The Awaited festival of light and hope is here. Diwali, which is also known as Deepavali, is celebrated with pomp and show across the country as it symbolises the victory of good over evil. Originated from the Sanskrit word ‘Dipavali’, which means a row of lights.

A Festival that illuminates everything in and around and brings joy to the world. It is a festival when this multi cultured country transcends into a land of myriad lamps.

The festival of Diwali has a deep spiritual meaning that needs to imprint everyone’s minds.  It focuses on the Awareness of the Inner Light. It is celebration of the awakening of the Inner Light which has all the power that it requires to overshadow the dark grey clouds and clear all obstacles in life.

This is a five-day celebration that marks its with Dhanteras, which welcomes good luck, wealth and prosperity. People usually celebrate Dhanteras by buying jewellery and utensils because it’s a common belief that any kind of metal is believed to eliminate any bad luck and usher in wealth and prosperity. Followed by Dhanteras we celebrate Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and finally, Bhai Dooj bringing an end to this festival.

In Northern India, people celebrate the Festival of Lights to mark the home coming of Lord Ram to Ayodhya along with Seeta and brother Lakshman after a 14 year exile. While in Southern part of India it is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Krishna over demon Narakasura.

In Western part of India, legend says that on this day Lord Vishnu in his 5th incarnation as Vamana, had rescued Lakshmi from the prison of King Bali. This serves as yet another reason behind worshipping Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali. All the illustarted mythological beliefs remind us of the necessity and potential to destroy evil forces and proclaim goodness and hope.

Though it is a tradition to burst crackers on Diwali, we should now refrain us from doing it because of the increase in air pollution and noise pollution that also leads to disturbances caused to stray animals. This year when a lot has already happened and we had seen not so forgiving face of mother Nature, let’s not disturb the ecological balance and should focus to celebrate Diwali in an subtle way and respect nature. Instead of bursting crackers, we can light diyas, decorate our house and surroundings with fairy lights and spend a magical evening with friends and family.

Let the Lights of Happiness weaves thread of hope across the globe.

DIDM wishes you and your family A Safe, Prosperous and Happy Diwali!