Essay on Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Diwali, known as Deepavali in some parts of the world, is among the most celebrated festivals in India and within Indian diasporas worldwide. Referred to as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ it marks a period when joy fills the air as people come together in a spirit of goodwill, with families engaging in joyous celebrations that embody the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It usually falls in the Hindu lunar calendar months of October and November. 

Significance of Diwali 

Culturally, it marks the start of a new year for us Indians. Thereafter, it is celebrated among people worldwide, as it bears great significance in a region’s history. For Hindus, it marks returning of Lord Rama to his Urn after defeating the demon king Ravana and completing his years of exile. In other regions, while waiting for Diwali, oil lamps are lit to celebrate the victory of good over evil. For other religions, Sikhs celebrate Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from imprisonment, while Jains celebrate it as the day Lord Mahavira reached Nirvana.

Diwali Preparations

Weeks ahead of the event, there builds an excitement which translates into preparing the homes with the deepest of cleanses for the occasion, decorating them, and preparing to get new clothes and sweets to offer to the Goddess. The streets alongside the homes are decorated with wreaths of flowers, while the markets are selling diyas, candles, and fireworks, which completes the setting, much to the glee of shoppers who now have a potpourri of options to choose from. In addition to this, rangoli patterns made from coloured powders of rice will be placed in front of every house serving as an invitation for the Goddess. 

Traditions and Celebrations 

Followed by a three-day celebration, Diwali marks its first day with Dhanteras, a day marked with wealth and prosperity that involves purchasing silver, gold, or even utensils. The second day mainly focuses on preparing for the main event ‘Choti Diwali’, where diyas are fostered, and the elusive third day comes. ‘The Big Day’ of the festival involves families gathering and performing Lakshmi Puja which is directly followed by lighting diyas, bursting firecrackers, and engulfing a large assortment of sweets followed by savoury dishes. The fourth day is celebrated with Govardhan Puja, to rejoice Lord Krishna’s victory over Indra by serving a huge feast and day five marks the bond between brothers and sisters known as Bhai Dooj. Sisters place a tilak on the forehead of their brothers while praying for them.

The Spirit of Diwali

Diwali is not only about celebrations on the outside, it attaches deeper spiritual meanings to it. It encourages people to get rid of the darkness of lack of knowledge and ignorance and educates them with this wisdom. The festival encourages qualities like gratitude, kindness and compassion. It is a time to let go of all past grievances and hurts, make relationships stronger, and spread cheer.

Environmental Concerns

There is increased understanding of the impact of firecrackers on the environment and a lot of people change their way of celebrating Diwali to eco-friendly ones. Many people now use clay diyas and modern LED lights and avoid the use of fireworks to help minimize noise and air pollution.

Conclusion

Effective and proper celebration of Diwali fosters unity among people from different cultural and religious spheres. It is a chance to celebrate life as well as give thanks while spending time with dear ones. While we light the diyas and decorate our houses with love, let us strive to purify our hearts and fill them with kindness and positivity. Diwali reinforces the idea that good things always exist, even when the world seems dark and hopeless.

Happy Diwali!

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