Diwali- The festival of light- time to pray for our inner light

Diwali, the festival of light! This is that time of the year when all of India lights up.

Indeed, the festive spirit unites the country notwithstanding its cultural diversities.

Young and old, privileged and not so privileged wear smiles on their faces with Diyas illuminating the corners of their houses, worshipping Goddess Kali or Lakshmi, with prayers to dispel the darkness of ignorance, to be bestowed with the inner strength and power to win over the evils, be it cruelty, greed or envy and to be blessed with power, that eradicates hunger and enlightens minds.

The essence of the prayers are the same though, that eventually coincides with Upanishad mantra,

“Asatoma Sad-Gamaya

Tamaso Maa Jyotir-Gamaya

Mrytyor-Maa Amritam Gamaya”

the verse that acknowledges and puts permanence over impermanence ( “Sat” over “Asat”) Enlightenment over darkness ( “Jyoti” over Tamas”) and immortality over death( “Amritam” over Mrityu”).

Actions of Mukti ( Freedom) endeavours and seeks blessings from the higher Power that delves nowhere but within us towards dispelling darkness of ignorance, inculcating indomitable spirit of actions over inertness and to empower each one of us help manifest, movement of cycle of life over stillness.

May Goddess Kali, the conqueror of “Kaal” – one who has conquered the limitless flow of time-enlightens each one of us with the light that can brighten our days ahead, collectively!

 

Supriya Bandyopadhyay
Lead – Media & Publication, MUKTI