Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness. Deepavali, which is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘an array of lights’, is celebrated all over India with much grandeur and
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness. Deepavali, which is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘an array of lights’, is celebrated all over India with much grandeur and splendor. Diwali, very appropriately falls on ‘Amavasya’ when the moon secludes the sky of its glow. The darkness of this moonless night is brightened up by the lamps and diyas that are lit on Diwali. Right from the streets to the public roads to markets to people’s houses, every nook and corner is illuminated. People light clay diyas, draw rangolis, exchange gifts and sweets, and burst firecrackers. But amongst the noise and materialistic exhibition, we tend to forget the real meaning of Diwali. Get to know the meaning of Diwali and its significance in the lines herein.
Meaning of Diwali
Diwali holds the profound meaning that light dispels the darkness of ignorance. The sole purpose of the lights and firecrackers is to glorify the light of God and not some artificial glorifications. The lighting of a simple diya is meant to bring the luminosity of God to our homes while chasing away all evil spirits. People spend sums of money to lighten up their homes by buying expensive lights and firecrackers in the mad race of being above the others. Diwali should enlighten the inner you and not the artificialities around you. It should be a time to let the light of God reach your soul and share the same essence with your family, friends and neighbors.
Diwali, which marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, is an opportunity to make a fresh start. Starting afresh, we clean our homes, put on new clothes, start new business accounts and beautify our homes. But while giving so much attention to the world outside, we should also remember our inner self. The real meaning of starting fresh would be to purify our heart and mind from ignorance and acrimony. Just like our homes, our soul also needs cleansing for the light of God to reach and touch our souls. So keep an appointment with yourself this Diwali to make a fresh start.
Diwali is incomplete without the worshipping of Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Performed on the third day of diwali, Lakshmi puja is the most important of all rituals on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped, so as to seek her blessings by being bestowed with wealth and prosperity. However, we are incorrect when we confuse prosperity with money and materialistic possessions. In this process, we forget the real meaning of Diwali, which means to become enlightened and not rich and wealthy. We must pray to be enriched and conferred upon with spiritual