The tradition of sharing sweets, exchanging gifts, and sharing gifts evokes a sense of generosity and gratitude
Diwali Special Article 2025: Diwali is much more than a grand festival of lights, crackers and sweets. It is a profound celebration that embodies humanity’s most timeless and essential life lessons. Rooted in deep spiritual and cultural narratives, this five-day festival is an annual call for introspection, renewal and affirmation of universal values.
Here are the key lessons that shine the brightest in the festival of lights:
The victory of light over darkness (good over evil): At its core, Diwali is a powerful symbol of the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. Spiritual Victory: The most famous story associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. The lighting of lamps by the people of Ayodhya to light their path symbolizes the dispel of darkness and the triumph of righteousness (dharma).
Inner Light: This victory is not just external but personal. The countless lamps lit in every home remind us to conquer our inner demons – such as pride, greed and fear – and to shine the light of inner wisdom and goodness. The celebration encourages the constant pursuit of knowledge to dispel the darkness of ignorance.
New Beginnings and the Power of Renewal: Diwali is often symbolized by pressing the ‘reset button’ for the year, providing an opportunity for both physical and spiritual purification.
Cleansing and Preparation: The practice of thoroughly cleaning and throwing away old or unwanted items before the festival symbolizes clearing the past, letting go of negative thoughts and preparing ourselves to welcome a new beginning of positive thoughts.
A Clean Slate: Just as businesses in some regions celebrate a new financial year with Diwali, this festival inspires a fresh start. It teaches us to forget past mistakes, approach every challenge with optimism, and embrace new learning experiences with an open heart.
Importance of Family, Unity, and Charity - Diwali is a time that emphasizes the importance of community, family bonds, and selfless contributions.
Gathering and Harmony: This multi-day celebration brings families and communities together for rituals, festivities, and the exchange of gifts. It reinforces the values ​​of unity, loyalty, and unconditional love, as exemplified by the deep bonds formed during the exile of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.
The Joy of Giving (Dan): The tradition of sharing sweets, exchanging gifts, and sharing gifts evokes a sense of generosity and gratitude. It reminds us that true wealth is not just about accumulating, but about sharing one’s time, help, and kindness with others, especially those less fortunate.
Honesty, Duty, and Ethical Leadership - The stories associated with Diwali, especially the Ramayana, teach powerful lessons in ethical conduct and leadership.
Honoring one’s word: Lord Ram’s unwavering commitment to his father’s word, even though it meant abandoning the Rajputana and enduring 14 years of exile, teaches the profound importance of honesty, keeping one’s promises, and prioritizing dharma (religious duty) above personal desires.
Moral Conduct: This narrative emphasizes that a virtuous and ethical path, though often challenging, is the only path that leads to true, lasting victory. In short, Diwali is a beautiful metaphor for life. By lighting a lamp, one does not simply illuminate a corner of the house; one vows to let the light within guide one’s actions, to choose good over evil, to welcome innovation, and to live a life filled with compassion and unity. The enduring lesson of Diwali is – be the change you wish to see in the world and always nourish the light within so that it can illuminate the world around us.
-Vijay Garg, Retired Principal
