DIWALI signifies the triumph of good over evil, of righteousness over treachery, truth over falsehood and light over darkness. To the common folk, Diwali is supposed to be a day of celebration marked by the burning of candles, setting off fireworks and sparklers.

The real message of Diwali is to dispel the inner darkness which engulfs people during the course of their lives. We need to inculcate wisdom and consciousness in ourselves to become better human beings looking out for the greater good of all mankind.

Diwali is meant to commemorate that glorious time of the year when Lord Rama returned to his native place, Ayodhia, after 14 years of exile. Hindus celebrate Rama’s long-awaited homecoming in the form of Diwali.

We must take the message of Lord Rama’s divine life as our lesson and promise ourselves not to waste our money on fire crackers. Instead we must help the poor and help alleviate the suffering of the less fortunate.

Nimarta Heman Dherwani
Shahdadpur

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2019