Happy Diwali - the Night of Transformation

Desh Kapoor -
Photo by Udayaditya Barua / Unsplash
"On this Diwali, may your inner light grow and bring light all around." - Sadhguru

Deepawali - or as it is now called Diwali - occurs on the Karthik Amavasya, also known as the new moon in the Hindu lunar month of Karthik

During Karthik Amavasya, the Sun and Moon are both positioned in the same zodiac sign, creating a conjunction. This marks the absence of the Moon's light, symbolizing a period of darkness.

It is in this time of celestial darkness that Hindus celebrate Deepawali.

The Sun is typically in Scorpio (Vrishchik Rashi) during Karthik Amavasya. Scorpio is a transformative sign, symbolizing endings and new beginnings. That is why it is also known as the beginning of the new year.

Mars, the ruling planet of Scorpio, influences the energy of Karthik Amavasya. Its intensity can bring hidden aspects of life into focus, inspiring individuals to confront personal challenges and make transformations. Diwali rituals aim to harness this energy to remove obstacles and usher in transformation and prosperity.

The other planet, Jupiter (associated with wisdom, knowledge, and expansion) is often positioned favorably near Karthik Amavasya. Its presence brings optimism and growth, which aligns with Diwali's prayers for prosperity and enlightenment.

This was the day when Shri Ram, his wife Devi Sita and his brother Shri Lakshman came back to Ayodhya after being in exile for 14 years.

It has become fashionable to call Deepawali a "Festival of Lights" and reduce it to just that - lights. A mere ritual.

It is not just that.

It has a deep spiritual and Dharmic significance that should not and cannot be taken away from the whole celebration.

The aim is to use every action possible to raise one's consciousness so the inner darkness gives way to light and clarity. On this day, Ayodhya was lit up for the arrival of Shri Ram, and it was on this day that Mahavira (founder of Jainism) attained to Enlightenment. It was also on this day in 1577 that the foundation stone of Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar was laid.

If we divorce the spiritual underpinning then it will be just as facetious and most of the celebrations have become around the world.

A time of transformation and rejuvenation needs to be acknowledged and understood. For that is how the Dharmic traditions were crafted by the Yogis who have in every generation attained to a higher level of perception.

There is one aspect of Diwali that has been attacked because, for the secular crowd that wants to destroy all traditions, it is a way to enforce their totalitarian agenda.

When Deepawali comes, there is a concerted attempt to attack Hindus by bursting firecrackers. Yes, some folks in their show of wealth do go overboard, but there is a reason for this activity.

From the standpoint of Hindu tradition and understanding, it has been best explained by Sai Deepak. Please do listen to it.

May this day of Deepawali be the beginning of a new transformational journey for you all. A journey that helps you attain to the most complete form of who you really are.