Diwali is a festival of brightness and light,
A celebration connected with traditions of different faiths,
Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain alike.
When Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya
After his victory over Ravana,
People welcomed him by lighting lamps,
Spreading brightness everywhere.
Darkness disappeared, and light filled the air,
Goodness triumphed over evil,
A message of victory for all to share.
The Sikhs celebrate it as Bandi Chhor Divas,
Remembering Guru Hargobind Ji’s freedom from captivity.
Buddhist traditions, too, have their own association with light,
And its spiritual significance.
Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana on Diwali,
The Jains light lamps in his honour,
Spreading the message of wisdom and liberation.
In Bengal, people celebrate it with Kali Puja,
Homes, temples and offices are beautifully decorated.
Delicious delicacies are prepared at home,
The sounds of firecrackers express festive joy.
People decorate their floors with colourful rangoli,
And illuminate their homes with beautiful strings of lights.
We share the message of peace, brotherhood, love and affection,
Exchanging sweets and spreading happiness.
We express our joy through the sounds of firecrackers,
But let us ensure that nobody’s happiness turns into sorrow.
Let us burst crackers thoughtfully and in moderation,
And spread the message that excess is undesirable everywhere.
Let us remove the darkness within our hearts
And spread the light of knowledge and wisdom.
Let us make everyone happy and cheerful.
Indeed, Diwali is a festival of joy and celebration,
A tradition that has continued through the ages,
The festival of lamps and the triumph of light.
Ashok Kumar Thakur ‘Albela’
