शुभ दीपावली / Happy Diwali

Diwali or Deepavali, as most of you know, is the most celebrated Indian festival, celebrated pan-India, across all religions. It is popularly known as the festival of lights and is a five day festival. Diwali, falls on the third day, this year on 7th Nov.

It is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is believed that Ram returned to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after defeating Raavan, on this day and the people of Ayodhya lighted lamps in their houses to welcome him. It is also believed that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, visits households on this auspicious day, so ritual cleaning of homes and business premises is done before Diwali.

You can read more about Diwali here.

इस बार जब दिवाली पर घर की सफाई करोगे,

तो अपने मन से अवसाद के जाले भी साफ करना।

जब कूड़ा करकट फेंकोगे

तो कड़वाहट भी फेंक आना।

धनतेरस पर कुछ नया खरीदोगे

तब कुछ सच्ची खुशियाँ बाँट आना।

द्वार पर जब रंगोली सजाओगे

तो किसी के जीवन में रंग भरना।

जब दीपक रौशन करो घर में

तब अपने ह्रदय के उस कोने को,

जो बरसों से अंधकार में डूबा है

रौशन जरूर करना।

जब कटुता, बैर, द्वेष, जलन धू- धू कर जल जाएँ

तब समझना, सही मायनों में,

दिवाली तुमने मनाई।

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This Diwali, when you clean your home

Don’t forget to remove the cobwebs of depression from your mind

When you get rid of all the useless clutter

Do get rid of your bitterness too

When you buy something new for dhanteras*

Then do share your happiness with those who need it

When you decorate your doorway with colourful rangoli*

Fill some beautiful colours in lives in need of colours

When you light the lamps to illuminate your home

Don’t forget to light up that hidden corner of your heart

Which has been in darkness for years

When you see your unpleasantness, enimity, malice and jealousy

burnt to embers in the fireworks

It is only then, remember, you have celebrated Diwali in the truest sense.

*dhanteras – thirteenth day of the second fortnight of the ninth month of lunar calendar. On this day it is considered auspicious to buy some metal; jewellery, utensil etc.

*rangoli – floor decoration