Diwali

The much awaited Festival of Lights, is here again to brighten our days. Banishing the darkness that prevailed , that lay heavy on mankind.

Fairy lights like fireflies, lanterns, lamps, diyas and candles, all decked the streets and homes, blazing bright, lifting the pall of gloom that hung over us, these past several months .

Thronging crowds of shoppers, make those lonely streets lively afresh. With hawkers screaming their wares and the sound of shrill bargaining . Shops decorated with tinsel and flowers, windows displaying stylish couture and smart electronics, beckoning one and all, as people in a joyous frenzy, shop tirelessly.

Sweetmeats and savouries the favourite of many, offered to the gods in thankful supplication, for deliverance from a wicked reign, to welcome a new year of health and prosperity. Colourful hampers filled with delicacies, make their rounds as family and friends exchange gifts.

Children’s laughter, though hidden by the mask, filled the air with unbridled excitement, a familiar sound once more . The sparkle in their eyes, matching the sparklers they held, as they gathered to celebrate and their cheer knew no bounds .

The festival that is symbolic of crushing evil, eliminating darkness, has brought back to life, what seemed awhile, a dead society. Loud crackers, though far and few, heralding in the celebrations, reminding that hope has not abandoned us .

When God in His wisdom created the world, He first said ‘ Let there be Light’ and Life followed. Is not then Light the very essence of our existence, Light that brings new life, light that nurtures? The absence of which we know, is a certain fearful death.

We each have the light of life within, which we carry to brighten the world. With our simple acts of love and kindness we spread happiness, the glow that diminishes the power of evil. So let’s keep that light within, shining brighter than the darkness without .