Today is Deepavali, the festival of lights. The rows of flickering lamps in every house symbolize enlightenment and joy, warmth and compassion. As we light up our homes, streets, and communities, we celebrate the festive spirit in ways that express the joy of the heart and mind.
But Deepaval is more than just a festival of lights; it’s a celebration of the sentiments that bring people together and of the inner journey we embark upon to dispel darkness. But in doing so, Deepavali also offers us an opportunity to turn inward, to ignite the light within and examine the shadows that often go unnoticed in the corners of our own consciousness.
A world today that is characterised by instant connectivity through WhatsApps, Instagrams, Facebooks and the like, through screens, texts, and emojis, social media has drastically narrowed the space for face-to-face interaction. We are increasingly losing some of the deeply personal exchanges that are at the heart of human connection. The festival of Deepavali can be a moment to revive the traditions of togetherness and direct engagement that lie at the core of meaningful celebration. It is a time to return to the simplicity of presence—to celebrate joy in person, rekindle the warmth of genuine companionship, and light up not only our surroundings but also each other’s spirits.
Lighting the Inner World
At its essence, Deepavali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. This darkness is not just the absence of sunlight but the shadows within our own selves—those of ignorance, envy, selfishness, and negativity. Often, these are the shadows we choose not to face or recognize, opting instead to turn outward for validation, connection, and meaning. But as we prepare for Deepavali, we can take this opportunity to also look inward and face these inner shadows head-on.
Just as each diya (lamp) brightens a space, small acts of introspection and self-awareness can gradually dispel the darkness within us. To truly honour the spirit of Deepavali, let us seek to replace envy with kindness, selfishness with generosity, and negativity with empathy. This inward journey is the real celebration of light—an illumination that reflects in our actions, attitudes, and the way we engage with others.
The world may have acquired abundance of material comforts, yet mental peace and contentment often remain elusive. Festivals like Deepavali remind us that peace doesn’t come from outside but from within. Each lamp we light symbolizes our effort to be more compassionate, to nurture our relationships, and to rid ourselves of the habits and thoughts that dim our inner light. The glow of the lamps becomes a reminder to strive for the qualities of love, empathy, and understanding, lighting not just our homes but also our hearts.
Reclaiming Togetherness
While we celebrate the lighting of lamps, bursting of firecrackers, and sharing of sweets, it’s essential to also celebrate the spirit of coming together in person. Social media has revolutionized our ability to connect, but it has also diluted the magic of face-to-face celebrations. Many of us find ourselves scrolling through pictures and videos of other people’s Deepavali, rather than immersing ourselves in our own.
This festival season, let’s try to go back to the ways our ancestors celebrated—with hands that light lamps, voices that sing in unison, and smiles exchanged without filters. Invite friends, neighbours, and family members for a shared celebration that can’t be captured in an Instagram story or a Facebook post. Rekindle the essence of Deepavali by decorating the house together, cooking festive treats, and creating real memories. The sights, sounds, and smells of Deepavali are meant to be shared in person. These shared moments, the laughter, the collective nostalgia, the embraces—these are the true gifts of the festival.
Deepavali is a festival that has been celebrated for generations, but in our rapidly digitizing world, its essence lies in reclaiming the intimate and tangible ways we used to connect. Celebrating together offers not only the warmth of companionship but also a refuge from the overstimulating digital world.
The Everlasting Light
Deepavali is a timeless festival, yet it offers each of us an opportunity to see and celebrate it anew. Let this year’s festival be an opportunity to truly connect, both within ourselves and with those we cherish. Let this light remind us that the most lasting celebration is one that illuminates not only our surroundings but also our souls.
(Uday Kumar Varma is an IAS officer. Retired as Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting)
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