Deepavali Valthukal!

yes! Happy Deepavali to all Indian's. So many myths and legacy about this festival which is also known as the festival of lights. People of Ayodhya welcome back Sri Rama from exile after 14 years in forest by lighting up lamps (deepa = lights ,wali = path) marks the festival for the last six days in the month of Aswayuja (amantha) or no moon month according to the Hindu calendar.

This festival is also remembered as the day when the great Rama wins over demonic Ravana or Lord Krishna's famous victory over Narakasura. King Mahabali 's obedience towards Vishnu to rule the nether-world before the era of Rama also closely associated with this festival. This refers to Onam better I suppose.

Anyhow back to the real thing, Deepavali for me symbolically represents the victory of good over evil and the upliftment of our inner or spiritual darkness. As the story Ramayana tells, people of Ayodhaya celebrates the homecoming of Rama (goodwill and faith) by lighting up lamps after a long absence (Ramayana's exile in forest for 14 years) .

So to all my fellow Indians, Deepavali is not just about new clothes, food, gold or ornaments, and new business only but Deepavali is also about the awakening of our spirit and being illuminated by divine grace. On this Deepavali day, my wish to all of you... Light up the Jyoti of your soul!

Ciao!