Thought For The Day – Wednesday 15th November 2023
Diwali: Festival Of Lights
As winter progress, light becomes ever more important, both practically, psychologically and for safety.
Light is also a symbol for goodness, hope, positivity, truth and warmth.
Light, especially natural light, is connected to our mental and physical wellbeing.
We can also safely use light to illuminate and remember.
The glow of true light illuminates, includes and involves everyone and everything. True light is not partial
Currently Hindus, Sikhs and Jains are celebrating Diwali. This began on Sunday.
Diwali, “the festival of lights”, is festival celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the start of new beginnings. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means “rows of lighted lamps”
At this time lights, called Diya lamps, are lit, homes are cleaned, new clothes are worn, prayers are said. It is time for family and giving. Outside their homes, people draw Rangolis. These are traditional designs made using colourful powders and are said to bring good luck and positivity.
In Hinduism, the iconic story of Prince Rama and Princess Sita is at the very heart of Diwali. Rama and Sita, with the help of Hanuman, the monkey King, defeated evil. As Rama and Sita returned home, lights were lit, representing the triumph of goodness. Many Hindus also remember Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune and prosperity and the victory of Lord Krishna over evil
In Sikhism, The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India, is lit with lamps. Diwali remembers how Sikh leaders have supported freedom and equality, particularly the freedom of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, as well as the oneness of humanity and the importance of fair treatment for all people. It also recalls Bhai Mani Singh, who transcribed the final version of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central holy book of Sikhism.
In Jainism, Diwali remembers the moment the founder of the faith, Lord Mahavira, and his soul, reached a state of being known as Moksha, Nirvana, or eternal bliss.