Happy Diwali 2009!

Posted on October 19, 2009
Filed Under General, India | 4 Comments

There is full of excitement in the air. Millions of Hindus celebrate Diwali, one of the largest festivals in India. The five-day festival is an occasion of joy and euphoria as families light up diyas, burst crackers, wears new clothes and share sweets to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

The “Festival of Lights” signifies the victory over darkness and the era of Light. But, like every year, is this all about lighting up our houses, exchanging sweets, and all this outward glitter and pomp, while our hearts continue to be steeped in darkness, calling for serious contemplation.

Have we yet found the Light that can make us perpetually happy, that which can lead us from our vilest acts, and render in us a joyful and tolerant spirit? Has our ritualistic practices, self-righteousness and austerity freed us from the dominion of sin and sorrow? Isn’t this reality still being concealed by the darkness within us, and the Light that can expose and escort us to the truth being kept at bay?

India is traversing through a chaotic period. There is violence and abuse fueled by extreme chauvinism and intolerance. The poor and weak continue to be beleaguered. Religious as well as sectarian violence continues to sully the country’s secular credentials time and again. And the government as like others continues the relentless pursuit of realpolitik that is both coercive and amoral. We are without question in need of Light to illuminate our hearts, cleanse our minds and bestow peace upon us.

There goes this famous ancient Sanskrit hymn – a prayer said by thousands of religious people in India.

Asatho Ma Sath Gamaya (Lead me from Untruth to Truth)
Thamaso Ma Jyothir Gamaya (Lead me from Darkness to Light)
Mrithyorma Amritham Gamaya (Lead me from Death to Life)

We indubitably need to be led from untruth to truth, darkness to light and death to life. The Bible places before us a concrete option, a clear-cut answer to our questions. In John 8: 12 Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” In fact in two months, Christians across the world is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Thousands of years back, Kings and Kingdoms tried to conceal this Light from the world. But, the truth could not be concealed. It came as flesh and dwelt among us. He spread the message of love and forgiveness. He taught us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us. This is so unlike the philosophies of this world. Till his death it was love what he preached and practiced.

Today, again this message of truth is being subdued and confined. The modern world and its substances have replaced this Light with manmade traditions and false doctrines. The world needs God more today than ever. The rejection of God’s ways has only compounded our pain and suffering. It is so needed to really revive our lives, ask God to take center and radiate in us forever the Light of life. Let us prayerfully ask Him to lead us from untruth to truth and death to life. A Happy Diwali to all!

Comments

4 Responses to “Happy Diwali 2009!”

  1. Will on October 22nd, 2009 12:52 pm

    A happy Diwali to you too! I remember studying it a long time ago at school in England where I am from. I have to confess though I can remember hardly anything about it.

    Doesn’t it involve one chief good god beating a demon or something. As I remember the demon involved lived in Sri Lanka and had 10 heads – or perhaps that was a different story.

    Forgive my ignorance but if you could enlighten me I would be much obliged, its been a long time since I heard the story.

    Whatever the story I wish your life and the lives of all your readers can be filled with light, now, at Christmas and always.

  2. Vishnu on October 23rd, 2009 3:46 am

    Diwali is at its final, but still want to wish Sam and Will a happy Diwali. Will, its nice to hear you know a little about Diwali from your school there. Surprisingly, many in India themselves dont know what it means. They are more busy studying MBA and IIT for their western trips. Here is few things about the festival that might help you.

    “In Hinduism, Diwali marks the return of Lord Raama to his kingdom Ayodhya after defeating Ravana – the ruler of Lanka in the epic story of Ramayana. It also celebrates the slaying of the demon king Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Both signifying the victory of good over evil. In Jainism, Diwali marks the attainment of moksa by Mahavira in 527 BC. In Sikhism, Diwali commemorates the return of Guru Har Gobind Ji to Amritsar after freeing 52 other Hindu kings imprisoned in Fort Gwalior by Emperor Jahangir. He was welcomed by the people who lit candles and divas to celebrate his return. Which is why Sikhs also refer to Diwali also as Bandi Chhorh Divas meaning “the day of release of detainees”.

  3. Insider on October 23rd, 2009 5:34 am

    I cant believe this. Using an Hindu festival to propagate Christianity? This evangelical mindset is why you guys get often beaten in India. If given a chance you will convert the entire India in 1 day, terrible.

  4. Indianiser on October 23rd, 2009 12:42 pm

    Happy Diw Will, am sure your place now must be gearing up for all Christmas happenings!!

    @Insider – Well you can complaint this to the National Human Rights Commission, lol. I have no intention to convert you, but yes I wished I could convert you to a better Indian. I wrote that piece for a Christian website on a Christian perspective, just used the same on my blog. And was there something wrong in what I said? Well I just wanted to have my bros have a unique Diwali experience, with brightness in their hearts than homes.

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