Thiloththama Jayasinghe, Jadetimes Staff
T. Jayasinghe is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Cultural News
Deepawali, more popularly known as Diwali, is among those festivals that are most celebrated in India and the world over, signifying the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is that rare occasion when families, friends, and communities come together to celebrate life, faith, and a shared heritage. This festival is celebrated with great pomp and sincerity, as the lighting of lamps, intricate 'rangoli', and distribution of sweets mark the event with a feeling of communal well-being.
The origin of Deepawali varies from region to region and religion to religion, each giving a different meaning to the celebration. Deepawali to Hindus is a celebration to commemorate the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after exile for 14 years, marking the victory of good over evil. It is also a festival in honor of goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, where people light lamps and pray for her blessings upon their homes for good fortune.
To Jains, Deepawali is the day when Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained Nirvana. On this day, Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas for the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from prison. This variety in the meaning of Deepawali shows that, at its very core, the meaning lies in the word: light, freedom, and renewal.
Traditions and Celebrations
Deepawali is normally celebrated over five days, each with its rituals and meaning. The first day, Dhanteras, is all about cleaning and decorating homes, including buying items that represent prosperity, such as gold or kitchen utensils. On the second day, Naraka Chaturdashi, the victory over the demon Narakasura is celebrated with early morning oil baths and vibrant rangoli designs.
The main Deepawali festival falls on the third day, when people lighten their homes with diyas and decorate them with flowers. This is the major occasion when the members of the family come together and worship the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi. In addition, firework displays can be seen in the sky as part of this occasion, symbolizing fun, joy, and celebration in life.
On the fourth day, Govardhan Puja, food is offered to Lord Krishna in gratitude for his protection. The fifth day, Bhai Dooj, honors the love between brothers and sisters; it involves the sister praying for the brother's prosperity and well-being.
Modern Twists on Tradition
Nowadays, Deepawali has crossed over from a personal religious affair alone; it epitomizes a worldwide celebration of unity and hope. Diwali creates an aura of light and positivity, making this festival very enjoyable in many parts of the world. Starting from New York to London, Singapore to Sydney, people organize Diwali parties, public fireworks, and cultural festivals. Food stalls, dance, music, and other community activities are part of such Diwali events celebrated across cultures.
Besides, there is greater awareness of celebrating Diwali in an ecologically friendly manner: with people going for more eco-friendly decorations, biodegradable diyas, and quiet, smoke-free fireworks. The emphasis is increasingly on cherishing the deeper meanings of this festival while protecting the environment.
Food, Gifts, and the Spirit of Sharing
Deepawali is equated with a fascinating array of sweets and snacks ranging from gulab jamuns and jalebis to ladoos and barfis. It is a time of food, as on every other major festival of the year, with different varieties of dishes being prepared by the family to be distributed among near and dear ones and neighbors. A very important part of Diwali is, of course, the exchange of gifts wherein sweets are exchanged, besides dry fruits, as a token of love and good omen.
Sharing lies at the core of Deepawali, and many avail this time to share their belongings with the less privileged by distributing food, clothes, or money. Of late, people strive more for charity and purchases from small businesses during Diwali, which upholds the inclusiveness and kindness of the festival in a stronger way.
Deepawali Across Borders
Deepawali's message cuts across all cultural and geographical boundaries, with festivals in different parts of the world taking peculiar flavors to themselves. Wherever the Indian diaspora is peculiarly large, Diwali is celebrated as a community event in parks, temples, and community centers, such as in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, allowing cultural exchange and promoting unity. This reflects the universal appeal which Diwali has been gaining with time, as more and more people are understanding this festival and participating in it.
Light Within
The Deepawali is, in fact, the time for reflection and renovation, as symbolically manifested in the light of the lamps that remove darkness from without and within. It provides an opportunity for people to go deep inside themselves, drive away all negative thoughts, and truly give birth to feelings of compassion and love with a sense of gratitude. The lighting of a diya reminds one of the inner light in every individual that shines brighter when the community is in harmony.
Let us, in the true sense, celebrate Deepawali as an abiding message of hope, resilience, and unity. May the light we ignite be a guiding star to happiness and insight, illuminating a course toward a better future for all.
