Happy Diwali

The Hindu festival of Diwali is commonly referred to as the festival of lights, however, the word itself means ‘rows of lights’, this is because homes and shops are decorated with divas.

The meaning of Diwali varies in different regions of India but I believe that the festival celebrates the return of Ram and Sita to Ayodhya. Ram was exiled for fourteen years following a disagreement over who should be the next king. Whilst in exile, Ravan, the demon king kidnaps Ram’s wife, Sita.

After a battle, where Ravan is killed, Ram and Sita are able to return to Ayodhya, when they do it is a moonless sky and the local people put out lights to ensure that they are able to find their way back. This is where the festival of lights comes from.

It is nonetheless a celebration of the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, and the celebrations have evolved over the years. Nowadays, it is common to celebrate Diwali with food, gifts and fireworks. The Times of India recently summed up the modern meaning of Diwali as,

"Regardless of the mythological explanation that one prefers what the festival of lights really stands for today, it is a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed friendship and goodwill and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple – and the not so simple – joys of life."

I know that in my family, we’ll be getting together, watching fireworks and welcoming the goddess, Laxmi in to our homes to bring us prosperity and happiness for the year ahead.

Happy Diwali to all OBV readers and I’m sure that you too will be able to celebrate the key messages of peace, tolerance, justice and unity as these resonate with us all.

Jyoti Bhojani