Deepawali: From Sacred Light to Spectacle – A Journey Through Time
Deepawali, or Diwali, stands as one of India’s most cherished festivals, symbolising the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. According to Indian mythology, Deepawali wasn’t merely an excuse for revelry; it was a solemn ritual to honour divinity, family unity, and the cyclical rhythms of life. But as we witness it today, has the essence of this festival faded amidst the bright lights of commercialisation and indulgence? Let us revisit the roots of Deepawali, examine how it was traditionally celebrated, and reflect upon how it has transformed over time.
The Mythological Essence of Deepawali
Deepawali’s origins are richly woven into Indian mythology. It is widely believed to mark the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. Ayodhya was lit up with thousands of diyas (earthen lamps) to welcome the triumphant return of the rightful king. This act of lighting lamps is rooted in the symbolic representation of the jyoti (light) of righteousness overcoming the tamas (darkness) of ignorance and evil.
शुभं करोति कल्याणं आरोग्यं धनसंपदा ।शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तुते ॥
“Salutations to the lamp which brings auspiciousness, prosperity, health, and the destruction of the intellect’s ignorance.”
This shloka reminds us that light itself embodies prosperity and wisdom. Deepawali is a festival inviting divine blessings into our homes and hearts, urging us to dispel our inner darkness.
The festival is also associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, symbolising that true prosperity lies in spiritual and moral wealth, not just material abundance.
Traditional Celebrations of Deepawali
Historically, Deepawali celebrations spanned five days, each day with its unique significance and rituals. Families would come together to clean their homes, make traditional sweets, and adorn their surroundings with oil lamps. The rituals, simple yet profound, encouraged mindfulness and self-reflection, grounding people in their familial and spiritual ties.
The prayers, conducted with sacred chants and offerings, were intended to invite blessings upon the family and loved ones. Celebrations were dignified, and moderation was key; the festive spirit embraced simplicity and introspection, reinforcing community bonds and family unity.
ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय:तमसो मा ।ज्योतिर्गमय:मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ॥
“Lead us from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality.”
This prayer speaks to the very essence of Deepawali—moving towards enlightenment, harmony, and an eternal consciousness of divine grace.
Deepawali Today: A Journey from Reflection to Indulgence
In recent times, however, Deepawali has increasingly become a commercialised festival, where the ritualistic and introspective aspects are often overshadowed by ostentatious displays of wealth and lavishness. What once was a celebration of spiritual triumph has, for some, turned into an excuse for indulgence and excess. The diyas have often been replaced by electric lights, and the thoughtful prayers are drowned in the noise of firecrackers.
The spiritual practices that once encouraged inner reflection are increasingly replaced by material pursuits. Homes are decorated not as much for Lakshmi, but for show, to outshine the neighbours. Firecrackers light up the night, but in doing so, they obscure the serene glow of oil lamps. The environment, once carefully preserved and respected, now bears the brunt of excessive noise and pollution during this festival.
क्षय्यन्ते कुटिला: पापा दीप्त्या दीपस्य दीपके ।तस्माद्ध्रुवं शुभं दीपे दीपोत्सवमनुत्तमं ॥
“The crooked sins are eradicated by the light of the lamp, hence the lighting of lamps during the festival is truly auspicious.”
But in the light of endless firecrackers, the purity of diya light, meant to symbolise clarity and spiritual purification, is nearly lost. The lamp, once a symbol of renewal and reflection, now competes with louder, more garish displays.
Bridging the Past and Present: A Call for Authentic Celebration
To restore the true spirit of Deepawali, we must reflect on what the festival genuinely signifies. Let us remind ourselves that the light we celebrate isn’t just physical illumination but the spiritual enlightenment that brings harmony and goodwill. Our celebrations should be meaningful and in tune with nature, honouring the earth rather than harming it.
Consider celebrating Deepawali as our ancestors did—lighting earthen lamps, offering prayers, and reflecting upon our actions. Let this be a time to foster inner peace, and extend that peace to our communities, our environment, and ourselves.
यत्र योगेश्वरः कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धरः ।
तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिर्ध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम ॥
“Where there is Lord Krishna, there is truth and virtue; where there is righteousness, there shall be prosperity and success.”
This shloka reminds us that true prosperity and victory lie in righteousness and harmony. Perhaps, we can use Deepawali to restore balance in our lives, to realign with values that transcend material wealth and bring forth inner joy and clarity.
Rekindling the Light of True Deepawali
Let this Deepawali be a journey inward, a moment to rekindle our values and reawaken our cultural roots. By embracing traditional values in our celebrations, we don’t merely light up our homes; we illuminate our lives with a joy that goes beyond the transient glow of fireworks. Let us aspire for a celebration that brings peace rather than noise, simplicity rather than extravagance, and harmony rather than harm.
In the end, Deepawali’s message is clear—it is an invitation to renew ourselves, to cleanse our inner and outer worlds, and to celebrate light in its most divine form. May the lamps we light this Deepawali lead us from darkness to true understanding, inspiring a future where tradition and modernity coalesce to create a celebration rooted in mindfulness and meaning.
