Light of Introspection

 Be the light - Spread the light, must be the aspiration for everyone and this principle should be the integral part while following or illuminating the light of introspection. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated over a span of four to five days by Indians with increasing numbers of people joining in each year worldwide and is one of the key cultural festivals.

T he word 'Diwali' is originated from the sanskrit word 'Deepavali' where 'Deepa' implies 'Light' and 'Vali' implies 'Row' and therefore means the 'Row of Lights' which is a common scene at homes during this celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains and each honour some historical figure. The Hindus honour Lord Rama and his wife Sita who, as per legend returned to their kingdom after fourteen years of exile after defeating the evil king Ravana in the 15th century B.C. Fireworks are displayed at homes in honour of their safe return . A separate group believe that this festival is celebrated in honour of the union of Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu and leave their doors open inviting Goddess Lakshmi in to spread good luck and wealth. All these gestures are followed in order to welcome new beginnings and the whole year ahead. In countries such as Fiji, Malaysia, Nepal, Srilanka and of course India, on the day of Diwali, official holidays are announced.

People hand out sweets and goodies to all their loved ones and blow up lots of money on firecrackers in order to ignite the jubiliation in their hearts. Some spend time with the less fortunate ones by visiting at old-age homes and orphanages and hand out clothes and money to those who are staying in financial crisis. In this auspicious occasion, in true sense we must look after each other and show concern to those who need help. This is the actual ignition of light and killing the darkness within us by introspecting our heart full of gratification. The more we share and care, the more will be the happiness around. The quality of life turns to be more meaningful when the contrast, disputes among us get minimized.

So, Sweep the dust from every corner, Light up the diyas outside the door, Line up the boxes of sweets for friends and family - That's right - Diwali is just round the corner.

- Swagato Chatterjee