may include boxes of mithai, bespoke hampers of dry fruits, or culturally themed tokens of appreciation. These gestures mirror the larger theme of Deepavali, a convergence of industry, tradition and human connection.
In markets across towns and cities, the hustle is festive: shoppers hunt for diyas, lanterns, lights, new clothes and tempting sweets. The air hums with popular tunes, fireworks sparkle the night sky (though increasingly subject to regulation in the interest of health and environment), and families gather for the Lakshmi‑Ganesha puja, seeking blessings for the year ahead.
Light as a metaphor is central to Deepavali. The dimming of darkness, the breaking of silence, the triumph of good, all these collide in one luminous moment. When each house lights its lamp, the communal effect is a tapestry of glimmering hope: neighbourhoods become rivers of light, cities come alive in sparkle, and hearts beat to the rhythm of solidarity.
The legend of Rama’s return carries potent resonance in today’s times. In an era of challenges, including social, economic, and environmental, the narrative reassures that perseverance leads to victory, that ethical purpose prevails and that each individual can cast aside the shadows within and around them. The Prime Minister’s message of positivity, harmony and prosperity ties into this timeless theme, inviting citizens to carry the light of Diwali into everyday life.
More prosaically, Deepavali invites us to pause, to reconnect with family and community, to renew our inner and outer landscapes. The new clothes, the sweets, the exchange of gifts, they are not superficial accessories but markers of respect, kindness and celebration. The diya placed at a doorstep is a beacon of welcome, and the sweet shared with a neighbour is a note of friendship.
As lullabies of laughter mix with the crackle of fireworks and the glow of lamps, silhouettes of happy faces, the festival of Deepavali unfolds in living colour across India and beyond. From the hushed sanctity of the puja to the exuberant spark of the street‑celebration, from the humblest village diya to the broad corporate gift‑box, the message remains simple yet profound: light triumphs, togetherness matters, hope endures. In the Prime Minister’s words, “May the spirit of positivity prevail all around us.” Let this Deepavali shine not just in the brightness of lamps but in the warmth of our hearts, in the generosity of our gestures, and in the promise of a prosperous, harmonious tomorrow.
More Culture News on www.mediaeyenews.com
