The air was filled with the sparkle and sound of fireworks. Homes glowed with the light of diyas and were filled with the delicious aromas of sweets and savory food. We were all dressed in our finest new clothes, looking beautiful and excited. These are some of my most cherished childhood memories of Diwali.
As children, we eagerly awaited Diwali. The markets would be bustling with shoppers buying sweets, delicious snacks, gifts, and decorations. It was as though the whole atmosphere was charged with joy and exuberance as everyone came together to celebrate the "Festival of Lights."
As I grew older, I began to understand that Diwali had a deeper meaning beyond the diyas and fireworks. My mom taught me that the word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning "a row of lights." She also explained the story and significance of Diwali from the Ramayana. According to tradition, Diwali is celebrated to honor the return of Lord Rama, accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, to their kingdom of Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and Rama’s victory over Ravana. The people of Ayodhya were overjoyed and lit oil lamps to welcome them home. Since then, lighting diyas has remained one of the most cherished traditions of Diwali.
Later, I discovered that Diwali also has other meanings for different communities. Many Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and abundance and Lord Ganesha for wisdom and new beginnings. Among others, Jains celebrate Lord Mahavira’s attainment of liberation on Diwali.
Having lived away from India for over thirty-five years, I find that Diwali still holds a special meaning for me. It is not just a reminder of my childhood but also a way to connect with my roots, culture, and traditions.
Over the years, Diwali has gained greater recognition around the world. Today, it is celebrated in many countries, bringing people together across cultures and communities. It is remarkable how traditions can connect us, even when we are halfway around the world from home.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to celebrate Diwali in India with my family. I was eager to relive the memories of my childhood and experience the familiar sights and sounds once again. The festive atmosphere brought back a flood of memories. For a moment, I felt like a little girl again. I especially remembered the family gatherings and the delicious home-cooked food and sweets prepared by my mom.
However, I couldn’t help noticing how much the celebrations had changed. The simple lighting of diyas, fireworks, and intimate gatherings of family and friends that I remembered had, in many places, given way to elaborate decorations, extravagant spending, and lavish parties. Growing awareness of noise and air pollution had also encouraged many people to reduce their use of fireworks. To be honest, I missed the fireworks, but I was happy to see the growing concern for the environment.
Despite these changes, the devotion, joy, and fervor associated with Diwali are as strong as ever. The ways of celebrating may have changed, but the spirit of togetherness remains.
When I talk to my children, I remind them that Diwali is not just about fireworks, festive food, and celebrations. It represents the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. These are the values I hope to pass down to the next generation, just as my parents and elders passed them down to me.
This Diwali, let’s light a diya not just in our homes, but in our hearts as well.
Sharmila Vaidya is an author and an educator based in the US; Views presented are personal.