Ladysmith KZN: Diwali message from chairperson of Sanathan Dharma Sabha
At the centre of the celebration is the Diya, a simple earthen bowl filled with oil and a wick
Happy Diwali! Diwali is the Festival of Lights. It is as ancient as creation itself, with the manifestation of Maha Lakshmi Maa as the Goddess of Light, whose effulgence was revealed to the entire universe since the beginning of time. The ancient Gayatri Mantra that sits on the lips of billions each day speaks to the power of that Divine Light:
OM BHUR BHUVA SWAH TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM BHARGO DEVASYA DHIMAHI DHIYO YO NAH PRACHODAYAT. We meditate on that illumination pervading the earth, sky and heaven. May that brilliance inspire our intelligence. Diwali marks a time of radiance, feasting, fellowship and prayer – all intended to kindle a lamp within every heart so we each become a torchbearer of love, wisdom, kindness and compassion.
At the centre of the celebration is the Diya, a simple earthen bowl filled with oil and a wick. But simple as it is, the Diya offers an important allegorical lesson. The cotton wick of the Diya must reside with one end in the oil and the other in the air, or else it would not burn true.
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In like manner, our scriptures suggest that we can only thrive if we are able to exist within the world without being entirely submerged by it. The darkness of poverty, disease and the like will find no foothold along our journey when the flame of hope, positivity, optimism and trust is allowed to lead the way. According to popular belief, the observance of Diwali coincides with Lord Rama’s return to the city of Ayodhya after being banished to the forest for 14 years. The streets, pathways, gardens, parks, balconies, stairways and rooftops all shone resplendent with thousands of shimmering Diyas to welcome Shri Raam, Sita Maa, Lakshman ji, Shri Hanumanji and the rest of the entourage on their way home.
With the Lord’s return, evil was defeated and good triumphed. In an unprecedented turn of events, Diwali 2020 is being celebrated by a world besieged by the horrible Covid-19 pandemic. But in the middle of such uncertainty, let not our light waver nor hope dwindle but trust in the Divine Mother, Lakshmi, to decimate, once and for all, this dreadful pandemic, ease our fears and brighten the path forward.
As chair lady of the Sanathan Dharma Sabha of Ladysmith, SA, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a blissful Diwali 2020. May the gleaming Diyas and echoes of the sacred chants fill your lives with contentment, joy and prosperity.
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