TOXIC POSITIVITY

Deepavali FESTIVAL of LIGHT & JOY

An ancient festival that continues to spread hope and cheer even in modern times. Deepavali also known as Diwali, has many definitions, for some it is a religious festival, for others it has historic significance. In fact, it is a festival of life. Diwali is celebration of hope and virtues of life that make a human being successful, values that make a society prosper and progress.

Historically, Diwali is predominantly celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains but modern-day Diwali is celebrated by many people across the globe regardless of their religion, caste, and creed. It has indeed become a global festival. Everyone has their own reasons for celebrating Diwali, but the underlying principle is the same, ‘it’s a celebration of victory of good over evil; it is a celebration of justice’. The lighting of earthen lamps (diyas) or decorating the

homes with lights on the dark moonless night signifies that even one single ray of light can penetrate the boundless darkness and brighten up the lives of many.

If you ever get a chance to travel to India during Diwali, the land from where the festival originated you will notice that even an open tract of land in the middle of nowhere will have one earthen lamp lit to spread light and warmth. This is done because as per tradition, to remind us that no matter how much overwhelming the darkness might seem, but we should not lose hope and with the light of our soul, the strength of our values and fortitude we can overcome any challenge.

Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chor Divas, because in 1619, Guru Har Gobind Singh Ji along with 52 kings and princes were released from the Gwalior Fort by the Mughal emperor Jehangir and safely arrived in Amritsar; Jains celebrate Diwali to mark the attainment of moksha by Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism of present Avasarpani era in the 6th century BC.

Diwali has been celebrated by Hindus from the time of Lord Ram. Hindus celebrate the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravan. There have been many theories on the date of origin of this festival. Many experts say that 1st Diwali was celebrated in Ayodhya, India on 30th Dec 5076 BC*. In some texts it is mentioned the practice of lighting earthen lamps started on the day Lord Ram arrived in Ayodhya and since it was a dark moonless night, the subjects of his kingdom lit up the path with thousands of tiny diyas.

Regardless of the timeline the festival of Diwali for Hindus has always been the most significant festival. The prelude to Diwali is Dusshera, the festival celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil. The 1st moonless night that comes after Dusshera is celebrated as Diwali. This day special prayers are offered Goddess Laxmi who is goddess of wealth and prosperity.

In Canada, Diwali has emerged as one of the festivals to bring communities closer and numerous galas and events are organised to mark this joyous occasion. Food and firecrackers are another important part of this wonderful festival of lights. People share sweets, and good wishes with each other.

*The dates are sourced from various news and blogs on Internet, The Times of Canada is not responsible for any inaccuracy.

By Aradhana Sharma