Deepavali Festival and Hindu Symbolism

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Deepavali is more enjoyable when we understand the symbolism its celebration.

In Sanskrit, 'Deep' represents a lamp 'avali' means a row or line. Deepavali

literally means a row of lamps. When the line of lamps are lit, we can witness

the ‘universal light of consciousness through them." Though there are many

lamps, they represent the same light, just like many jivans with one

consciousness. The prayer song, "Jivan Bhar Tere Jyoti Jale - May your light

be effulgent through my life, " describes what we should remember during

Deepavali Celebration: May everyday be blessed be auspicious, may everyday be

pure and full of bliss, may the wealth of wisdom ever grow in our life, may

our thoughts be with You for ever. The row of lights represents the

righteousness in thought, word and deed, fulfillment of all desires and

attainment of the eternal bliss of self-realization that needs to shine bright

for ever within. Light represents the common ‘Divinity' in all religions and

‘light' also brings the ‘oneness' or non-duality. Light is one in the presence

of many lamps, many religions, gods and thoughts. Light is ever present and

our experience ‘darkness' indicates our ignorance. We need the 'Light' to see

the light and the life to experience the life! This 'vision' of Deepavali can

help us to celebrate Deepavali with the proper perspective.

 

Happy Deepavali (Diwali) to All of you!

 

Ram Chandran