THE quintessence of light is characterised by Mahalakshmi, a female persona in the Hindu Pantheon of representational Godheads. The enigma is that the female figureheads are powerful forces to which Hindu men bow in reverence, yet these very men who pay obeisance to a female form most often display a latent contempt for the females who orbit their world.

The balance of society demands equal opportunities, shared responsibilities, mutual respect, and the recognition that the Shakti within womankind as wives, as mothers, and as nurturers is the soul that irradiates humankind. This is the true light, and Diwali is a celebration of its radiance; as well as a reminder that love of fellow man provides the transcendental mystique that supercedes any other in influencing the positive components for survival on the human plane.

Diwali is a season for re-evaluating values, life, and the quality of life; and to make resolutions, to discard the negative resonances that influence the dynamics of one’s existence in favour of a more enlightened approach to interacting within the family structure and the wider society.

The ultimate goal of the light principles is the liberation of the soul. In “Pilgrim’s Progress” Christian perseveres valiantly through the evil forces governing mankind’s degraded behaviour in pursuit of “an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away…” The same principles of aspiration toward truth, knowledge, good attitudes and behaviour apply to the doctrines of every religion.

Diwali is a re-affirmation of hope for mankind.

Diwali or Deepavali falls on the last two days of the dark half of Kartik (October-November). This 3-day festival commences with the Dhan-Teras on the 13th day of the dark half of Kartik, followed the next day by the Narak Chaudas, and by Diwali proper on the 15th day.

Diwali is a symbolical festival which celebrates the significance of light in this earthly world. Gita Chapter XIII describes the elucidation of light as follows: “The light of all lights, it is said to be beyond the darkness of Maya. It is knowledge itself as well as the object of knowledge and is also worth obtaining through knowledge. It is specially seated in the hearts of all.”

But in this materialistic world man rarely exploits the full potential of these latent energies.

There are many origins attributed to this celebration of the principles of light. Some believe that this day marks the anniversary of the marriage of Mahalakshmi and Lord Vishnu. On this day Lord Rama and Sitamata returned to Ayodha after he had defeated the evil Ravana. Diwali also commemorates the day that Shri Khrishna killed the demon Naraksura. Lord Rama and Shri Khrishna are avatars (mortal incarnations) of Lord Vishnu, the celestial consort of Mahalakshmi.

In Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mahakali. Diwali is representative of the light illuminating the soul and intellect. The flickering diyas are mere symbols of the attainment of spiritual emancipation.

Regrettably this ideal and the significance of this festival is dimmed by the selfish nature of man - many of whom would spend a fortune in celebration of this day, yet think nothing of oppressing someone less fortunate than themselves.

A thousand lighted diyas do not automatically illuminate the soul.

Plato described this phenomenon as “a turning of the whole soul toward the light”. This is the equivalent of the Christian Baptismal.

Tulsidas writes in Ram Charit Manus “Bina satsangh bibek no hoee/Rama kripah bina sulabh na soee/Satsanghati mud mangal a moolah/Soi phal sidhi sab saadhan phoolaa.”

And this translates: “Without association with the good, wisdom cannot be attained, and that association cannot be obtained without the grace of Ram. Fellowship with the good is the source of all joy and prosperity. Its fruit is perfection and its flowers are good works.”

This beautiful festival of Diwali encapsulates in festive form this philosophy as propounded by Tulsidas in the Ramayan.