Today is Diwali, and for many people across the world it is a very significant time of year. And so Ketan Davé, RCOT’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion Manager, is sharing with us what Diwali is about and what it means to him as a Hindu.
Diwali or Deepavali is celebrated by Hindus around the world and is one of the most festive and visually beautiful time of the year. In between the prayers and certain rituals, we eat mouth-watering food; we let off fireworks; put on our best clothes and celebrate with our loved ones. But what exactly are we celebrating and what is the true meaning of Diwali?
Diwali is in fact part of a festival that spans over five days, and each day has its unique significance, drawing from the different legends and traditions of the Vedic era. Diwali falls on day three.
In its literal sense, Diwali means a row of lights, typically a row of Diyas – Cotton wool soaked in ghee and lit in small clay, brass, or steel holders. These lights symbolise the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
These Diyas are lit as they signify the Divine Light – light that guides us through dark times; light that penetrates through darkness of ignorance and sins and lights up our consciousness. In a typical Hindu household, there will be diyas and lanterns lit all around the house and we do this to dispel pain, anger, and ignorance from our living environment.
Fireworks and sparklers, expensive attire and delicious rich food will give you momentary pleasure. Diwali is about celebrating that everlasting light that should be within us so that our hearts and minds will be pure and free from greed, ignorance, and desires. We seek the light to fill us with knowledge, love, and humanity. This is what Diwali means to me and lighting those Diyas symbolises my relationship with God and how I try to live my life.