Happy Diwali / Diipa’valii!!
This year (2024) Diwali / Diipavalii is on Thurs, Oct 31!!
The darkest new moon night of the year is the occasion for the festival of lights…
Diipava’lii or Diwali is the ‘celebration of light’.
It is celebrated on the darkest night of the year, which is the 11th new moon in the northern hemisphere.
Celebrations include colorful lights, fireworks, and sentient merrymaking.
The inner significance is that despite the darkness all around, one should illumine the mind and rid oneself of all kinds of ignorance, superstition and dogma through deep mediation and contemplation. In essence, one should become the embodiment of love, truth and light.
The term diipa in Sanskrit means lamp, and Diipa’valii refers to lighting the lamp within.
This is a day of universal significance for one and all and is being celebrated by more peoples and communities each and every year.
The swastika is an ancient symbol in yogic life and refers to permanent victory in life: liberation in individual life and justice in collective life.
We all know that one nefarious character in our 20th century tainted this symbol both in form and in meaning, but his wicked intentions have nothing to do with the true and inherent meaning of the swastika symbol.
In Sanskrit the prefix su means great or goodness and vasti means being. Thus, becoming the embodiment of greatness and benevolence; the blessing of well-being. That is the victory depicted by the swastika.
Often this swastika symbol is used in yoga and in Diipa’vali celebrations, as shown in the above photo. Here is one special song about the Diipava’li:
“Aka’s’he a’j ranger mela’ manete a’j a’lo...” (Prabhat Samgiita #64)
In the sky there is a festival of color. In my mind there is a flow of light. The air is filled with fragrance, and everything is sweet. With the realization of the Divine within, my heart is filled with rhythm and song. With the sweet, tender touch of life, all the darkness has vanished. On such a glorious day, may we light the candle of light within, together with all…
Here is more information about the swastika:
(1) About the Swastika (2) Subversion of the Swastika (3) History of Swastika
Videos: Fireworks Fire in 2014
From the yogic perspective, the real significance of Diipavali is the internal light – progress in the intuitional / spiritual realm. Nowadays in India, it is often more about the external celebration.
See here below how one such celebration became a seriously dangerous scene – as al the fireworks stalls (shops) went up in flames in a town just outside of New Delhi. That said it is also one of the most incredible fireworks displays you will ever see – hopefully no one was hurt. (Try watching in full screen…)
Thanks for this. Lots of people in my neighborhood had firecrackers and sparklers, and I was dazed and confused as to why! Until now… 🙂
Thank you so much for spreading some more light! The first time I landed in Kathmandu I landed smack in the middle of Diwali celebrations and it was an absolutely magical experience, for me, Diwali will always bring memories of light, joy and warmth, exactly what it represents I suppose.
About the swastika, I am slightly shocked and disappointed at how few people in the `general public`have any idea of the origins of this symbol. It seems there is a general lack of personal `investigation“into the world around us. I love your post!