Pavitra Krishnasamy: Happy Deepavali!!!

Vanakkam!!!

Let me brief a special festival called Deepavali.

Deepavali is spelled Diwali in certain regions which is popularly known as the festival of lights. It is an important festival in Hinduism and Sikhism, occurring between mid-October and mid-November.

Deepavali can be translates into row of lamps which involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Deepavali , all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.

Deepavali commemorates the return of LORD RAMA along with SITA and LAKSHMAN from his 14 year long exile and vanquishing the demon king RAVANA. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers celebrates the DEEPAVALI

Moreover, deepavali is also popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light". Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Athma. The celebration of Deepavali as the "victory of good over evil", refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance, the ignorance that masks one's true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With this awakening comes compassion and the awareness of the oneness of all things.

Last but not least, this brings Anandam (joy or peace). Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Deepavali is the celebration of this Inner Light.