Diwali : Celebrating Life, Health, Relationships and the Joy of Togetherness
Diwali always feels magical and never fails to bring a smile on our faces and a sparkle in our eyes. And why not? Which other festival is loaded with such delightful celebrations? Homes get spring cleaned and become beautiful with colourful rangolis, glowing diyas, fragrant flowers and the irresistible aroma of festive delicacies. New clothes, sweets, gifts, laughter and family gatherings add to the excitement.
But why is Diwali special and why does it stand out? Is it the lights, the decorations, the food or the festivities? Certainly yes, because it is all that and more. It is a celebration of life, love and togetherness.
It reminds us that our greatest treasures are not merely what we possess, but the relationships we cherish, the health we enjoy and the happiness we share.
Personally, some of my happiest childhood memories are woven around Diwali. Preparations began days in advance. Our home would be filled with the aroma of freshly prepared ''bakshanam" , the traditional sweets and savouries lovingly made by our mother. New clothes were carefully folded and placed in the family puja room, waiting to be worn on the auspicious morning. Yet the animated negotiations for a relevant share in crackers were more enjoyable than bursting the crackers themselves.
Diwali mornings began before sunrise. My father would wake us up for the traditional Ganga Snanam. Still sleepy, we would sit, while our mother applied warm oil to our heads. The earthy fragrance of shikakai powder brought from Chennai, the excitement of new clothes, prayers and festive sweets made those mornings unforgettable.Those rituals were never merely rituals. They were occasions to laugh, tease, share and celebrate together.
Today, I remember my parents with immense affection and gratitude for the beautiful childhood they gave us. They taught us that happiness could be found in the simplest things.
Today, shikakai may have given way to fancy shampoos but Diwali gets reflected in little ways which add to the warmth of those memories.
India celebrates Diwali in wonderfully diverse ways. In Tamil Nadu, Naraka Chaturdashi, commemorating Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura, brings the excitement of early morning oil baths, new clothes, crackers and traditional delicacies.
In Maharashtra, celebrations begin with Vasu Baras and continue through Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Pujan and Bhau Beej. Festive faraal, beautiful rangolis and affectionate exchanges between siblings give Diwali its distinctive charm. In North India, Lord Rama's joyous return to Ayodhya after his exile is celebrated with illuminated homes, family gatherings and prayers.
Customs and stories maybe different yet the happiness is remarkably similar. Everywhere, Diwali brings people together. The ancient Upanishadic prayer, “तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय”
Lead me from darkness to light, beautifully captures its spiritual essence. The light of goodness, wisdom, love and hope must always prevail. As we grow older, the meaning of celebrations becomes even more beautiful. The excitement of childhood gradually gives way to the pleasure of welcoming family, hosting friends and creating memories with those we love.
There is something immensely satisfying about a house full of people, the cheerful noise of conversations, children running around, familiar voices calling out from different rooms, and laughter over stories narrated a hundred times before!
And what about friends? Those who have known us through different phases of life, shared our adventures, celebrated our achievements and stood beside us over the years.
Festivals offer wonderful opportunities to renew these friendships. In our busy lives, personal meetings are increasingly replaced by WhatsApp greetings and hurried telephone calls. Technology certainly keeps us connected, but nothing can replace the warmth of a personal visit, a shared meal or an unhurried conversation.
This Diwali, let us make time to meet, greet and reconnect.
Visit an old friend. Invite relatives home. Bring generations together. Share memories, laughter and affection. A festival without people to celebrate it with is incomplete.
Diwali is also a celebration of prosperity and Dhanteras carries a beautiful reminder that wealth is not measured by gold alone. Dhanteras also includes another Hindu tradition, of Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and deity of Ayurveda, emerging during the Samudra Manthan, carrying a pot of Amrit, the nectar of immortality.
What a profound message! Even as we welcome Goddess Lakshmi and pray for prosperity, we are reminded that good health is among life's greatest treasures. Yet, in today's fast-paced world, health is often the first casualty of our lifestyles.
We rush through meals, increasingly depend on junk food, stay awake late into the night and spend endless hours scrolling through social media. Children and adults alike spend more time looking at screens than enjoying sunshine. Walking has given way to sitting, outdoor play to digital entertainment, and peaceful evenings to constant notifications.We have more conveniences than ever before, yet often find ourselves with less time to rest, exercise, enjoy nature or simply be still. Perhaps this Diwali is an opportunity to rediscover the joy of healthy living.
A morning walk in gentle sunlight, a nutritious home-cooked meal, restful sleep, regular physical activity and a calm mind are blessings that no amount of gold can replace.
And healthy living need not be a solemn pursuit. It can be a joyful family experience, walking together, cooking traditional meals, playing outdoors, practising yoga or enjoying an evening without mobile phones constantly interrupting us.
Our parents and grandparents understood the value of simple routines, seasonal food and family time. As we light our lamps, let us make a small commitment to care for our bodies and minds.For what is the joy of prosperity if we do not have the health to enjoy it, the energy to celebrate it and the peace of mind to appreciate it?
One of the loveliest aspects of Diwali is the happiness of giving. Choosing gifts for loved ones, preparing delicacies for neighbours or surprising someone with a thoughtful gesture brings its own special joy.The value of a gift is rarely measured by its price. What makes it memorable is the affection.
As I look forward to Diwali this year, I find myself cherishing the simple pleasures of life more than ever, the excitement of preparations, the fragrance of festive food, the warmth of family, the laughter of friends and the delight of being together. Life becomes richer through these moments, and happiness grows when shared.
So, this Diwali, let us decorate our homes with lights and flowers, fill our kitchens with delicious and healthy food, open our doors to friends and family and fill our hearts with gratitude.
Let us laugh a little louder, meet a little more often, live a little more healthily and share a little more generously.
For the true wealth of life lies in good health, loving relationships, peace of mind and the joy of being together. So Meet. Greet. Reconnect. Celebrate. Spread Joy.
May every diya celebrate a cherished relationship, every sweet strengthen a bond, and every greeting carry genuine affection.
May our homes be blessed with Dhan (wealth), Arogya (health), Ananda (joy) and Sneha (love).
Wishing everyone a beautiful Diwali filled with good health, love, laughter, togetherness and prosperity!
R. Vimala, IAS Retired, MH 2009
Subject Matter Expert, CBC & YASHADA
Former Resident Commissioner, Maharashtra Sadan & Secretary, GoM,
Founder AnirvedShakti Foundation,
PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay
