Diwali is a festival that
is sustained by multiple legends. The
people of Ayodhya lined up with lamps in their hands to welcome back Rama and
Sita who had destroyed the evil named Ravana.
The return of the Pandavas after their exile used to add sheen to the
Diwali diyas. Krishna’s victory over
Narakasura is commemorated in certain parts of India during Diwali. The emergence of Lakshmi from the cosmic
ocean which was churned by both the gods and the demons may shine in some of
the Diwali lights.
The bulk of the universe
consists of dark matter. The 100 billion
galaxies each of which may have about 100 billion stars have not dispelled much
of the darkness. Is darkness the essence
of the universe? Is light a diversion
granted to the cosmos like the fireflies that come and go in the wildernesses?
If light was more abundant
than darkness, perhaps Diwali would not have been celebrated. Diwali is a reminder about the preponderance of
darkness. About the need to light up
lamps.
India is now passing
through a period when both the light of Diwali and the plurality of its
sustaining legends seem to matter more than ever. When darkness threatens to overpower, Rama,
Krishna and the Pandavas have to equip themselves with their lights. Let their lights shine. May Diwali become a meaningful festival that
transcends the sound and fury of the fireworks.
Wish you a HAPPY DIWALI.
Written for Indispire Edition 90 #changingdiwali
I wish such noble souls would've been in existence today! The world is in such dire need of them. Happy Diwali!
ReplyDeleteKaliyug is not to be blessed with much nobility!
DeleteWish you too the joys and blessings of the festival.
A terse beautiful post. Diwali wishes to you and family.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chaitali. Have a wonderful Diwali.
DeleteA thoughtful and thought-provoking post!
ReplyDeleteTrue.....there is more darkness and hence the need for light......Wishing you a very Happy Diwali......:)
ReplyDeleteWish you too and your dear ones. Have a joyful festival filled with its real blessings.
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