The significance of Diwali

DIWALI or Deepavali is one of the major festivals observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists throughout the world. The Sanskrit word dipavali means “series of lights” or “festival of lights” and dates back to ancient times. Diwali is an official holiday in India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Fiji, Mauritius and Trinidad and Tobago.

This year, in South Africa Diwali will be observed on October 29 by people of South Indian descent and on October 30 by people of North Indian descent. The festival has different significance to different people. In some regions of India and Nepal Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu new year and in other regions Diwali celebrates the end of the summer harvest.

According to Hindu mythology in the ancient text the Ramayana, this festival honoured the return of the Lord Rama and his wife Sita after 14 years of exile. Having defeated the demon King Ravana of Lanka, Lord Rama set forth on his journey to reclaim his rightful reign of the city of Ayodhya. As the event coincided with, the darkest phase of the new moon in the Hindu month of Kartik, villagers throughout India lit thousands of lamps to illuminate the path for the return of their beloved Lord. Lanka the island fortress described in the texts identifies with modern day

Sri Lanka and interestingly NASA images from space recently discovered a mysterious 30km long bridge between India and Sri Lanka dating back approximately 1 750 000 years that was said to be crossed by the Lord Rama and his convoy on their travels.

Regardless of the origin of the festival, the different meaning it holds or the way it is celebrated, Diwali is universally a happy festival for Hindus around the world. As preparations for the celebration commences, Hindus decorate their homes and temples with colorful patterns, illuminate their windows and doorsteps with lamps, adorn themselves in new clothing and lay their tables with delectable sweet treats, the spiritual meaning of Diwali resonates deeply especially in the troubled times that we live in.

Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

In true Hindu spirit take a moment in this festive week to be mindful and reflect on life. Be grateful for little blessings, be kind and respectful to our fellow humans and animals, be patient and tolerant despite life’s many challenges and like the flame dancing on our lamps, let the dance of life be a more beautiful one.

May the light of Diwali fill our hearts with peace and love.