Pugwash magazine

Turn on the lights!

For Hindus the New Year has begun. Diwali, celebrated on the 21st October, marked the festival of light and the beginning of a new year. It's an occasion on which Hindus give out sweets and families come together for food and fireworks.

The majority of readers have probably heard of the festival, but how many actually know the true meaning?

In Hindu mythology, Diwali celebrates the victorious return of Ram (Lord Rama) to his home city of Ayodhya after a war in which he slayed the demon king Raavan (Ravana). Ram had been exiled for 14 years following a disagreement as to whether he or his brother should be the next king.

During this time Raavan, who had ten arms and ten heads, kidnapped Ram's wife Sita. After a long hard battle, Ram killed the demon and recovered his wife. It is believed that people used oil lamps to light their way from the battle ground in south India back to Ayodhya in the north. This is the reason that Diwali is celebrated one day earlier in south India.

To commemorate this, homes are lit with candles throughout Diwali. There is some dispute about the most appropriate way to celebrate - mothers like mine insist that every light in the entire house is switched on, whilst my Dad goes round the whole day and switches them off in favour of candles!

The first text message I received from a friend on Diwali read: 'Happy Diwali! Does this mean the lights can be on all day, and we can waste electricity? Please ask the bill payers permission!' Although it was amusing, it was not as meaningful as the next text that read: 'May today, tomorrow & the future bring you wealth & prosperity, & happiness and love. Keep the light of your soul shining, and smile thru life.'

This makes reference to the esoteric meaning of Diwali - "the awareness of the inner light". Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite and eternal. Diwali is also the celebration of this Inner Light, the knowing of which outshines all darkness (dispels all ignorance), awakening the individual to ones true nature.

As with Easter and Christmas, there is a feeling that Diwali has lost some of it's spiritual significance. In certain areas is has become a chance for shops and restaurants to compete for the best display stands, or neighbours to drape their house with lights in an effort to be the most talked about house.

For myself, Diwali is a time when I visit the temple and family. As youths of the twenty first century the majority of students will most likely enjoy socialising with friends and family, watching fireworks and enjoying good food. But next time you see the lights, maybe spare a thought for that inner light.

Happy Diwali guys!

/Sonia Kapur