Deepavali: A festival of lights and divinity

Metro India News | Hyderabad : Deepavali, meaning “a row of lamps,” is a festival celebrated by lighting and arranging numerous diyas (oil lamps) in and around homes. It is a spiritually significant occasion associated with Lord Krishna and Lord Ramachandra, and is also observed as the Hindu New Year in certain traditions. Two important divine pastimes are associated with Deepavali.

The first is the triumphant return of Lord Ramachandra to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. As described in the Srimad Bhagavatam (9.10.53), Lord Rama was welcomed by His brother Bharata and the citizens of Ayodhya with grand celebrations, beautiful decorations, rangolis and rows of lamps. His reign ushered in the ideal kingdom known as Rama Rajya, characterised by peace, prosperity and happiness.

The second pastime is the Damodara Lila, in which little Krishna allowed His mother, Yashoda, to bind Him to a wooden mortar with a rope. According to Vaishnava tradition, this beautiful pastime occurred on Deepavali, making the occasion especially significant for Krishna devotees. The true message of Deepavali is to deepen our love and devotion towards the Supreme Lord. We can celebrate by offering ghee lamps to Yashoda-Damodara, decorating our homes with rangolis, preparing delicious sweets and offering them to Krishna before distributing prasadam.

Lighting lamps, exchanging gifts and celebrating together with family and neighbours make the festival even more joyful. May this Deepavali illuminate our hearts with devotion, gratitude and love for the Lord.

HH Satya Gaura Chandra Swami (M.Tech, IIT Chennai)

President, Hare Krishna Movement, Hyderabad, and  

Regional President, Akshaya Patra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.