Let the inner light glow

Deepavali is a festival that is celebrated with utmost fervour with lamps and fireworks lighting up not only our exterior lives, but also our inner selves, said Damal S Ramakrishnan.

It is a festival that celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura and is upheld as the best among festivals. The great Bhagavad Gita is considered to be a sibling of the Deepavali festival due to both being the best in their genres and due to their intricate link to Lord Krishna.

Narakasura gained a boon that only his mother, Bhooma Devi, could kill him. Aided by the boon and with a sense of invincibility, he unleashed a reign of terror upon all. When Lord Krishna took him on in open battle, the boon proved to be powerful and Lord Krishna fainted in his chariot. Satyabhama, who was none other than Bhooma Devi, and consort and charioteer of Krishna, took charge and the arrow she fired mortally wounded Narakasura. In his dying moments, Narakasura realised his folly, repented, and prayed that his death be celebrated by all mankind with great joy, happiness and prosperity.

Traditional oil bath ritualistically followed on this day is symbolic as Mahalakshmi is the oil that lights up the lamp of spiritual enlightenment and material prosperity in devotees. Gods are said to reside in water on Deepavali, signifying purity; thus the water symbolises the river Ganga which rose from Brahma’s kamandalam, flowed over Vishnu’s feet and emerged from Siva’s locks. Hence the early morning ritual is referred to as Ganga Snan in many parts of the country.

The best time to light the lamp is early morning when Vishnu, along with Mahalakshmi, resides in all lamps lit by devotees at that hour, in order to bless them.

The celebration varies from region to region in India and historical records and stone carvings capture the celebration during various periods and different kingdoms of ancient Bharat. The festival is internationally acknowledged, not only among the Indian diaspora, but also people of many cultures.