Tomorrow is Diwali, a very famous festival here in India. I wanted to share my experience of this festive season, so that some day I could look back and remember the Diwali of 2019.
So, Diwali is celebrated as an anniversary of that no-moon night when Lord Rama returned from 14 years of exile. As per Hindu mythology, people illuminated Lord Rama’s path with earthen lamps when he came back after defeating Ravana, the 10-headed demon God. If you wish to learn more about this story, which was originally a poem called Ramayana, check out this site- https://www.ancient.eu/The_Ramayana/
The light radiating from the earthen lamps signifies enlightenment and driving away of the clouds of ignorance by the light of knowledge. It signifies that there always exists a light that triumphs over the dark forces of evil.
What I love about Diwali is that it is not a one-day festival. The festive season usually start weeks before the actual day. During this season a fasting period called Navratra is observed. Many Gods and Goddesses are worshipped in various festivals like the Durga Puja. Effigies of Ravana and his 2 demon brothers are burnt on ‘Dussehra’ to signify the defeat of Ravana in the raging war. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
Diwali involves the exchange of gifts and various types of sweets and dry fruits. My family and I visited many of our friends and relatives to do the same.
Bursting crackers is also a main part of Diwali, but recently, crackers have been banned where I live due to rising pollution levels. Only ‘eco friendly’ crackers are allowed but no one even knows if they exist X D.
My mother and I went to visit a local market to buy earthen lamps known as ‘Diyas’, Rangoli colours (Powders to make designs on the ground) and some other stuff. The market was so beautiful: the colours, the lights and the festive aura were just magnificent.
After completing our shopping from this prismatic local market clad with colours, I proceeded to make a Rangoli near the entrance of my home.
It is customary to depict peacocks and Gods in Rangolis. Many a times, flower petals are also used to make Rangolis.
We also decorated our balcony with fairy lights, as did many of our neighbours.
I live in a concrete jungle, but sometimes, just sometimes, it comes to life.
If each of us can reignite that spark inside of us and be the light that this world needs, and if each of us are willing to bring colour to this monochromatic world that surrounds us, then the world can certainly be a better place.
Happy Diwali!
Geeky Kalakaar 
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