- By Times’ Junior Journalist Jianna Kapoor
Have you ever heard of the legendary Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge?
This is a remarkable 50km floating bridge made of limestone shoals connecting India to Sri Lanka, which is still visible today from above.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama and his army built this bridge to rescue his wife Sita from the evil King Ravana.
And this is one of the reasons why Hindus celebrate Diwali, to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya with his wife and his brother, Lord Lakshman.
The word Diwali originated from the word Deepavali meaning “row of lights”. Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil.
Most people think it’s just a Hindu festival, but it’s celebrated by other religions as well, thus making it the biggest Indian festival celebrated in India and abroad.
For Jains, it’s the day when Lord Mahavira attained enlightenment. Sikhs celebrate the release of their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, from prison and his triumphant return.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, this year’s intriguing Diwali is on Monday, October 20.
It’s always a moonless night with nothing but the stars, like tiny specks of silver glitter and the bright glow of firecrackers lighting the sky.
Diwali lasts for five days, with each day being special and unique. On the first day of Diwali, we clean the house from top to bottom and even my little sister finally cleans her room which looks like a hurricane rushed past.
We shop for gold, silver, copper and pure metals which bring prosperity and good luck.
The second day of Diwali is all about the preparation. We make yummy sweets and decorate the house with diyas (oil lamps), lights and rangolis, which is stunning Indian art made using coloured sand and powder displayed on the floor.
The third day is the main event, which we call ‘Diwali’. We go to friends’ and families’ houses, pray to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, exchange gifts, (my favourite part because, who doesn’t like gifts!) and burst fireworks that light up the dark night.
These fireworks in the dark showcase the message of Diwali which is good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
The fourth day of Diwali marks the Hindu New Year, signifying a new beginning. Last but not least, the fifth day of Diwali celebrates the deep bond between brothers and sisters.
Diwali is more than fireworks in the night, yummy sweets, diyas and sparkling lights. It’s also a powerful story that shines just as bright.
The story of hope, kindness, togetherness and victory of good over evil.
As we light our diyas and celebrate this festival with our loved ones, let’s also remember its deeper meaning, to be grateful for what we have, to value our relationships, to have let our inner light guide us through our challenges.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Diwali!
- Jianna Kapoor is in year 7 at Somerville Intermediate School.
