Deepavali is known as the festival of lights and signifies peace and joy, the victory of good over evil and light over darkness

Diwali or Deepavali is one of the biggest and auspicious festivals celebrated by Hindus around the globe with ebullience. The festival of lights signifies peace and joy, the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

Deepavali is one of the most symbolic Hindu festivals. All the communities in the country celebrate it with much grandeur. During this festival, people clean their homes, decorate every corner with lights, lamps, diyas (A small cup-shaped lamp), flowers, rangoli (rows of colours) and candles. 

Deepavali is observed on the 15th day of the Kartik month as per the Hindu Lunar calendar. This year the festival of Deepavali falls on Thursday (October 31).

The origins of the festival

According to Hindu mythology, the Prince of Ayodhya, Lord Rama, returned home with his wife Sita Devi and brother Lakshmana on the auspicious occasion of Deepavali. They returned to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile and defeating the King of Lanka, Ravana. People of Ayodhya had celebrated their return with great enthusiasm by lighting rows of lamps and diyas. The tradition has continued till date and is celebrated as the festival of Deepavali. 

Another Deepavali story in Hindu mythology is that Deepavali marks the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon “Narakasura” and freed people of his kingdom. After he slayed the demon, Lord Krishna declared it a day of festivities.

People also celebrate the Hindu “Goddess Lakshmi”, during Deepavali. As the Goddess of prosperity, wealth and fertility, the romantic Deepavali story states that she chose “ Lord Vishnu”, one of Hinduism’s most important deities, to be her husband in the night of Deepavali.

As per the Hindu mythology, Deepavali also marks the day of “Vamana Avatar”, of Lord Vishnu. The final story is that of “the Return of Pandava brothers”.

The Pandava refers to the five brothers namely, Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva,  who are five acknowledged sons of Pandu and are central of the epic Mahabharata.

Significance of the festival 

Deepavali is the festival of lights which signifies the victory of good over evil and the eradication of dark shadows, negativity and doubts from our lives. It is a celebration of prosperity in which people give gifts to their loved ones. The festival also sends the message of illuminating our inner selves with clarity and positivity.

Lakshmi Pooja is one of the most significant rituals of Deepavali celebrations. People pray to the Goddess of wealth on this day to receive blessings from her and wish for health, wealth and prosperity.

There are many different traditions that surround this festival. It is considered as an important time for ‘introspection, cleaning, decorating, gathering and worship.

“A clean house equals wealth”. According to popular Hindu belief, deities will shower blessings to those living in clean homes. The cleaner the house, the better it is.

Preparing for celebrations 

To have the best Deepavali Celebration ever, you could make sure that you follow these simple steps.

Spring clean the premises, decorate your home, light oil lamps at the festival night, shop for a brand new outfit, prepare a festive meal, make an awesome fireworks display,  prepare for Lakshmi Pooja, play games, buy a gift for your siblings and lastly join in the fun and celebrate Deepavali with all members of the family, relatives and friends.

Message from the writer 

We have old eyes. But, let us have a new and clear vision for our future. As we strive to meet our expectations let us be conscious of our roles, duties and responsibilities on the eve of the Deepavali Festival day. Based on the stories on Deepavali as mentioned above, we can learn many lessons for our daily living. My message to you on this holy festival day is “Be prepared, be focused, be firm, be responsible, be resilient, be victorious and joyous”.
No matter how little light is there, they can still light up the whole world and bring us out of our dark agonies.

May the lights of Deepavali play a huge role in your life.

May the warmth and splendour, that are a part of this auspicious occasion, fill your life with happiness and bright cheer, and bring to you joy, peace, power, good luck, good health, wealth and prosperity, for the whole year.

I hope that Goddess Lakshmi will fulfil all your dreams. May the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi be with you and your loved ones on Deepavali.

May the bonds you share with your loved ones become stronger and more meaningful with each passing day.
You may wish your friends and relatives in the following manner; “HAPPY DEEPAVALI”.

“Enadhu Iniya Deepath Thirunaal Nal Vaalthugal” which means “My pleasant wishes on the festival of Lights day” or simply by stating “Iniya Deepavali Nal Vaalthugal “, which means “Pleasant Deepavali Wishes” or to be precise “Iniya Deepavali”.

Based by all of the above mentioned messages, it is justifiable to claim that Deepavali is an inspiring festival for the Hindu people and their friends and relatives.

I wish you and your family a very happy, memorable and wealthy  Deepavali.

Finally, let us welcome a “new life” full of “light and wealth”.

May Goddess Lakshmi bless our leaders, the people and beloved Motherland with power, peace and harmony, wealth and prosperity, on this Holy Festival day. Let us strive and contribute meaningfully to make Sri Lanka a strong and powerful nation.

(The writer was the former President of Youth League for Sanathana Dharmic Perception, (YLSDP), Sri Lanka for three consecutive years. He was the Former Senior Advisor and Senior Lecturer of Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Hindu Religious School, a wing of Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devasthanam (a 150 year old sacred Shivan Temple in Colombo 13). Ravindhiran is a Specialist in Professional Communication and an Inspirational speaker and writer and life transformational and life management coach)