Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains from around the world are gearing up to celebrate Diwali on November 12 this year, a festival that symbolizes the "spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance." The festivities, spanning five days, are marked by bright lights, fragrant incense, and sumptuous meals, especially sweets. It is a time when families come together, overcoming distances and discord.

At the heart of Diwali celebrations are clay oil lamps called diyas. These are not just decorative items but hold deep meaning rooted in the Hindu legend of Ramayana. The story of Rama, whose wife Sita was kidnapped, witnessed a triumphant return to Ayodhya, his kingdom, where people welcomed them with diyas. The connection of these lamps with the victory of good over evil is a common theme among different mythologies associated with Diwali.

Diwali is not just a Hindu festival; it is a celebration that unites religious and regional communities in India and beyond. Marking the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the king of Lanka, Ravana, Diwali celebrates the cultural heritage of the country and the victory of good over evil, of light over darkness. During this time, the worship of gods and goddesses such as Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi immerses people in spiritual traditions.

Modi Celebrates with Jawans in Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues the tradition of celebrating Diwali with the jawans guarding the country's borders. This year, he headed to the Lepcha district in Himachal Pradesh, a remote village near the China border, to share the celebration with the brave security forces. In his Diwali wishes, Prime Minister Modi expressed his best wishes for joy, prosperity, and health for all.

The Parade of Lights:

Beyond the oil lamps, Diwali is characterized by various luminous decorations, from fireworks to candles. These bright displays symbolize the illumination of dark places, not only in homes but also in the souls of people, as noted by Manpreet Arora, a senior assistant professor at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh.

With the triumph of good over evil at its core, Diwali 2023 promises to be a celebration full of light, unity, and spiritual meaning.