Light the lamps not outside, but within the heart; the real Diwali is illuminated by relationships and peace.
Diwali is not just a festival of lighting lamps, but an occasion to dispel darkness from the mind and fill the soul with light. Today, it is essential that we not make it a celebration of ostentation or pollution, but rather a festival of simplicity, compassion, and love. Only when we share light in the lives of others do we find true happiness and peace. The true meaning of Diwali is peace in every heart, love in every home, and the light of harmony in every society.
Diwali is a festival of the year that not only symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, but also conveys the message of awakening spiritual light by eliminating the darkness within humanity. It is a day when people decorate their homes, light lamps, wear new clothes, and distribute sweets. But have we ever stopped to think whether the true Diwali is complete only by cleaning and lighting the house? Does the darkness, which this festival is celebrated to destroy, really exist only within the walls and courtyards, or is it also hidden somewhere in our minds and behaviour?
Today’s society is so engrossed in external glitter that the inner light is dimming. Diwali is now often becoming a celebration of show, expense, and competition. People decorate their homes with thousands of lights on this day, but ignore the darkness that lurks in the recesses of their hearts—jealousy, ego, resentment, and intolerance. The true purpose of the festival was to introspect, nurture relationships, and spread the light of love around us. But today, this spirit is being lost in the noise of the market and materialism.
Diwali is not only a time for the arrival of Lakshmi but also for introspection. When we sweep the dust from every corner of our homes, we should also sweep away the dust from our hearts—old grievances, disagreements, bitterness, and tension. Each lamp reminds us that a single lamp is enough to dispel darkness, provided it is lit with a true heart. A small smile in the family, a gesture of forgiveness, a loving conversation—these are the lamps that illuminate the corners of relationships.
In today’s world, this festival also holds great significance for mental health. The fast-paced life, social pressures, work stress, and the hustle and bustle of the digital world are leaving people feeling empty from within. We’ve even turned festivals into “events”—photoshoots, social media posts, and the tradition of lavish gifts have weakened their spirit. We need to remember that the joy of Diwali lies not just in the external decorations, but in the mental peace we find in belonging, communication, and intimacy.
Today’s children and youth find happiness in the glow of firecrackers. But do we have the right to pollute the environment for our own happiness? Every living being, every child, and every elderly person, breathing in the smoke-filled and noisy air, is paying the price for this happiness. True joy lies when our lamps do not harm anyone. When we are as sensitive towards Mother Earth as we are towards our homes. Celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali is no longer just an option; it is a responsibility. We can make this festival beautiful by using earthen lamps, decorations with natural colours, and local products—and this beauty is much more lasting than artificial lights.
On the occasion of Diwali, another darkness needs to be dispelled—that of loneliness and mental restlessness. The festive season is a time of celebration for many, but for some, it’s also a time of memories and sadness. For those who are far away, who have lost a loved one, or who are grappling with economic and social struggles—this light can often sting. It is society’s duty to include those around us in this light. The true meaning of Diwali will be realized only when the darkness in someone’s home is dispelled by our lamps.
Our scriptures say, “Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamay”—meaning, “We must move from darkness to light.” This light is not just that of a lamp, but of knowledge, wisdom, and compassion. When the light of compassion burns in the heart, it radiates more brightly than thousands of lamps. Diwali teaches us that spreading light in life is not just about lighting lamps, but about walking on the path of kindness, truth, and love.
Festivals aren’t just about following traditions. They allow us to pause and reflect on our journey. Diwali reminds us that the light outside is only lasting if there is also light within. It’s when we awaken the Rama within us and burn the Ravanas of ego, hatred, and greed that a true Diwali is celebrated.
In today’s times, it’s also crucial that we make Diwali a “festival of inclusiveness.” The walls of social division, caste and religious differences, and economic inequality—these are the darkness of our age. If each person can spread a little light at their own level—feeding a poor person, supporting a child’s education, or supporting a sick person—then Diwali will be the brightest. The true Lakshmi is the one who enters a home in the form of compassion, kindness, and service.
Diwali is also considered a festival of business. It’s a time when markets are vibrant and business people’s hopes soar. But the business community should also remember that true profit isn’t just financial, but also moral. Honesty, transparency, and respect for customers are the lasting assets. Only when the light of trust shines in the marketplace will society prosper.
Our culture also says, “Diwali is not only a symbol of prosperity, but also of restraint.” Therefore, true devotion lies in avoiding excessive consumption, ostentation, and competition. This festival teaches us how to find “much in little.” Where there is love, contentment, and unity, every day is Diwali.
Today, we need to see Diwali as a spiritual and social movement. Every person should resolve in their life to spread light in some form or another. Some will light the lamp of knowledge, some of help, some of love. When every person becomes a lamp, a light will spread in society that no darkness can extinguish.
Sometimes it’s also necessary to celebrate this festival with a moment of peace. A few moments of introspection, spending time with loved ones, and reflecting on our achievements and shortcomings should also be part of Diwali. When we illuminate the path with the light within us, life’s direction becomes clear.
Diwali not only means “lamp,” but also “avail,” meaning chain. This chain signifies that light passes from one to another. This is the fundamental message of humanity—one lamp should light another; one heart should illuminate another. Only then will this world be free from darkness.
Ultimately, this Diwali, let us resolve to illuminate not just our homes, but our thoughts, behaviour, and society. A Diwali devoid of noise and pollution, filled with simplicity and affection, will truly be a “Deepawali of joy and peace.” This lamp will become a symbol of India’s culture, were light spreads not just through electricity, but through humanity.
