Significance of Deepavali, by Sai Tenneti

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, falls on November 9^th this year. The word Deepavali literally means “row of lighted lamps.” During this festival, lamps are lit as a symbol of hope and celebration for mankind. Popularly known as the “Festival of Lights,” Deepavali signifies the victory of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
There are many events associated with the festival of Diwali. Many Hindus celebrate the festival to honor the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and coronation after his 14-year period in exile. This joyous, peaceful, and harmonious event of the homecoming of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana signifies the revival of Dharma and righteousness in the world.
Another event related to this festival is the killing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. This story has deep a philosophical significance. Narakasura was known to be the demon of “hell, sorrow, and affliction.” He kidnapped and imprisoned 16,000 princesses for his harem. When he was killed, Krishna freed the captured princesses. However, since they carried the stigma of having stayed in Narakasura’s home, society would not have accepted them. So Krishna gave all these princesses the status of his wife, thereby giving them a respected and honored place in society. Similarly on the day of Diwali, our selfish ego, which has captured all the 16,000 thought varieties is killed, and all thoughts are wedded to the One Supreme, Blissful Consciousness – Shri Krishna Paramaatma.
These are two of the main stories, but there are many others, celebrated and honored by different traditions of Hinduism. Sikhs and Jains also celebrate Diwali as a significant festival. For the Sikhs, Diwali is a symbol for the struggle for freedom. For Jains, Diwali is celebrated as the day that Lord Mahavira attained Samadhi. Therefore, Diwali is one festival celebrated energetically by all Hindus all over India and the world as well.
However, the main focus of Diwali is to strengthen ourselves personally and with others. A special significance of Diwali is to “Fill the Heart with the oil of Love. Place it in the wick of single-pointed mind. Light it with the Knowledge of Truth and remove the Darkness of Ignorance around You.” This is a festival that unites all Hindus regardless of region or sect, with the aim of strengthening relationships, removing ignorance and darkness, and celebrating life. Shubh Deepavali to everyone!
 Sai Tenneti is an undergraduate student at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is studying Electrical and Computer Engineering

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