Gita Jayanti
September 8, 2019
Pitri Paksh
September 12, 2019

Diwali (Sanskrit Deep-avali) is Hinduism’s “Festival of Lights”. It observes and celebrates the triumph of Light over Darkness, Good over Evil and Knowledge over Ignorance. The Light further symbolizes Humanity’s basic inner calling for internal light, wisdom, the awakening of Spirituality.

On Diwali day, celebrants light dozens of candles and clay lamps (called diyas) and place them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the dark night.

Diwali occurs on the Amawas Tithi of Kartik Maas the darkest night of the lunar year. For some it is a 3 day festival and the celebration includes the two previous days which are known as Dhan-Teras and Narak Chaturdashi respectively

A number of scriptural occasions marks this celebration and these include the following:

  1. Bhagwaan Sri Raam returns to Ayodha after 14 years of exile having vanquished Ravana and restoring order in the universe.
  2. Mother Lakshmi arising out of the Ksheer Saagar churning episode to bring about prosperity, harmony and wisdom for all.
  3. Vaaman Avatar – securing the boon of 3 paces of land measured by the steps of a dwarf from the mighty asura Bali.
  4. Conquering of Narak Asur by Bhagwaan Sri Krishna and liberating the 16000 celestial damsels/goddesses.

For many of us and society in general– we are driven by the idea of success at any cost, winning is the only thing – we will violate Dharma and do sinister things to succeed in whatever sphere we are involved with.

We need to forgive the wrongs done by others to us. Diwali ushers in an air of freedom, festivity and friendliness everywhere. This festival helps to bring about unity and joy. It instils charity in the hearts of participants and promotes wellness in individuals and in the community.

May this Diwali be an instrument to help us all find inner peace, joy and liberation from all ills.

May our celebrations be done safely as we make offerings to Mother Lakshmi.

May Mother Lakshmi bestow Her Grace and Blessings on us all.

Jaya Sri Raam.

By The Hindu Professional Society of Canada (HPSC).