Pause • Reflect • Sundays on Pianodao
Written by ANDREW EALES
Wishing you an illuminating, prosperous and joyous Diwali.
As we approach one of the year’s major festivals, my warmest wishes go out to my friends, local and online, Pianodao readers, supporters, students and your families.
The Festival of Lights
Diwali, the “Festival of Lights”, is a five day celebration observed worldwide by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. This year’s celebrations begin on Friday 10th November, with the focal point of the Diwali festival falling on Sunday 12th.
Different faiths attach different religious meaning, stories and beliefs to the Festival, but at its heart Diwali is a celebration signifying the victory of:
- light over darkness
- knowledge over ignorance
- good over evil.
Regardless of religious affiliation, these are universal values which we can surely all affirm and celebrate as one.
And, beyond the traditional cultural festivities (which include cleansing and then illuminating properties and public spaces with lamps and candles, dressing in the best clothes and eating sweet food) there are simple lessons we can take away from this Festival which will make our lives and our world better.
Let’s ask ourselves this Diwali:
- How can I shine as a positive example that brightens my world?
- How can I promote knowledge in a way that is genuinely helpful and accessible to those who lack it?
- How can I overcome any evil that I see around me, and make a true difference for the good of all?
Diwali is perhaps above all a time to focus on the positive.
And with the challenges, disharmony and uncertainty of today’s world, in the midst of the darkness, trauma and negativity of these times, celebrating the positive is surely good for our mental health, spirit and community.
Wherever you are and whatever your perspective on our universe, may your life and home be full of light and love this Diwali.
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