Diwali, is by far the largest single day celebration in India – being Indians, many of you will dispute this, as there is much competition from other festivities!
I’m agnostic on most good days, but is unavoidable for me to not participate in the symbolism of Diwali.
Personally, we’re asked to be in a celebratory mood around Diwali and be mindful of negative actions so that our new year is auspicious. Like everything that is culturally Indian, this is a melange of ideas and practices that are unique to families and regions. It is neither my new year and I don’t believe that a single moment is sufficient to change anyone.
But perhaps, that’s my sceptical Western education speaking…
I try and find meaning in the festivals I celebrate – it is age and experience – and I refuse to be a sheep following any rulebook.
Why do I embrace Diwali?
I embrace Diwali as follows: the mandated “auspiciousness” requirement dictates that I am upbeat and more mindful of my thoughts, energy and actions. The period from Navratri to Diwali is extremely busy, but show me a cultural Indian that is not moderately happy during this period and I’ll show you a black swan.
This duration is sufficient to sow the seeds of new habits. I don’t wait for 1 January to instil new habits, but use this period instead.
Good vs evil
The second aspect of Diwali is the triumph of good over evil. I’m not talking about the injustices inflicted beyond my control and frankly, trillionaires not paying their fair share of tax is unjustified.
No, I’m talking about how I personally overcome the darkness within. My darkness of lack of self-belief that what I’m doing is truly worth it and that I will succeed.
You see, therein lies the darkness. I do not need to succeed by any measure. I only need to be:
- Be skilled
- Competitive, so that I’m better than the competition
- Work hard, as that is the real talent
Diwali is a fabulous time to move myself from darkness to light, because these is always light, I just need to be willing to bathe in the warming rays.