This article was written by Swami Nikhilanand, a Hindu spiritual

teacher at Radha Madhav Dham Temple in Austin.

Diwali or Deepawali, is a Festival of Lights that is celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm by Hindus all over the world.  It is a time for cleaning the houses, getting together with neighbors, family and friends.  Diwali is a time to share sweets with each other and remember that the light of God always triumphs over darkness.

Diwali is celebrated differently in different regions of India.  It is the most famous of all the Hindu Festivals.  It falls on the (no moon day) of the Hindu month of Kartik –October/November.

On Diwali day, Hindus light rows of lamps around their houses and draw elaborate sand paintings called rangolis outside their homes.  The Goddess of Wealth, Maha Laxmi is also honored.

• Houses are cleaned
• New clothes are worn
• Firecrackers and fireworks
• Gifts are exchanged
• Baths in holy rivers and oil baths are done
• Neighbors, family and friends come together
• Blessings of elders is sought

Diwali marks the triumphant return of the Supreme Lord Shree Ram and the Mother of the Universe Sita to Ayodhya, amidst fireworks and lighting of lamps by the residents of Ayodhya.

When Shree Ram was entering the city, all the citizens wished to meet Him first. Seeing their desire, He multiplied Himself into as many forms as there were people and met them all simultaneously. Each person felt that God had come to them first. This was the scene as Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya, and it is to commemorate this event that we decorate with lights on Diwali. We are meant to feel that we are decorating in anticipation of God’s arrival in our homes and in our hearts.

In addition to the cultural significance and celebrations, Diwali also carries a deep philosophical meaning. Light (prakash) symbolizes God, goodness and knowledge – whereas darkness (tam) symbolizes evil, ignorance and maya. The more we bring God into our heart, the more His Divine Light shines within us, relieving us from the effects of the darkness of ignorance, revealing spiritual knowledge, and filling our life with true joy.

May the festival of Diwali also remind us to illumine our intellects with the light of the knowledge of God, and dispel the darkness of material conditioning.

HAPPY DIWALI!!!!!!